Fashion Questions And Answers for the Groom and Groomsmen
Q - I am thinking of wearing a cream-coloured suit on the day. I haven't decided if it will just be the jacket or both pants and jacket. My fiance is not happy! She tells me that a cream suit is old-fashioned and far too '80s! Will I look too retro and will our guests think that I am from Miami Vice?!
A. A cream coloured suit can look great, however you have to choose the right cut, or you'll end up looking like MC Hammer! Make sure you choose your suit from a quality label to risk looking like a "retro reject"! A light coloured suit also is better for a spring/summer daytime wedding, and one that is more of a casual affair. Do let your fiance help you choose the right suit, it is better to make her happy than not!
Q - We have decided to get married on the beach, what are my alternatives to wearing a suit?
A - Congratulations on choosing a different twist to you day! Suits are definitely not beach wear, think more casual! Why not opt for a crisp white shirt, unbuttoned at the neck, with a smart pair of chino's (rolled up at the bottom for that real "beach feel!") Barefoot woud be fabulous, however if you must wear shoes, choose a simple leather sandal, flip flop or boat shoe. To top it off, wear a flower to match your brides bouquet in your pocket.
Q. I hate the idea of wearing a tuxedo on my wedding day, I feel they are so dated. What are my alternatives?
A. Tuxedo's typify the formal wedding. If your wedding dress states black tie, then a Tux or smart dark suit with a bow tie or cumberbun it must be. You could also go for tails or for those with a love of Scottland why not don a kilt. If you'd prefer to wear a smart suit then the dress code should be Lounge. The Smart casual dress code is suitable for a less formal affair and most suitable for day weddings you could get away with wearing a smart crisp white linen shirt and light pants. My suggestion is to visit a good formal wear company and start trying on some suits, who know you may find a tux that's perfect for you. For a quick list visit i-do's Formal wear sales and hire directory under the Wedding Directory.
Q - What do I wear if the invitation says Black Tie and I don't have a tux?
A - Black tie does not have to mean bow tie and tuxedo. It really means some form of eveningwear. If you have a dark suit, you could just rent the shirt, bow tie and cummerbund.
Q - My sister is getting married and the groom is wanting to have charcoal suits. The bride is wearing a light shade of pink and the bridesmaids a hot pink. Is the charcoal suit a good option? If so, what colours would suggest for the accessories for the men?
A - I think charcoal suits would look fantastic. There are many options for the accessories. Black shirts with silver ties. White shirts with silver ties. Black shirts with pink ties. White shirts with pink ties. The groom could wear silver and the groomsmen pink. The groom could wear a white shire and the groomsmen black. My best suggestion is to experiment at the time of the fitting until you come up with a combination that pleases you and your fiance.
Q - I will be wearing an off-white organza ballgown and my bridesmaids will be in deep blue satin. My bouquet will be hot pink roses, and we are still deciding on the bridesmaids bouquets. My fiance wants to wear a charcoal suit with formal high cut coat and vest (not a tuxedo or ordinary business suit style) and a fatboy tie in satin but we are unsure of what his groomsman should wear. How much variation should there be between them? Should they have same tie colour but different buttonhole or same buttonhole but different tie colour? My fiance doesn't like pale pink roses for buttonholes. We want our guests to wear suits, what is the correct dress code?
A - These days there are not any hard and fast rules but rather do what pleases you as it is your day. My thoughts are that as it is a quite small party I would not have much variation so would have all the flowers the same colour and similarly the two men with the same accessories. Perhaps you could consider white button holes for the men if they aren't keen on pink as I wouldn't be keen to introduce another colour. Lounge suits would be the only other option if you didn't want dinner suits. A lounge suit is a regular day to day business suit but perhaps you might like to request 'dark lounge suit' for a more formal appearance.
Q - What do men wear to an afternoon wedding?
A - Firstly, is your inquiry as a groom or a guest? As a groom almost anything goes these days, if you're happy with a particular look that is what you should wear. As a guest, that will depend on the theme of the wedding and where it takes place. The safest option is always a smart business suit but if it is a garden wedding or beach wedding slacks and a smart shirt is appropriate especially if it is in the hot weather. I would say that shorts, sandals and really casual gear is out and it is best to be over dressed rather than under dressed.
