Well Suited

Once the formality of the wedding has been decided and the bride has chosen her gown, it’s time for the groom and his attendants to select theirs.

Retailers and suit hire companies usually advise the following styles for weddings:

Formal evening wedding

Black dinner suit or tails, black evening trousers, white vest, bow tie or cummerbund and matching bow tie

Formal day wedding

Grey tails and grey trousers, or black suit, white shirt, cummerbund and bow tie, top hat and gloves

Semi-formal day or evening wedding

Three piece dark suit, or a suit with a coloured vest, white or coloured shirt, bow tie. Grey suiting is a lighter choice for summer weddings.

Informal evening wedding

Two or three piece suit, vest, shirt of choice and colour coordinated tie.

Special themes

Themed weddings are very popular overseas but require careful planning as outfits may need to be specially made or booked with a costume hire company.

Casual attire

In New Zealand formal weddings are quite rare and the majority of grooms choose semi-formal or informal styles.

However with increasing numbers of weddings at outdoor venues like the beach or in tropical locations, the more casual attire is becoming increasingly acceptable, such as a light weight suit, or trousers with a waistcoat instead of a jacket plus light short and tie. Alternatively, open neck shirts are acceptable, often worn out rather than tucked in.

Most suit hire companies offer a range of coordinating apparel for the groom, best man and groomsmen, as well as a good selection of sizes from children to adult. Suit hire companies usually keep up with the latest trends and hiring can ensure the wedding party looks good without the expense of purchasing suits they may not wear again.

Hire, buy or borrow, whatever suit style you choose be sure it’s design, fabric and fit will flatter you and that it’s appropriate for the season and the occasion. Ensure it’s cleaned, pressed and tailored for ideal length too!