What’s the difference between a wedding suit and a suit?
You can wear any suit on a wedding day, as long as it suits the chosen theme. There are weddings with a relaxed dress code where a smart-casual outfit is more than sufficient. A classic wedding suit has a more elegant design with a timeless cut and is made of more luxurious fabrics. This usually makes the suit unsuitable for the office. Moreover, for many men it's a tradition to have the suit tailor-made for a perfect fit. This at the same time makes a wedding suit more expensive than an everyday suit.
What does a traditional wedding outfit consist of?
Because a wedding is a personal affair, the wedding suit differs from man to man. This depends on the chosen colours and materials, the dress code and what the man himself likes. Still, besides trousers and blazers, there are other garments and accessories that regularly form part of a men's wedding suit. Below we briefly explain them:
Shirt
A white shirt is a classic and versatile option. These shirts are easy to combine with other colours. In addition, there are also special wedding shirts in off-white. Make sure the white matches the white of the bridal dress for extra harmony. Light blue, pastel and black shirts are also popular to wear at weddings.
Tie or bow tie
Trendy or timeless? At a traditional wedding, it's customary to choose a tie with a timeless design, such as plain colours or a subtle texture. At a trendy wedding, you can go for brightly coloured or slimmer ties. A bow tie is also a good option with a wedding suit. Here too, you can make it literally as flamboyant as you like.
Cufflinks
These accessories are ideal for giving your shirt extra refinement. Whether you like bright colours, special precious metals or striking shapes, at Suitable you'll find a varied assortment. Thanks to the excellent value for money of our cufflinks, you don't need a big budget to look stylish.
Braces
Braces give your wedding outfit a playful character with a touch of elegance. Thanks to the wide variety of colours, patterns and materials, it's easy to find a pair that suits your wedding perfectly.
Waistcoat
A waistcoat not only makes your outfit more formal, but also gives you extra warmth during a winter wedding. Moreover, it's an easy way to show colour and subtle patterns. At Suitable you can find stylish wedding waistcoats made of shiny fabrics for an extra chic accent.
Pocket square
The pocket square is a classic accessory at weddings and other formal occasions. It most closely resembles a handkerchief tucked into the breast pocket of a jacket. With the right pocket square, you can achieve a nice colour contrast in your outfit. Moreover, they're available in a variety of patterns and textures for a playful touch.
Smart shoes
It's not appropriate to show up at your wedding in worn-out trainers. Fortunately, there are many kinds of smart men's shoes that you can wear, even after the wedding party. The shoes have a refined design and are made of leather or suede. Do you have a summer wedding? Then choose light shoes or loafers with an informal dress code.
Which colours and patterns are appropriate for a wedding?
Even before you choose the colour, it's important to consider the season. In summer, for example, it's customary to wear lighter colours such as beige, light grey or pastel shades. Whereas in winter, dark colours such as navy blue, olive green and burgundy are precisely what's stylish. A subtle check or stripe adds extra charm to your outfit. The colour of the wedding suit must not make the groom stand out above the bride. This means the suit is often less extravagant than a gala outfit, unless the bride herself wears a striking dress. This is the key to balance.
Buy or rent a wedding suit?
For many men, the question arises at some point: should I buy or rent a suit? The answer largely depends on your budget and personal preference. There are men who never wear a suit, so it makes sense to rent one. With a bit of (online) searching, you can always find a rental provider at a reasonable price. If you regularly wear a suit or want to keep it for the future, then it's wise to buy one. If you go for this option, opt for colours such as dark blue, grey and brown. These neutral shades suit almost any occasion, so you get the most out of your wedding suit.
How much does a wedding suit cost on average?
On average, a quality wedding suit costs between 400 and 800 euros. The price depends on the quality of the materials, the finish and any bespoke work. You'll understand that a fully made-to-measure suit is much more expensive than an off-the-peg suit. The amount can even rise to 1,500 euros or more. Because it's a considerable investment, many men choose a timeless suit that they can also wear stylishly after the wedding.
How far in advance should I buy a wedding suit?
It's best to start 2 to 3 months in advance. That way you have enough time to try things on calmly, combine them and have them altered if necessary. Do you want to have a suit tailor-made? Then it's wise to start 3 to 4 months in advance. A made-to-measure suit involves a longer delivery time and several fitting sessions. By starting on time, you can calmly choose the wedding suit in which you feel best on your big day.
How do I style sneakers with a wedding suit?
Sneakers under a wedding suit are certainly no longer taboo. As long as you combine them well, they give your look a fresh, contemporary twist. Firstly, it's important to go for minimalist sneakers, without striking logos or bright colours. Go for white or another plain colour that complements your suit. Below are a few suggestions:
- White sneakers with a light grey, beige or pastel-coloured suit.
- Dark blue or off-white sneakers with a navy suit.
- Sand-coloured or taupe sneakers with a suit in earth tones.
For a stylish wedding outfit, combine sneakers with a Slim-Fit or Modern-Fit suit, preferably without legs that are too wide. This ensures a streamlined and balanced look. In summer, it's certainly worth going for invisible no-show socks.
I don’t have a wedding suit—what now?
Your wedding, your rules. The classic wedding suit is certainly not your only option. There may be elements of your cultural background that you can subtly incorporate into your outfit, such as a men's belt or bracelet. In addition, there are men who stylishly combine unusual garments. Think, for example, of a light turtleneck with a modern blazer and chinos. The season also plays a role. At a summer wedding, for example, it's easier to play with cheerful linen shirts and linen shorts. Especially at a ceremony on the beach, it can be more comfortable to go barefoot! In winter you can think of a lambswool jumper and wool trousers.
Practical tips for every groom
- The suit of the best man and witnesses should correspond to yours, but not be exactly the same. For example, they can wear a similar colour, tie, waistcoat or pocket square.
- For nice group photos, you can have the clothing choice of the father of the bride/groom coordinated with the dress code.
- Confide in friends and family members when you have doubts about your outfit; they usually have surprising insights and fresh perspectives.
- Choose your accessories carefully. It's better to go for a subtle watch or a bracelet than to draw attention with flashy jewellery.
- It's wise to get your wedding outfit from one shop, so that all the components match and you know who to turn to for style advice and questions.
Would you like personal advice or to put together your wedding outfit in real life? Feel free to drop by one of our Suitable stores for personal style advice.
