It is essential that the groom’s suit mirrors the style of the bride’s dress. It is therefore useful to have the help of the Wedding Planner or a confidante who knows the suit so as not to end up, for example, with an exclusively formal model, while the bride has opted for a short model.

The style of the ceremony and the time of day will also influence the choice.

DRESS
Can be worn:

Tight: daytime event and until 6pm, necessary in very formal ceremonies, even the groom’s father and witnesses are obliged to wear it.
Not worn for civil ceremonies.
Half Tight: differs from the Tight by the shorter jacket and no tails; daytime event and until 6pm, less formal but allows the groom’s fathers and groomsmen to also wear the suit.
Tailcoat: exclusively for weddings held in the evening and a single-breasted waistcoat and bow tie, strictly white.
A classic two- or three-piece suit: it must, however, be of fine workmanship in order to stand out from the rest of the guests).
Dinner jacket: this is not considered a wedding dress for etiquette purposes; however, it may be worn in the evening and only if the wedding is followed by a dinner party and dancing.
If one opts for the classic suit, an accessory that can help distinguish the groom from the guests is the waistcoat: male guests, as a gesture of courtesy, would do well not to wear it.

The colour of the classic suit must be either grey or blue; pinstripes can also work, but the stripes must be very fine. Blue and pinstripes are more suitable for summer weddings.
The trousers must be without lapels.
The suit jacket must never be double-breasted.
Shirt: it is essential to choose a classic cut. The shirt must be combined with a tie (or a plastron or bow tie) strictly in silk, if it is white and the bride will also be wearing a white suit, it is essential that the two shades are the same or compatible.

ACCESSORIES
Buttonhole: this is the buttonhole on the left lapel of the jacket. The groom inserts a fresh flower in it, of the same type as the one in the bride’s bouquet. The fathers, brothers and groomsmen should do the same. The flower should be removed at the end of the ceremony, as it tends to wilt very quickly.
Cufflinks: according to the rules of etiquette they should be very discreet.
Tie clip: acceptable but according to etiquette the groom should only wear his wedding ring and watch.
Coat: can be worn if it is very cold, but must be taken off during the ceremony.

Shoes: ideal for the wedding are those with laces, shiny ones are best with an evening dress, matt ones are more suitable for the afternoon.
The pocket handkerchief, if in doubt, is best not worn. It should not be of the same fabric and colour as the tie, plus it must stand out from the button placket.

Remember that it is your special day, so it will be very important that your suit stands out from all the other formal dresses, especially those worn by fathers and groomsmen, so the touch of an original detail or accessory can make all the difference.

Tips:
Important to have a clean spare shirt: for the whole day, in fact, he can never take off his jacket. And a man’s shirt should always convey a sense of cleanliness and freshness.

Ph @thomasharrisphotographer