How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Suit

If the old adage 'clothes maketh the man' is true, you'll want the perfect suit for your wedding. When you know how to pick a wedding suit, your confidence will definitely override any prenuptial jitters. Also, a carefully selected suit will complement your bride's attire and contribute to the overall wedding aesthetic. 

This guide will help you learn how to choose the perfect suit for your wedding and how to properly accessorize it. We'll also cover style, fabric, and tailoring so you'll be confident your suit fits perfectly and perfectly complements the bride and wedding party.

Understanding Wedding Suit Styles

The formality of your wedding and the venue will determine your wedding suit style. 

• The most formal of weddings calls for a white tie and tails. 
  
• A black tie wedding dictates a classic tuxedo. 
  
• A dark three-piece suit is worn for a formal wedding. 
  
• A double-breasted suit can be appropriate for a semi-formal wedding. 
  
• A casual linen two piece suit would be a great choice for a casual wedding.

Matching Your Suit to the Wedding Theme

In addition to choosing your suit style based on the formality of the wedding, you'll also want to coordinate your suit to the overall wedding theme and color palette. 

For example, you'd want to choose a casual suit fabric such as linen, not wool flannel, for a beach theme wedding. Also, be sure to choose a style and color that complements your bride's attire without overshadowing it.

Choosing the Right Color for Your Wedding Suit

The suit color you choose will depend on the formality of your wedding plus the season, the time of day, and the venue. Traditional dark suit colors are best for formal, semi-formal weddings, and ceremonies held in the evening.

Black wedding suits are best for formal weddings while navy and grey wedding suits are a fine choice for semi-formal and casual weddings. Modern colors, such as blue, purple, green, and yellow are better options for casual weddings.

Fabric Selection for Wedding Suits

The suit fabric you choose will be based mainly on the season of the ceremony. A cotton or linen suit will be a great choice for a late spring or summer wedding. A variety of beautiful wool fabrics are appropriate for fall and winter weddings.

Choose high quality, natural fabrics for your wedding suit. Quality fabrics will tailor well, look handsome, last much longer, and be more comfortable. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyesters and nylons for your wedding suit.

Getting the Perfect Suit Fit

And speaking of quality — quality tailoring will make or break the look of your suit. Nothing will look better or fit your specific body better than a carefully tailored suit. An experienced tailor will know how to measure and alter your suit so the shoulders, sleeves, chest, waist, length, and overall fit is not only precise but comfortable.

Custom vs. Off-the-Rack vs. Rental Wedding Suits

Custom suits, off-the-rack, and rental suits have their merits. Let's compare the advantages of each:

• Custom Suit
  
  • Wide choice of high-end premium fabrics.
    
  • Flawless fit, handcrafted to your specific body measurements.
    
  • The timeless style, tailoring and premium fabrics are a long-term investment that can be enjoyed for many years.
    
  • Available from The Tie Bar's flagship Chicago store.
• Off-the-Rack
  
  • Usually much more affordable than a custom-made suit.
    
  • Ready to wear right away, sometimes with only a few slight tailoring adjustments.
    
  • Convenient — easy to find various styles and colors by shopping either online or in-store.
    
• Rental
  
  • Most inexpensive upfront option.
    
  • May be a better option for theme weddings or if you want to wear a specialized style or color suit you know you'll never wear again. 
    
  • No storage required. Simply return the suit after the wedding and free up space in your closet. 

Timeline for Wedding Suit Selection

With so much on your plate as you get ready for your wedding, purchase your suit in plenty of time to allow for fittings and necessary alterations. You'll reduce stress and have plenty of time for tailoring if you plan well ahead.

• Custom Suit
  
  • Make the purchase 5 to 6 months in advance of the ceremony date
    
  • This will allow sufficient time for scheduled fittings and final adjustments.
    
• Off-the-Rack Suit
  
  • Start shopping and complete the purchase 2 to 3 months before the ceremony.
    
  • Chances are the ready-made suit will need a few tweaks. The pants may need to be shortened, the waist of the jacket may need to be taken in.
    
• Rented Suit
  
  • Allow 2 to 3 months in advance to rent a wedding suit. 
    
