While it's true all eyes are on the bride on the wedding day, there's a lot to be said for a dapper, well-dressed groom. Today, there's so much choice for groomswear styling when it comes to choosing attire for the big day. From two and three-piece suit offerings to modern cuts and playful colours and materials, it can be equally as difficult to find the right look for our male counterparts. Irish menswear company Benetti is a go-to for modern grooms looking for smart, elegant styles with a contemporary twist. Here Benetti shares its guide to help grooms everywhere find their ultimate wedding look.
1. Classic or Contemporary?
Much like choosing a wedding dress, choosing groom attire can leave your head in a spin. With so many cuts, materials and colours to pick from, it can be difficult to narrow down just one look. There's the trends to contend with too and while the idea of an electric blue suit might make you run a mile in your normal day-to-day life, suddenly it becomes appealing because it's what is on trend right now. The best tip for any groom is to stay true to their own style, after all, with so many eyes on you, you want to feel like the best version of yourself. Whether a classic three-piece suit or a mix and match modern number, what you feel most comfortable and confident in will pay dividends when you're standing at the top of the altar and posing for your treasured wedding photographs.
2. To Waistcoat or Not to Waistcoat
Contrary to popular opinion, wearing a waistcoat on your wedding day is not something written in stone and very much depends on your personal style and preference. While it's fun to play dress up, if it doesn't feel like you, it's okay to ditch the three-piece and opt for a two-piece instead. Two-piece suits can look equally as sophisticated, allowing you to wear a colourful shirt, fun print or bold tie or dickie bow. Similarly, you can really have some fun with a waistcoat by wearing a contrasting colour to your suit, embracing a fun pattern or standing out from the crowd by putting your groomsmen in two-pieces while you embrace a more dapper look. If you choose to go with a waistcoat, don't forget the etiquette - the bottom button should be left open and it should sit just over your belt.
3. Find the Right Fit
Much like choosing a style, the fit is equally as important - there's nothing worse than looking awkward in a suit that's much too tight or much too big. If you don't know where to start, here's a guide to when you should you start wedding suit shopping to give you plenty of time. It's important to stay on top of any alterations right up until wedding month itself. Get yourself a reliable expert on speed dial to ensure everything fits like a glove. Don't forget to bring your shoes to any appointments, you'll want to ensure your trousers sit just right!
4. Don't Be Afraid to Stand Out
While it's hard to miss the bride (the dress helps!), in a sea of suits, the groom can sometimes blend into the wedding party. While you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb, it's important your groomswear styling helps stand out from the crowd on your big day. That doesn't mean going for something wacky but at the very least choosing a look that is in contrast (but still complementary) to your groomsmen. Opt for a different fabric or colour, choose statement accessories like a stylish shirt, patterned tie or contrasting waistcoat. This is no time to be a wallflower. We think the Bruce Jacket by Benetti packs a stylish punch with its contrast buttons and lapel piping.
5. Have Fun with the Finer Details
From ties to dickie bows, cufflinks and waistcoats, there are so many ways to elevate your wedding look. Don't forget to let your personality shine through, whether with a pair of novelty cufflinks or fun, statement socks. Top tip: they photograph really well too! Remember, you can choose to wear a dickie bow while opting for ties for your groomsmen or vice versa - you don't have to have one unified look. Similarly, you don't have to choose a block colour tie, playful patterns that complement your colour palette will add a contemporary twist.
6. Think of the Season
While you want to stay true to yourself, always, there are some unavoidable factors that will no doubt affect your final wedding ensemble. The time of year is one of those things and it's no secret winter and summer suiting options couldn't be more different. Summer temperatures accommodate for lighter colours, more relaxed combinations (hello, chinos and short-sleeved shirts) and less heavy materials. Winter weddings, however, call for heavier materials and textures and richer colours. Creams, beiges and sage colours work well for summer months while tweeds, burgundies and forest greens complement colder climates when it comes to groomswear styling.
7. Consider the Setting
Much like the season, the setting will dictate what you can and can't wear on your wedding day. While rules are made for breaking, some just need to be honoured - you won't want to wear a short-sleeved shirt in a chateaux setting, for example. Consider your venue and surroundings and choose a look that will complement the environment. A tux might look out of place at a boho wedding but it would look so sophisticated and chic in a manor home setting. Getting married in a chilled outdoor setting? Consider donning a waistcoat and going jacklet-less for a comfortable and stylist yet unique look.
Enjoyed these key rules of groomswear styling? Now get shopping Benetti's wedding collection by finding an Irish stockist near you on Benetti.ie.