Q - I am getting married late morning in October in Queensland. The theme is mainly white, with the men in black suits with black & white silk striped ties, hankies and white plain vests. I would like to have my Maid Of Honour in black as it suits her very much - what is your view on this?
A - Black is quite popular at present for bridesmaids - infact my own daughter is wearing black when she is bridesmaid in October on the Gold Coast. A very close friend of mine married last weekend (Gold Coast again) and her wedding was all black and white. If you choose to go down that path I would say you are keeping good company!
Q - I'm designing my wedding dress - Thai silk for the bodice (pink with gold embroidery) and gold for the skirt. Can you suggest some alternatives to the traditional black suit for the groom to tie in with the oriental design of the dress? He's not really the black suit kind and we'd like something a little different.
A - Your dress sounds very beautiful and Indian in design as they have very colourful wedding outfits. While I was visiting India a couple of years ago I was lucky enough to see several wedding parties with guests in tow parading through the streets. The groom worn beautiful traditional Indian tunic styled suits in rich colours but I don't know if this would appeal to you and your fiancé. Unfortunately I can not be of much help to you as we only supply western style suits mostly in black because that is what compliments our traditional white brides! My only suggestion would be for him to wear white pants and white open neck shirt with a coloured button hole flower.
Q - I am having a rainbow wedding the colours are orange, yellow, pink, blue, red, purple and green. I was thinking of putting the groomsmen in black shirts with coloured ties to match their partners, and the groom in a ivory shirt. Do you think this would be OK or should they be in white shirts? They are having black suits.
A - If you are a part of the rainbow theme the groom in an ivory shirt is fine however, if your dress is white, ivory anywhere in the wedding party will look 'grubby'. The guys in black shirts and black suits is great. The coloured ties and hanks will make them look sensational and compliment their wedding party partners. It would be wise to have your future husband stand out (don't want to confuse him with the rest of the crowd) and either the white or ivory shirt with complimenting accessories will be great, keeping in mind my concerns on your wedding dress colour. A very popular look for grooms these days is white shirt, white vest and white tie off setting the wonderful black suit. Remember rule Number 1: Keep the guys in black so that they compliment you in the photos and not overpower the affair.
Q - The Father of the Bride has expressed that he wear his own suit. Should the Father of the Groom wear his own suit or be matching with the groomsmen? I would like to know what the traditional angle is.
A - Traditionally the Father of the Bride would be attired in the same dress code as the men in the bridal party, ie .if the guys were dressed in black dinner suits the father would wear a black dinner suit but not necessary the same style. His accessories would compliment the bride. The Father of the Groom does look better in group photographs if he is similarly dressed in style and colour as Father of the Bride. It is important to explain to the Father of the Groom that if he wears, for example, a brown suit, and the other men are dressed in black, he will stand out because he is so different, he may not like this situation. I do think it is nice to have BOTH fathers dressed similar, and not discriminate.
Q - My Fiance is wanting to stand out at the wedding and not blend in with the groomsmen. I am wearing off white, and the bridesmaids are wearing burgundyskirts, silver tops and a burgundy bolero-style jacket. The groomsmen are wearing silver suits with burgundy accessories. My fiance doesn't want to wear black, so what colour would you suggest. The wedding is planned for 2.30pm.
A - The groom wanting to stand out is a common challenge. Doesn't he know it's the bride's big day?! What you and the bridesmaids are wearing sounds great. For the guys? Topping boys in silver suits is going to take some doing. I would suggest that your man look at something with a Spanish theme to coordinate with the bolero jackets. Perhaps he could try the grey striped 'morning trousers' and even a tailored
and tight fitting short jacket. What ALL should remember is that the photos of your big day are going to be around for a long time so, while it is great trying to look different and stand out on the day just think what the wedding party is going to look like in the pictures in several years time. I am still a big believer in the guys wearing black, maybe with pin-stripes, but something that will make YOU stand out on the day.
Q - Our ceremony will be held at 9:30am in February. It will be in a park at the beach and I don't want the boys to get too hot. What kind of suit should they wear? The dress code is smart casual though my dress won't be so simple.
