Going Shopping can be overwhelming
at the best of times but when it's for such a big day, you'll most probably need
some help. Don't feel bad about it, it'll be far more fun and will prevent
stress-induced bad buys. This is your big moment too and you want to get it
right.
Don't rush into anything. Take time to read lots of magazines for inspiration.
If you're still not getting anywhere, consult a professional style councilor.
With the information gleaned from your research, set a realistic budget for your
wedding outfit taking everything into account and stick to it, rigidly.
Start your shopping process well in advance of the wedding (preferably several
months), particularly if you're having something such as a waistcoat, frockcoat
or Star Trek suit made, as your tailor will require lots of warning. The same
applies if you are hiring an outfit - you might need to make alterations which
take time.
Get yourself accurately measured for everything from waistcoats to suits.
Don't buy anything tight fitting. it may give you bulges in all the right places
but it is guaranteed to become devilishly uncomfortable after all that nuptial
nosh and those bottles of bubbly!
Buy your wedding shoes at least a month before your wedding and wear them in as
you don't want to be begging the chief bridesmaid for elastoplasts at the
reception. Not very manly.
Co-ordinate your outfit to your Bride's by asking her for small details about
her own dress. Whatever you do, don't force information out of her or make her
spill the beans if she really doesn't want to. No does mean No, after all
An ivory shirt looks better than a white one which can often look like something
you would wear to the office.
Make sure you wash and iron your shirt the day before so that you don't end up
with unsightly, un-ironable fold marks.
Morning Suit wearers (Grooms, Best Men and Fathers of the Bride, traditionally)
should remember that cravats are worn by the Groom and Best Man only. It's ties
for everyone else. Sorry Dad.
Morning Suit wearers should remember that traditionally, their coat should be
black in the morning and gray in the afternoon.
Dinner Suits and black tie suits are generally reserved for formal evening's,
although they are popular for Weddings in the US and abroad.
Always leave the bottom button of your waistcoat undone - but don't ask why!
Your buttonhole should be made of the same flowers as your bride's bouquet.
Never have a waistcoat matching your tie and handkerchief. Instead, choose a
color from the waistcoat and select your tie accordingly.
If you're wearing a cravat, ensure you wear a high-necked waistcoat so that the
cravat can be tucked in neatly with minimal fear of escape.
Make sure your trousers are the right length, neither too long or too short and
that the sleeves of your jacket allow for an inch of the shirt cuff to be seen.
Morning wear is not the only suit. Take on board every style of jacket available
- from a lounge suit to a frockcoat or Nehru-style jacket but, above all, wear
something you will feel comfortable in.
On the morning of the ceremony, don't go to the pub to get some Dutch courage,
go have a professional shave and manicure instead. That way you'll be just as
relaxed as if you'd downed a couple of pints, you don't risk blood on your
collar and your hands will look simply lovely when you exchange rings.
