Staffordshire Wedding Services

 

What To Wear

What do you wear, that is the big question.   As previously mentioned in earlier sections the Best Man, Ushers, fathers and yourself will probably wear the same outfits.   (Either hire or buy)   So, armed with this in mind it's off to your choice (or in some cases your Bride to be choice) of tailors.

One thing to bear in mind when choosing your style of outfits, will they fit into the overall scheme of the day?   This is where your Bride to be may want to have some input.   To score extra brownie points take her with you.

Here are a number of points to bear in mind

• An outfitter will require the following measurements: inner leg, waist, chest, sleeve and collar size. You will probably wear your suit for quite a few hours so comfort is really important.
• Ensure you choose your suits in plenty of time before the wedding date to allow for any alterations to take place.   Remember you will probably have to book an appointment with a tailor if you have decided to hire suits.

What style of suit should you wear and why?

Lounge Suits (smart suit)

• Often associated with informal gatherings these suits offer a perfect alternative if you prefer not to adopt a more formal approach.
• To make this extra special, book an appointment with a tailor and have a suit specially made, or wear a suit that has never been worn before.
• To co-ordinate with the Brides/Bridesmaids wear   a matching shirt and tie in the Bridesmaids colours

Morning Suit

• Suitable for morning or early afternoon   i.e. before 3pm
• Normally consist of tails, white formal shirt, waistcoat and cravat with colours to compliment the bridal party attire. (Gloves and top hat are optional and tradition states that gloves are held but not worn).
• For a more informal look why not opt for a fitted jacket without the top hat and gloves.   Another option is to wear your cravat as a tie as opposed to a knot.

Black Tie

• Traditionally known as a dinner suit with black tie and tends to be worn for a late afternoon/early evening ceremony.
• Invitations sent out should state the wedding is a black tie affair.
• Black tie dress is usually associated with a white cotton/silk shirt and silk bow tie.   A cummerbund is optional (ensure that the pleats are facing upwards), although nowadays people prefer waistcoats that are colour co-ordinated with the bridal party.

Frock coat

• This option is becoming increasingly popular and consists of ¾ length fitted jacket and trousers, in materials such as velvet or brocade.   Although, other more traditional suit fabrics are also available.
• You should team this up with a formal white shirt, waistcoat and cravat worn as a tie as opposed to a knot.

If any of the formal attire options are preferable, there are other accessories available from your tailors/hire shops that you may want to consider:

• Fob watch - watch with a chain that sits in the pocket of your waistcoat
• Cane - More in keeping with the top hat and tails option
• Handkerchiefs - in the top pocket of your jacket. These are normally available in a variety of colours and again are designed to match the bridal party
• Hire shoes - These have progressed in recent years. Traditional shoes to match tails and formal wear are patent with round toes. If these aren't to your taste don't worry there are other more modern alternatives on offer.

Uniform

• If you are in the armed forces you may opt to wear your regimental uniform, traditionally the Blues.

Traditional Outfit

• The kilt is an option if you are Scottish or have your own tartan.
• Traditionally worn with a Bonnie Prince Charles jacket or a dublet, a sporran, brogues, socks, frilly tie, cuff and skean dhu (a small dagger in the sock).   Beware, if draw a skean dhu tradition states you should always draw blood even if it is your own.

Weddings Abroad

• Anything that will keep you cool and is easy to pack is advisable
• Linen suits or linen trousers and a cotton/linen shirt are always popular
• If you prefer something a little more formal, why not try a white Tuxedo, with a white formal shirt and black silk bow tie.

Themed weddings/alternative ceremonies

• Themed weddings are becoming increasingly popular. With themes such as Hollywood glamour to medieval jousting. At the end of the day, your special day is down to the two of you and so is the attire you wear. One word of caution, if you are choosing a theme which is out of the ordinary, it might be worth checking the Registrar/Vicar is happy to conduct the ceremony.