Indochino's Wedding Collection

By Guest Blogger Simon Daykin

June is here and the summer wedding season is kicking off.  So for this issue I have decided to speak on the topic of THE SUIT.  I have been to black tie weddings, formal weddings, semi formal weddings, beach weddings and back yard weddings.  All of these weddings have a few things in common.  One I focus on with my grooms is “what the hell kind of suit do I wear?”  So it’s pretty simple really, I have knocked the options down to 3 categories of suits  (Not included are casual weddings, shorts, t-shirts, etc…I am of the opinion that if your bride is in a wedding dress, you should be in a suit of some sort)

Tuxes, Tails & Morning Coats, Oh My!

I love wearing a tuxedo; there is just a feeling about putting one on.  Most grooms just go for the standard tux no matter what kind of wedding they are having.  But this doesn’t have to be single or double breasted.  2 or 3 piece…3 piece comes with a vest or waist coat.  Then we get into the tails (not a fav of mine) or the Morning Coat (I do like this one).  The Morning Coat is a very British look (in my humble opinion) and I really like it, plus it gives you an excuse to wear an ascot.  It’s up to you what you decide on, but these are the options for a Black Tie or Formal wedding.  If you are having a Black Tie wedding, I suggest including some text on the invitation stating this, so your guests know there will be a dress code. So…there are so many choices for a black tie wedding.  You have the standard tuxedo, but you can get a 1, 2 or 3 (and so on) button jacket.

I Have A Birthday Suit, But Now I Need A Wedding Suit.

Wedding Day Gear from Indochino

If you have decided to pass on the tuxedo option and you’re looking for a suit, there are limitless options for you.  Colors, styles, cuts and so on.  It will all depend on what YOU want, and what your bride says you want (Kidding!)  Listen to her, but when it comes down to it, you have to wear it and you have to be comfortable in it.  A well made suit can look amazing!  I always suggest getting a new suit for the wedding, if you can’t get a tailor made one, then buy off the rack and have it altered just for you.  As my readers know, I highly recommend Indochino for all your formal wear needs.  I own some of their stuff and it is fantastic!  Also, it’s not really that expensive.  Have a look at your wedding colors, I suggest getting a neutral-ish suit (no wild colors) and adding the color and flair with the tie, shirt and of course the pocket square.  A black, charcoal or navy suit will look great and you can wear it again after the wedding.

Style And Sand

Destination weddings have always been popular.  Sadly most of the destination wedding photos I see are all the same, khaki’s and a white shirt…..BLAH!!!  Really!?!?  How boring is that!  I taught you better than that.  Just because you don’t want a formal wedding and its a little warmer on the beach doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the style and look like everyone else.  You can still rock the suit, it doesn’t have to be black, of course not.  Try light grey linen, a pale blue, maybe you go plaid or striped, or go all out and sport a skinny fit white suit.  You don’t have to even wear a jacket.  I styled a groom who got married in Jamaica; he wanted to be cool in the heat, yet stylish.  So we got him into a light grey suit (no jacket), high button vest, custom made white shirt, simple black tie (top button unbuttoned) and we rolled up those sleeves.

Simon’s Gutsy Groom Advice

So there are the 3 simple groom’s attire categories.  Now within these categories there are so many choices.  But this is the fun stuff, picking out what to wear should be a good time.  Remember, just because a lot of people do it, doesn’t mean you have to.  So toss all the safe and boring options out the window and start new.  Grab some men’s fashion magazines, Google pictures of Chuck Bass, or other people whose style you respect for ideas on style and what you want to be wearing at your wedding.

When it comes to putting an outfit together, you can take a few different looks and mesh them all into one.  Don’t go overboard, but add in all the cool stuff you like, if you think it’s too much, you can start taking stuff away until you feel it all looks right.  I suggest taking a photo of you in the outfit(s), that way you can see what other people will see and not in the mirror.

I always suggest getting a brand new suit for your wedding.  Your Bride gets a dress, so I feel it is only fair for the Groom to get a new suit.  You can wear the suit after the wedding and I firmly believe that every man should own his own tuxedo.  You may not know when you’ll need it…but when you do, you’ll have it there, ready and waiting.

If you would like to know more about your style options, then you can contact me at simon@gutsygroom.com and we can get you on the right path to looking your best at your wedding.

Fashion and style expert Sarah Nash is back with some wedding day attire tips for the groom.

Here are three totally different looks for the groom to check out!
NOTE TO SELF: The way you feel…should be the way you look. As the old saying goes…You are what you wear.

Did James Bond learn about tuxes at The Man Registry? Of course he did.

Classic-chic:
This look is for the more sophisticated-classic groom attire. The “not too fancy” -basic black tuxedo cut. You can also choose the classic tail tuxedo as well. This is style requires..simplicity, the basics , and the down to earth vibe…not too over the top!

This is a good choice, so that you don’t take away too much from the bride. Think… clean cut, polished, and photo ready! This tux style is very versatile and something you can wear again and again without being too flashy.

Retro-styling:
This look is for the more “Fashion Forward” man. The groom that wouldn’t mind getting some fun-loving attention from the bridal party and a few extra photos! You could ditch the basic black tuxedo and go with a white, cream, beige, forest green, dark blue, or pin stripes! You can even go with a tuxedo tail. Add a chic fedora or a tie with a unique pattern. Don’t forget to Accessorize! Keep it simple and sleek!

This look is very 21st century modern-hip man screaming style, confidence and definitely in touch with his feminine side.

When we say retro tux... we don't mean this.

Contemporary-casual:
This look is for the more low-key man. The very laid back, small-intimate wedding style. A more carefree, by the beach or by the slopes atmosphere. Not too over the top! Again, keeping it simple and relaxed. You don’t want to look like you put too much time and effort into this look.

These days more bride & grooms aren’t splurging too much on their attire, but rather on longer honeymoons, or that dream home. What’s in YOUR budget? Less is more in this case. You can definitely go with a nice sports jacket with a collard shirt, a great pair of dress shoes, even dark-denim jeans. You’ll still want to look special for those wedding photos..so, make sure you coordinate with your bride to compliment each others look.

In addition, the casual look would definitely be something you could wear again and again. Not to mention a casual wedding frees you from picking out a pricey tuxedo, shining those shoes.. you’ll only wear once, and all that stress!!

Choose wisely and make it fun!

**Remember that tuxedos can be costly, so luckily you have the option to rent them out! Unless, you plan on doing a black tie event in the near future…A man should always purchase at least one nice black tuxedo to have in his wardrobe at all times**

– Sarah Nash

www.sarahnash.com

Certified-Professional Makeup Artist