To avoid making any errors, it is of the utmost importance that the groom’s suit harmonizes with the style of the bride’s dress, and most importantly, with the style of the wedding!
If the bride wears a long white dress, if the wedding takes place in the morning, or in any case before 6pm in the evening, and if the ceremony is solemn, the groom must wear a morning suit. The same must also be worn by the fathers of both the bride and groom, the witnesses and any brothers. Learn to deal with the heat because, whatever the season in which it is worn, the morning suit must be wool, and fairly heavy at that. The suit jacket with its rounded tails should always be anthracite gray or black; the trousers should be striped with two shades of dark gray on a medium gray background; the shirt can only ever be white cotton, with double cuffs, and cufflinks which extend out from the jacket sleeve by a couple of centimeters. In line with tradition, the neck of the jacket must be a few centimeters high and rigid, with an Ascot tie or silk tie in light and dark gray. A single or double-breasted waistcoat is also essential, which is traditionally in light gray and of lightweight fabric. A recent trend coming from Great Britain is to add a splash of indulgence with a colored or patterned waistcoat!
For a wedding ceremony which is particularly elegant, don’t forget your black top hat, gray suede gloves (to be held in your hand), and of course the flower for your button-hole: a fragrant camellia, gardenia or a carnation, the symbol of fidelity, which should be pinned to the groom’s button-hole, as well as to that of the fathers and the witnesses!
In the case of a less lavish wedding, an excellent alternative to the morning suit is a classic dark suit, which is certainly less formal, but no less elegant!
A few more tips:
- Do not wear a tuxedo as these are for evening dress.
- Avoid double-breasted Al Capone-style suits.
- Do not wear short socks and, most importantly, never white.
- Never wear turn ups on the trousers of your morning suit… they are completely unsuited!
- Never open the jacket of your morning suit: it should remain done up at all times!
- You should not wear your gloves and top hat. They are to be held in your hands.
- Avoid all jewelry, unless you are wearing a ring with your family crest. The cufflinks for your shirt are, of course, the exception.
- Please do not cut your tie… just think of the waste!
