Wedding Inspiration

A Style Guide for Grooms

For one of the most important days of your life, your wedding suit needs to make you feel your best, with accessories transforming a smart wedding outfit into something extra special. One thing to keep in mind is that fine tailoring always flatters, fashion sometimes doesn’t! So, whether you are having a bespoke suit made or you hire one, it should fit you perfectly.

Choosing your style

A barn wedding venue will have you leaning towards a rustic, not too formal feel for your day. This will influence your choices when thinking of how best to be suited and booted.

It is a good idea to look at suit ideas with your partner and have them involved in your suit-related decision making. Understanding the theme, colours, flowers and general ‘feel’ of the day will help with the process.

Starting to plan what you and your groomsmen will wear as early as possible is a good idea. There are so many options and decisions to make that organisation is the key to a stress-free experience. Many of our grooms have been lucky enough to have Jez of Astares Menswear help them through the process.

Silks, velvets, lightweight linens and heavy tweeds can all be made into morning suits, casual suits or a classic three-piece; there is so much choice. The good news is that you can find something that is versatile, ever-smart and flattering, so you look and feel fabulous.

A matte cloth will absorb light which will make your suit appear richer in colour, it will also look fabulous in photographs as a matte fabric will not reflect light.

One of the most popular wedding suits that we see here at Upwaltham Barns is a three-piece. A waistcoat allows you to look smart when you take your jacket off. It also offers you the opportunity to customise your look. When wearing a waistcoat, it is essential that you do not show any shirt or trouser waistband between the waistcoat and trousers. One way to avoid this is to wear brace trousers as these are often cut an inch larger than your waist meaning your trousers will be slightly higher waisted. This allows the waistcoat to be worn somewhat shorter and thus giving the impression of longer legs, and you won’t have your shirt hanging out, win-win! There’s also no need for a belt when wearing a waistcoat.

Colour is key

If there is a colour scheme for your wedding day, take your colour pallet or a swatch of fabric from your bridesmaids with you to help you chose your outfit. If in doubt a plain mid-grey tends to go with everything!

The time of year will also come in to play here. A summer wedding allows you to choose lighter colours such as a light blue or stone. Whereas a winter wedding lends itself to tweeds and herringbone in natural tones such as charcoal, navy or cognac.

It’s all about the accessories

Buttonholes are a traditional wedding accessory which is worn on the left lapel of your suit jacket. Traditionally the groom wears a buttonhole made up of a small bunch of flowers that tie in with the brides’ florals for continuity of style on the day.

Other ways to make your outfit distinctive is to add a tie and pocket square. You can find some beautifully handcrafted ones that match the fabric of the bridesmaid’s dresses, compliment the colour of your buttonhole or are simply made from a material you love the design of. Leonie Worrell has made some fantastic bespoke pieces for some of our grooms at Upwaltham Barns.

We also see many of our grooms adding a bit of fun to their outfits with matching or funky socks. A subtle bit of individuality that always raises a laugh!

Perfect your outfit

On your wedding day ensure you leave enough time to perfect your outfit. You will need to spend some time polishing your shoes, making sure your shirt is spotlessly clean and ironed, and your tie is tied well. Having a clothes brush with you is a great idea too for any last-minute bits of fluff!

Whatever you choose regardless of colour or style, wear it with confidence, a smile and enjoy your special day.

If you’ve been inspired and would like some more wedding planning tips, why not take a look at these top wedding planning tips from real brides? You’re sure to find some ideas that will make your wedding planning journey a whole lot easier!