You’ve proposed to your bride to be? Check.
You’ve asked all your best mates to be your best man and groomsmen? Awesome.
You’ve decided on a date? Great!
You’re doing well, gent!
But just a heads up, it’s going to be a rocky road for the next few months.
There will be a lot of choices to face and decisions to make. It might sound daunting, but that’s why you got us!
We will be here to help you plan out a timeline, discuss things to consider, and give you styling tips on picking the perfect outfit for you to wear on the most special day of your life!
Shall we begin?
The Perfect Wedding Colour/Theme
First of all, you have to have wedding colours and theme set before anything else. It’s recommended that planning should start at least a year before your nuptials, as a lot more details will rely on the wedding theme that you will choose.
This is something you have to thoroughly discuss with your bride-to-be, as this will set the whole mood and aesthetic of your wedding day.
Whether you’re going for a traditional or contemporary wedding, you’ll be able to have a better idea on what to tell your tailor regarding the design of your ensemble.
For a traditional wedding, you’ll definitely set a formal dress code so getting a classic black tuxedo will be a divine choice.
But for a more contemporary setting, wherein you can show more personality, be more bold and have fun with the colour and materials of the suit you would want to wear.
Get the Right Fit
Once your wedding theme is set, it will be much easier for you to decide on how to tailor your suit. Set an appointment with your trusted tailor at least six months before your wedding day for it.
Then, after having a better vision of the design you want for your tailored outfit, you must also keep a keen eye on getting it fit perfectly on you.
Getting started early on taking body measurements and design discussions with your tailor will give you a lot more time for follow up fittings.
READ: More than getting a tailored suit, here are other tips to know what to wear on your wedding day.
Accessorise!
One of the most common problem grooms like you encounter whilst dressing for their wedding day has something to do with accessories.
Finding a suit that fits and is well cut can be tricky, but is certainly not impossible.
Accessories, on the other hand, can become a minefield of choice and decisions.
We’ll narrow down your options to what we call “the holy trinity of men’s wedding accessories”: ties, bow ties and cravats.
- Ties & Braces
The straight vertical lines created by the classic combination of a tie and a pair of braces will make you taller and über dapper.
As classic as it gets, the good news is that ties don’t have to be stiff and boring. Experiment with colours and materials, and discover what works best for you.
READ: Tips for the Perfect Tie Size
There are a wide variety of tie materials available and many grooms prefer to choose silk or satin over polyester for a more luxurious touch. Whatever your choice, it’s best to buy a tie that you can envision wearing again at other special occasions asidefrom your own wedding.
- Bow Ties & Cummerbunds
Most men don’t realise how important wearing a cummerbund is, especially on black tie events. Your waist should be covered so there will be no white billowy shirt around the waist to draw the eye away from a clean silhouette.
So, if you’re attending a black tie wedding, grab your ‘crumb-catcher’, better known to the fashion industry as the cummerbund and pair it with matching bow tie.
You wouldn’t catch Daniel Craig in a cummerbund with a normal tie, would you? So if the cummerbund is coming out, it’s a bow tie to go with it.
As far as colours go, opt for classic in black or navy. The dark colours are designed to create a contrast with the crisp whiteness of your shirt.
- Cravats & Waistcoats
Cravats invite a waistcoat to be worn with it, ideally. If it’s a summer wedding and you’re worried about overheating, you can remove your jacket after the ceremony. But a cravat must be worn with a waistcoat. Otherwise, it’ll look lost without one.
A waistcoat layered over an elegant cravat will also be a great way to make you stand out, especially with the rest of the groomsmen sporting classic ties or bow ties.
Cravats are highly formal, making your whole ensemble look more regal and sophisticated.
But for quick style transition from the ceremony to the reception, tucking your cravat underneath the unbuttoned neck of your shirt can change the look completely. It gives a more relaxed air to the occasion.
All of these can be worn with elegance and class, as long as you choose a good quality, reasonably priced neckwear in an appropriate fabric.
Neither is better than the other. They can and will both look great, but you’ve got to make sure that you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, that you’re clean and groomed, and that you’ve got a smile on your face.
In the end, it will all boil down to your personal style and preference.
After all, the most important thing is to embrace each detail and every moment and take it as an opportunity to express your personality and equally stand out together with your lovely bride on the most special day of your lives.