A - You didn't say where it is that you live so it could be anywhere from the West to Queensland! If you live in the Perth or Brisbane area I would suggest a sophisticated but modern 4 button style which is designed to be worn with an open neck shirt. I would recommend that they still wear vests so that they look 'dressed' at the reception when they are sure to take off their jackets.
In Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney the men could wear the more formal styles with fatboy ties and vests as the weather is less humid and more unreliable. I think the thing to remember is this is a very very special day and should be treated accordingly. Sure the men may get a little hot for a couple of hours before they take their jackets off but the photos are forever. We do many beach and park weddings and most still dress up which I think is fantastic.
Q - I love colour coordination, but I still haven't chosen a colour theme for my wedding. I have purchased a full-skirted white gown with pearl and crystal beading all over the strapless bodice. What kind of colours and style of suit could my future husband wear?
A - As for the best style for your future husband this does depend on the time of day and the time of year. The tails and morning trousers are currently extremely popular for morning weddings. There is a growing acceptance of pinstriped suits for late morning and early afternoon ceremonies. Another very important factor in the choice of styles is your future's hight and body shape (perfect we know). The longer tailored jackets do not look good on everybody, so be wary if your man is a trifle short and well rounded. Silver accessories are always very safe and very elegant and could easily form the basis for the guys theme. Best of luck, but the best bet is to get the girls looking good and have the formalwear specialist match the theme for you.
Q - My wedding ceremony begins at 3.00pm with the groom and groomsmen dressed in black lounge suits. My father wants to look different to the bridal party and would like to wear a grey suit. My wedding is quite traditional and formal with a elegant touch so I was wondering will the grey suit fit with my wedding scheme?
A - A dark grey suit for your father would be very appropriate or he could also consider a very fine pinstripe.
Q - I am planning on a wearing a white dress (carrying a hot pink gerbera bouquet) and my bridesmaids will be in chocolate brown. What should the groom and groomsman wear so they don't clash with the brown?
A - The white wedding dress with hot pink gerberas sounds beautiful. The bridesmaids I am not so sure about in chocolate brown even though that colour does go well with hot pink. We did a wedding recently where the bridesmaids wore chocolate brown shot silk skirts with cream lace tops and the groomsmen wore black dinner suits with white shirts which all looked very lovely but I couldn't help think it would have been more appealing if the girls outfits had been more colourful. The men could have worn fawn suits but I find that doesn't set off the white of the bride and they do tend to have the appearance of safari suits. To showcase the bride the men look best in Black suits.
Q - My fiance wants to surprise me with his suit on our wedding day. I would prefer to go with him and his two best men to see the suits and match them with the bridesmaids dresses but he's adament he wants to surprise me. Help!
A - You are facing an age old challenge for brides. The boys and their suits. Don't you wish that THEY would stop trying to surprise you? The biggest problem is getting all the guys in the party to get the same 'look'. If any of them wants to wear his own suit (or shoes) they can make the whole party look like a mess. The photographs will emphasise the difference even more than what you see in person. Secondly, it is imperative that you are there to guide the suit selection and even more importantly, the accessories colours to match the bridesmaids. You may have to dig your heels in on this one. But it is VERY important that he selects the correct attire, under your guidance of course!
Q - I have just bought my wedding dress, and it is a very light pink. My bridesmaids are wearing fuchsia and I plan to have the groomsmen in black suits and vests, with white shirts and matching fuchsia neckwear. My problem is how do I coordinate my groom to match my dress without letting him in on my surprise that I have a pink dress? I was thinking of silver neckwear and vest.
A - The wonderful world of surprises does throw up a few challenges. One of the greatest in any wedding party is not revealing the colours to the guys while, ensuring that they match your chosen theme. The silver you have suggest is a great way to go. It has a wonderful elegant and classical appearance for the guys while complimenting your pink theme. I think that your wedding party will look sensational.
Q - What is the actual attire for a wedding stating 'Lounge Suit' for men?