  • You'll have a better chance of getting the size and style you want, plus allow for alterations.

Accessorizing Your Wedding Suit

The accessories you choose will put the finishing touch on your overall look. Carefully choose your bow tie or tie, pocket square, and cufflinks to establish your signature style. 

Accessories can match or complement the wedding color palette — that's up to you and your bride. But they should also be appropriate to your suit's fabric, color, and style.

Bow Ties and Neckties

• For a white tie wedding you'll wear a white bow tie. 
  
• For a black tie wedding, your bow tie will be black silk. 
  
• For less formal weddings, you have the choice of selecting your tie or bow tie in a color that matches or complements the wedding color palette.

Pocket Square

• A pocket square adds elegance and balance to your suit.
• A simple white pocket square in a Presidential fold is one of the most simple but refined choices.
• For more casual weddings, the pocket square can echo the wedding color palette, just make sure it doesn't match your tie or bow tie exactly.

Cufflinks

• Cufflinks add a refined look to a dress shirt and are the best choice for a formal wedding.
  
• Choose a simple design that reflects elegant good taste. 
  
• Coordinate your cufflinks with the jewelry tones the bride will be wearing, or the color of your wedding rings.

Suspenders

• Suspenders can offer some fashion flair for a wedding. 
  
• Black suspenders with a black dinner suit and white dress shirt create an elegant look,
  
• Suspenders in the wedding color palette can be appropriate for less formal weddings.
  
• Just be sure not to wear a belt if you choose to wear suspenders.

Choosing the Right Shirt

Wedding shirts are available in a variety of collar and cuff styles. A formal wedding calls for a tuxedo shirt or a crisp white cotton shirt with a spread collar and French cuffs. A spread collar will allow for the proper fit of a larger formal Windsor knot.

A dress shirt in a pale tone that matches the wedding colors can be handsome for less formal weddings. However, for formal weddings, coordinating your shirt with the bride's dress can provide a beautiful, cohesive look. If your bride's dress is ivory, an ivory dress shirt would be the best choice. And obviously, if the bride's dress is white, go with a white dress shirt.

Choosing the Right Shoes

Ensure your footwear and suit are properly coordinated. Certain dress codes specify particular shoe styles and colors. Black shoes provide a more formal look with dark suits.

• Brown and tan shoes offer contrast and result in a more casual look.
• For a black tie wedding, black patent leather oxfords are the most acceptable style and color shoe to wear with a tuxedo. Venetian loafers or Prince Albert velvet 'slippers' are also acceptable.
  
• Wear black, fine leather oxfords or brogues with a dark suit for a formal wedding.
  
• Leather loafers or monk-strap shoes are a great choice to wear with more casual suits and sport coats for casual weddings.

Grooming and Final Touches

Careful attention to your grooming will enhance your overall look. These tips will help:

• Time your haircut 1 to 2 weeks before the wedding date. This will allow for the style to settle into place and time for any adjustments to the cut. 
  
• Also pay attention to your hands. Trimmed, clean nails are mandatory. 
  
• Carefully trim your beard. Whether you're clean-shaven or prefer some form of facial hair styling, take extra time to shave so you're sure to get it just right.

Find Your Perfect Wedding Suit at The Tie Bar

You have a lot to think about when choosing your wedding ensemble. By all means, allow plenty of time to plan, and keep in mind: 

• The dress code will determine the style of your suit. 
  
• The wedding color palette will help determine the color of your suit and accessories, depending on the dress code.
  
• The season of the wedding will help determine the fabric you choose for your suit.
  
• Whether you go with a custom, off-the-rack, or a rental suit, make sure the tailoring fits your body correctly. 
  
• Choose the right shirt and shoes to coordinate with your suit.
  
• Make sure you have the necessary grooming products and supplies.

The Tie Bar is dedicated to helping you find the perfect wedding suit and accessories for your special day. Our range of wedding attire coordinates suits, jackets, and tuxedos with dress shirts, ties, bow ties, and handsome accessories. It's not too soon to explore The Tie Bar's wedding collection!

FIND THE PERFECT WEDDING OUTFIT