Guys and suits...

Excellent, the stag do is now perfectly planned. I will admit it is only in my head, currently squashed behind how the hell I managed to burn rice, however I am certain that things will come as quickly as an inebriated uncle gravitates to a dance floor.  I will be seeing JR over Christmas so we shall probably throw a few ideas around then over a pint or four. Will also see the other groomsmen then, once JR reminds me who they are, and no doubt they will have some over excited/ambitious ideas to add to the pile. So if I put the stag do on the back burner for awhile it’s probably important for me to have a look at some of my other duties to attend too before the big day.

Now the other major organisational feat will be getting everyone together for a suit fitting. Before I talk about this it is probably important for you guys to get an idea about my situation. Currently I am living in Brighton studying to become a journalist, hence the blog, and I finish my stupidly intense course in February. After that I am hoping to stay down here if i can get a job however if I’m offered something elsewhere then I’ll move wherever the money is. I’m originally from the East Midlands and the wedding will be happening in Lincolnshire or Rutland (yes it is a county and what do you mean you have never heard of it!) JR is currently living near Nottingham and his groomsman brother is a sponging student, jealous, at Leeds Uni. The other groomsman is currently near them but, like me, won’t really know where he will be based till nearer the time.

So basically what I’m saying is that we will all be spread around the country doing different jobs and working various shift patterns. And somehow I will need to co-ordinate all this to get people in one place for suit fittings. Reading that back I have promptly given myself a metaphorical and physical slap. Man up Ben! This is more than doable, sort a date out suitably in advance and then get bullying, job done. It appears that I am the only awkward one as well! Also if JR chooses a national chain then we can pop into individual shops around the country to get our fittings done.

Option one; to buy or to rent? The main pro of buying a suit or tuxedo is that will last for a lifetime. Every time the suit is pulled on it will remind you of that good day. Importantly though this could be an excuse to splash out a bit. At the wedding you will want to feel good, and I mean really good. Why not buy a suit a couple of grades more expensive than normal? But can we all afford to splash out at the same time?  If the groom is buying and intends to match attire with the groomsmen then this means that we will need to buy as well. Surely if we rent it will be cheaper and less hassle. Packages online can sort the party out from around £50 pp upwards if it is returned in one piece. However the hassle of renting can be quite excessive and if an item goes missing then fines can be extortionate. Get an outfit for life and you won’t need to hire again. Knowing JR I expect he will want to hire but he may change his mind if his pay rise comes through!

Option two; match or contrast? Should the groomsmen wear the same as the groom or should they contrast in style and/or colour? A quick Google, as per usual, offers differing opinions. Matching shows a sense of solidarity, the groomsmen are there to support the groom on his day and help run the whole event. By wearing the same suit they are easily identifiable as being part of the wedding party and showing their credentials. Indeed Google images have evidence of terrible fashion faux pas with contrasting groom and groomsmen; one dapper looking fellow has dressed his groomsmen in pink suits. Yes humorous, but at a wedding, really? I was honoured to be an usher at my sisters wedding and the groom decided on a nice mixed approach. We all wore the same suit but the groom wore a purple cravat whilst we wore a white version. So contrasting can be done subtly. This will be one of JRs big decision. Last time I spoke to him he seemed to be edging towards matching suits but with the groomsmen wearing various garish ties; his phrasing was ‘a rainbow effect’ I believe. I am still unsure how I feel about this.

Option 3; Tuxedo or suit? I can happily admit that not only am I colour confused but also lacking in any sense of style. Therefore this will be another decision for JR. It is a myth that only girls imagine what their wedding day will look like. Guys also have been known to daydream, in a manly manner of course, about their wedding and how it will look. So it depends upon what image JR has in his head. Does he want a James Bond tuxedo or a Jaws Moonraker suit? Sinatra or Jude Law? Symphony orchestra musician or businessman! When the decision has been made which way to swing then there is another important choice and that is what style to go for. If you choose the latter do you go for a tailcoat, morning suit or lounge style? A classic tuxedo or modern fit? How many buttons? Waistcoat or not? The list goes on. Luckily there are experienced fitters within most shops to help with these decisions. It is advised that the groom has a fairly good idea of what he wants before everyone meets up. We will all accede to his decision as it is the only time he will ever get to dress us in what he wants! However I would like to take this opportunity to remind him that at some point in the future I also intend to get married. If he intends to take liberties then it should be pointed out that I have a long memory.

Option 4; Flowers or pocket squares? A more minor decision but still an important one. A boutonniere is possibly the only time in his life a man will voluntarily wear a flower. More than likely it is probably the only time in the wedding the groom will have anything to do with the flowers! It should be worn on the left lapel and if it matches the bridesmaid’s dresses it is a nice touch. If wearing a boutonniere is not to the style then a simple pocket square can suffice. One piece of advice though; if wearing a boutonniere do not wear it in the car as a seat belt will rub on it.

So there are loads of decisions for the groom to make but thankfully few for the best man. All I have to do is help co-ordinate which day to do a suit fitting on. That is unless JR decides to do an online package then he may delegate to me to get everyone’s measurements. Fashion sorted then. Importantly if we shop in traditional guy manner, quickly, then we might even be able to fit in a sneaky pint afterwards.

DO NOT FORGET THE RING

Useful websites:

http://mensfashion.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/fitted_suit_fitting.php

http://www.groomgroove.com/groomville/groomsmen_tuxedos.php