A - A commonly asked question and one often faced by guests at a wedding. The term 'lounge suit' encompasses a suit that could be worn to work or on a non-formal occasion. The suit can be of any (acceptable) colour but is dressier than slacks and jacket or trousers with just shirt and tie. It is also appropriate that a shirt and tie be worn with the 'lounge suit'.
Q - My fiance and I have decided to stand out from the rest of the wedding paty. My bridesmaids are wearing burgundy and silver and the groomsmen are wearing silver suits with burgundy accessories. Do you think a fawn suit for the groom is going to look wrong? I will be wearing an off white dress.
A - It is becoming very popular now for the bride and groom to subtly stand out from the others in the wedding party but I believe the key word is 'subtle'. Personally I believe a fawn suit for the groom would not enhance the group or be a good backdrop for your white gown. I would have him elegantly dressed in black which would look perfect alongside you and blend in with the others.
Q - My fiance does not want to wear a tie, yet I still want him to 'look the part'. What suggestions do you have in the way of shirts and jackets?
A - Your predicament is quite common especially where a guy that does not 'dress up' regularly is concerned. He may feel intimidated by the prospect of wearing a tie and concerned with what his mates will think of him. This can often be overcome when suits and accessories are tried on in a group situation and the boys get to see how great they look 'dressed up'. We are yet to experience a male who does not preen at his sight when he is well presented and looking dashing. Should you not overcoming the no-tie situation there are two easy alternatives, one of which would give the Groomsmen a more casual look, this being open necked shirts designed specifically for the warmer climates and worn with the appropriate suit style. The second alternative is the Nehru or Mandarin style of shirt and coat. This features the round neck look with no collar but is best worn buttoned up. A formalwear consultant will be happy to show you these option and while on the job slip your man into a fashion shirt and neckwear just to let him see how great he can look. The beauty of including ties (neckwear) and pocket hanks is that it enables you to co-ordinate the Groomsmen with the Bridesmaids leading to wonderful photographic memories of your big day.
Q - I am wondering what colour neck tie the groom should wear if I am wearing cream and the bridesmaids are wearing gold with a small bouquet of pink or white flowers. I want the groom to have a black suit and cream shirt and vest. The groomsmen will be wearing black suit and black shirt and a gold tie. Does the groom wear a gold tie to add some colour or would a cream tie be ok?
A - Both of your suggestions are excellent and would look great with your dress and the Wedding Party. In order to "tie" or coordinate the party together, having the groom wear the gold tie would possibly be more in keeping. While the all cream accessories would team well with the black suit and your dress they may look a little pale in the photographs we believe the gold would lift the whole outfit and add a nice touch to the group.
Q - My Fiance and I are planning our wedding ceremony at 4.00pm or 4.30pm, with the reception beginning after 6pm. Is is appropriate for the groom to wear a light coloured suit, such as grey? We don't want our guests to appear more formal than the groom. Any advise?
A - The wearing of light colours such as grey by the Groom can be fraught with danger at anytime, especially to a late afternoon wedding and evening reception. It is highly recommended that the Bridal Party not only look more Formal that the guests, but that they set the standard for your wedding. The men should definitely wear the more traditional black suits. However, there is a far greater reason for the Groom and Groomsmen to wear dark suits; they compliment you and your attendant's attire. The contrast of the black suits (with appropriate coloured accessories) against your white wedding dress and the Bridesmaid's colours is by far the best effect in photographs. Remember, these are the lasting memories you have of the most important day of your life.
Q - I'd like some advice on choosing colours for our groomsmens' suits (and the groom's). Our bridesmaids will be wearing chocolate brown, and my gown is a very pale pink. Can you help? I'd prefer to avoid boring black if possible.
A - While the classic black suits continue to be the number one choice for wedding groups they would obviously not blend with the bridesmaids’ chocolate brown, although with the brides pink they would look wonderful. The choice of alternative coloured suits for the men would mainly depend on the time of day of the wedding and reception and the reception venue. It would be crass to have a more casual colour in a formal atmosphere.
There has been a trend towards the groom wearing a white jacket but this does fly in the face of correct etiquette. We would suggest that something in a charcoal grey with a pinstripe would look sheik with the groom wearing either a vest or tie and hank to match the pink and the groomsmen accessorising in the brown tones. For an early wedding and reception in a very casual venue the men could choose a fawn suit and accessories as previously suggested however the fawn would not sit well with your pale pink dress.
