How to Choose a Wedding Suit for the Groom

Start by thinking about the wedding's style and location. A beach or garden wedding calls for lighter fabrics and colours, while a formal evening event might suit a darker suit or morning dress. Your suit should feel comfortable and reflect your personality, not just follow trends.

Consider the season. Light wool, linen or cotton blends work well for summer, while heavier wools are warmer for winter. If the wedding is outdoors, think about the weather and whether you'll need a coat or an extra layer.

Try on different cuts and styles to see what flatters your body shape. A classic single-breasted suit is versatile, while a double-breasted or three-piece suit adds formality. Work with a tailor or shop assistant to get the right measurements, and remember that alterations are often needed for a perfect fit.

The two most common styles are the lounge suit and morning dress. A lounge suit is a standard two or three-piece suit, suitable for most weddings. Morning dress includes a tailcoat, waistcoat and striped trousers, and is typically worn for very formal daytime weddings, especially those before 6pm.

Morning dress is usually not worn in the evening. For evening weddings, a dark lounge suit or dinner jacket is more appropriate. If you're unsure, ask the couple or the venue for their dress code.

A three-piece suit adds a waistcoat and can be a good choice for a formal or vintage feel. It's appropriate for weddings, and you can remove the jacket later while keeping the waistcoat on. Choose a colour that complements the wedding theme: navy, grey, and charcoal are safe, while lighter shades like beige or pastel work for summer. Avoid pure black unless the wedding is very formal or evening.

Fit is the most important thing. The jacket should sit snugly on your shoulders without pulling, and the sleeves should end at your wrist bone. Trousers should break slightly at the shoe, and you should be able to move and sit comfortably.

Fabric affects both look and comfort. Wool is breathable and works year-round. Linen is light and cool but creases easily. Cotton is casual and comfortable. Velvet or tweed can add texture for winter weddings. If you're buying off the rack, budget for alterations to get the best fit.

Consider the weight of the fabric and the venue's heating. A heavy suit in a hot marquee will be uncomfortable, while a light suit in a cold church might leave you shivering.

You don't have to match your groomsmen exactly. Many couples choose a different colour or style for the groom to make them stand out, while the groomsmen wear a complementary shade. For example, you might wear a navy suit while groomsmen wear grey.

Decide early whether groomsmen will buy or hire their suits. If they're hiring, choose a reputable hire service and arrange fittings well in advance. If they're buying, give them clear guidance on colour and style so they can coordinate.

Consider the bridal party's outfits too. You don't need to match, but the colours should work together. Share photos of your suit with the bride or the wedding planner to ensure harmony.

The cost of a groom's suit varies widely depending on whether you buy or hire, the brand, and the fabric. There's no set price, and you can find options to suit most budgets. Hiring is often cheaper than buying, but buying gives you a suit you can wear again.

Traditionally, the groom pays for their own suit, and groomsmen pay for their own hire or purchase. However, some couples choose to cover the cost for their groomsmen as a gift or to ensure consistency. There's no hard rule, so discuss it openly with your wedding party and agree on a budget that works for everyone.

If you're on a tight budget, consider hiring a suit or buying a ready-to-wear option and having it altered. You can also look for sales or second-hand options, but make sure the fit is right.

You can buy or hire suits from high street shops, department stores, and specialist menswear shops. Many offer a made-to-measure service, where the suit is cut to your measurements. Hiring is a good option if you don't want to buy a suit you'll rarely wear.

Start looking at least two to three months before the wedding to allow time for fittings and alterations. If you're hiring, book early, especially for popular wedding dates. Ask about the hire period and what's included, such as shoes and accessories.

For made-to-measure, you'll have several fittings, so allow more time. Always try the suit on with your shirt, shoes and any accessories to check the full look.

There's no rule about whether the bride should see the groom's suit before the wedding. Many couples choose to keep it a surprise, while others shop together. It's a personal choice, so do what feels right for you. If you want to surprise each other, keep the suit hidden until the first look or the ceremony.

What should the groom not wear? Avoid wearing white or ivory, as that's usually reserved for the bride. Don't wear a suit that's too casual, like jeans or a tracksuit, unless the wedding is explicitly casual. Avoid wearing a top hat or tails unless the dress code is very formal, like morning dress. Also, make sure your shoes are polished and appropriate for the suit, not trainers unless it's a casual wedding.

Remember, the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable. Your suit should let you enjoy your day without worrying about your outfit.