Many grooms want a classic, timeless look for their wedding, but without looking too ‘safe’, ordinary or like everyone else. They want to add a touch of personal flair, to express themselves and their fashion sense, but in a way that’s appropriate for a formal occasion like a wedding.
This can be a difficult balance to strike, but there are plenty of ways you can pull it off. It’s all about those smaller details, from the fabric choice and tailoring to accessories and personal styling. However, it all starts with a really great suit.
Choosing the Right Suit for Your Wedding
The most crucial element to get right for your wedding look is, of course, the suit.
Wedding suits come in all shapes, sizes, colours and fits. This includes slim fit, double-breasted and three-piece suits, tuxedos, lounge suits, morning suits and many, many more.
The sheer number of options can be bewildering, but the right one for you will depend on the venue, the formality of the ceremony and your own personal style. It can be helpful to set a theme or dress code for the day, and use this to narrow down your options.
Can You Wear a Business Suit to a Wedding?
If you already own a sharp-looking business suit that fits you well, you may be tempted to wear it for your wedding day. But is that a breach of etiquette, and will the suit look out of place at a wedding?
The answer is yes: You can wear a business suit to a wedding, but only with a few careful adjustments. You need to elevate the look beyond office wear.
If you’re shopping for a new suit or planning on hiring one, opt for luxury fabrics with a softer sheen, and make sure the tailoring and fit are both spot-on.
If you’re planning on wearing a suit you already own, consider swapping your everyday tie for a silk wedding tie or patterned alternative.
Make a few changes and a business suit could work well for a smaller, more casual ceremony. However, it could look a little underdressed at a formal or black-tie event.
Can You Wear a Dinner Suit to a Wedding?
A dinner suit is a formal evening suit, which can include the classic tuxedo. It’s a great choice for formal and black-tie weddings, as well as evening receptions. Think sleek satin lapels, bow ties and perfectly polished patent leather shoes that make you look and feel like 007.
If the wedding calls for glamour, a dinner suit is perfect. But if the wedding is a rustic or boho affair, or it’s held in the daytime, it may look out of place.
Not everyone has a tuxedo in their wardrobe, of course. This is one of those suits that it makes sense to hire, rather than buy.
Can You Wear a Double Breasted Suit to a Wedding?
A double-breasted suit is another great choice for a wedding. It’s a classic style that’s enjoying something of a revival at the moment, so you’ll be right on trend.
It works particularly well for formal or city weddings, especially in darker tones like navy or charcoal. To keep the look contemporary rather than old-fashioned, you might want to opt for a slimmer cut with softer shoulders. If you’re feeling bold, try it in a standout pattern like a check or chalk stripe.
Adding Personality Through Accessories
Accessories are one of the easiest ways to add personal flair and interest to a classic, traditional wedding suit. The golden rule to remember is not to overdo it. Just one or two well-chosen elements will lift your look, without overwhelming it.
Ties, Pocket Squares and Cufflinks That Stand Out
You can say a lot with a great-looking tie, whether it’s adding a touch of fun with a bright colour or choosing a pattern or textured knit that matches your personal style.
Pair yours with a pocket square that offers a subtle contrast, a great way to add depth and colour to your look.
For a real touch of creativity and flair, you can really go wild with your cufflinks. You can get personalised options with initials, family crests or even fun motifs that reflect a particular memory or inside joke. They’re small enough that they won’t upstage your suit or draw unwanted focus, so you can do pretty much whatever you want with them.
A top tip to remember with accessories: Aim to tie the colours into the palette from your wedding theme, picking up colours from the bridesmaids’ dresses or the bride’s bouquet.
Shoes and Socks That Make a Statement
Footwear is another way to express yourself. While classic black Oxfords are always a safe bet for weddings, you could also go for polished brogues, monk straps or even deep oxblood leather shoes.
Socks can also bring a touch of personality and fun, with bold colours and playful patterns that look great on your wedding photos.
Tailoring and Fit for Maximum Impact
No matter what style or accessories you choose, tailoring is what makes or breaks a wedding suit.
A perfectly fitted jacket, trousers with the right break, and sleeves tailored to the right length can make an affordable suit look bespoke, made just for you.
Why Fit Matters More Than Style Alone
As you put together your wedding look, it’s really important to focus on fit, including attending regular suit fittings, in plenty of time before the big day.
The fit is so crucial to how your whole look comes together, as well as how comfortable and confident you feel.