Q - We are having a garden wedding, with our two boys aged 9 and 11 walking me down the path. They have a part in the ceremony but we have no actual bridesmaids or groomsmen. Should the boys dress similarly to the groom?
A - While there is no set rule in regards to the Page Boy's attire it is preferable the the boys do "fit into" the ceremony. This is best achieved by dressing them similarly to the Groom. It is important that you pay particular attention to the 'little' things and ensure that their shoes are neat and also match the Groom's.
Q - My fiance and I are having trouble in sorting out an appropriate dress code for the bridal party - in particular the groom and groomsmen. We have agreed that the guests will be in black tie, but I would like to wear either either tails or morning dress. Given that the wedding is at 5.00 pm, is this improper etiquette?
A - It is appropriate that you distinguish the Bridal Party from your guests. In strict etiquette the wearing of a morning suit after noon is not cricket however, outside of the UK it has become more acceptable and is a very smart outfit to wear. Due to difficulties with the fitting of the old 'cut away' tails this style has been phased out of the Australian wardrobe. The healthy Australian male has outgrown the very restrictive cut of these garments. The fashion that has recently emerged is the wearing of the 'morning suit' tails jacket together with formal black trousers. This gives the Groom and Groomsmen the best of both worlds; an elegant appearance plus comfortable attire and gives photographs an ageless appearance.
Q - I’m having a pageboy in my wedding party. Do I dress him like the groom or similar to the groomsmen?
A In most cases the pageboy will wear the same style as the groom with the accessories i.e. shirt, vest and neckwear to also match the groom. If you are also having a flower girl you may want to co-ordinate the pageboy’s neckwear with the toning you are using in the flower girl.
Q - We are getting married in the summer and my fiancé says it will be too hot to wear a vest. I would like him to wear one so what do I say to him?
A It is really more important to wear a vest when it is hot than in the cooler weather. First, the vests are manufactured from very lightweight fabrics. But, most importantly, when a male wears a vest it allows him to take off his jacket once he gets to the reception and still look neat and smart. The vest, apart from identifying him as part of the wedding party, covers a possibly sweaty and crumpled shirt.
Q - My fiancé wants to wear tails but as the wedding is planned for 3 PM I am wondering whether they are the correct things to wear.
A These days in Australia almost anything goes with regards to what to wear at certain times of the day. Many grooms are wearing tails for afternoon weddings and really, once the wedding is over your photos don’t ‘spell out’ what time of day the wedding took place.
Q - My fiancé has seen photographs in menswear catalogues of a longer style jacket that is almost knee length. As he is only short, would this style suit him?
A The longer line jacket is a really good look for the groom to wear to his wedding. It is certainly a different style of jacket than he would normally wear which would make it something special for his wedding day.
If the jacket fits him correctly in the shoulders, chest and coat waist, his short stature would not present a problem
Q - We are only having one attendant each in our wedding. While the matron of honour will be wearing something different to me, is it appropriate that the guys wear the same outfits?
A While in larger wedding parties it may be acceptable for the groom to be a little different from the groomsmen, it is appropriate that where there is the groom and a best man they are fundamentally dressed the same. Minor differences such as the groom’s neckwear and pocket hank co-ordinated with your dress and the best man’s matching the matron of honour’s dress are acceptable.
Q - My bridesmaids are wearing very bright pink dresses – how should I co-ordinate the guys?
A When co-ordinating the guys with bridesmaids who are wearing bright colours, bright coloured vests are a bit of an overkill. The guys would look much smarter with black shirt and vest with neckwear and pocket hank in the same bright pink.
Q - In my wedding party I’m going to have the groom and three groomsmen. Should the groom be dressed differently?
A It’s always nice to have the groom looking a little different to his groomsmen. The groomsmen will have accessories (either vests or neckwear) to co-ordinate with bridesmaids. The groom can then wear the same suit style with neutral colour accessories, either black, silver or gold or accessories to match your dress, i.e. white or ivory.
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