The Utter Blog may be my baby, my first born, the love of my virtual life… but it’s important that you know I’m not a single parent.
There is a father. He may not play a very hands-on role in our little family- he couldn’t give a toss about flower garlands, table settings or matchy maids- but he is there. In the background. Reading. Supporting. Spell-checking.
He’ll also be playing a pretty important role at The Wedding. And despite the fact that he hasn’t yet lifted a finger in any aspect of the wedding planning, that blog-daddy of mine still deserves to walk down the aisle looking hot to trot.
The thing is, whereas I know quite a lot about wedding dresses, I know diddly squat about Groom Attire.
“Is that a problem? It’s not your domain!”, you may be thinking, and I’d be inclined to agree with you. But the thing is, it’s not really Paul’s either. Or not one that he’s 100% comfortable about tackling on his own. You see, Paul is in to fashion as much as I am in to fly-fishing. i.e. couldn’t give a toss. He wears a suit to work, a hoodie and joggers at home, and jeans and a t-shirt down the pub. A man of simple pleasures is that fiancé of mine, and I love him all the more for it, but I must admit I do want him to take some interest (and pride) in what he wears on our wedding day. To shake things up and try something that takes him out of his comfort zone but away from the smart-but-boring teacher look he sports every day. Maybe even (and I have to whisper this)… go designer. And all for under £500.
So where do we start? Well, luckily we’re both agreed that an ill-fitting, hired morning suit is out, and a bought, tailored, slim-fit three-piece suit is in. I do love a man in a waistcoat, and it adds an element of tradition and formality to an occasion whilst staying simple and stylish. But which three-piece? In what colour? And where from??
When I think of a well-tailored suit I think of Tom Ford. Not only is the designer himself a shockingly handsome man, but he also makes a shockingly stylish suit.
See? Shockingly stylish.
Sadly, his suits are also shockingly expensive, but because I love you, I’ve done a quick round-up of handsome chaps rocking that super sharp, super simple, and super sexy look for a fraction of the Tom Ford price. Three-piece fans? Read on…
The Tom Ford Alternative
I am loving this groom’s style, with a charcoal gray suit from A Suit That Fits, dropped waistcoat and tie pin. In the wedding report, the groom says he had a bad experience with A Suit That Fits, but I must say I’ve heard good stuff as well, and with a wide range of fabrics, styles, and seemingly reasonable prices it’s definitely worth a look in.
Image by Sam Clayton Photography via English Wedding Blog
This cutie is rocking a very sharp mid-grey three-piece from Aubin & Wills, given a relaxed twist with his brown belt and tan shoes. A perfect balance to the rustic setting.
Image by Aneta Mak via Junebug Weddings
Colour me Happy
Of course, you don’t have to stick to a palette of black, white and gray to look super-chic. This handsome chap wore a lovely navy three piece suit by King & Allen, with a bright red tie and colourful buttonhole. The whole effect is summery, vibrant and lots of fun whilst still looking completely dapper. I like. (I also like the sound of King & Allen who do fittings in the upstairs of various London pubs, according to the real bride report!)
Image by McKinley-Rogers via Rock My Wedding
In my mind there is nowt more traditional than a groom sporting a pale gray suit. It’s light and summery whilst still looking incredibly smart. Sadly, Paul won’t be going near pale gray with a bargepole, but maybe this lovely (and reasonably priced!) suit from Reiss will sway him to at least try one on…
Image by Emma Case via Love My Dress
My final three-piece wonder is a bit of a surprise. I remember LOVING this wedding when I first read about it on Love My Dress, and I’m so glad I came across it again whilst researching for this post! The wedding itself is a bohemian, back garden dream, but the groom is sporting my favorite color combination of them all I think- a beautifully-fitted blue/grey suit from Suit Supply paired with a creamy yellow tie and… well, you’ll just have to see for yourself.
Image by Eliza Claire
Image by Eliza Claire
Image by Eliza Claire
Yep, this New Zealand groom had some suit shorts made especially for this beautiful, quirky wedding. Thank god the weather was kind!
Now I don’t expect Paul to sport a short for a second (and nor do I want him to if I’m honest!), but replace those shorts with a tailored trouser and you’ve pretty much got my perfect three-piece there I think.
Which is your favourite? What’s your man wearing on his big day and where do you recommend to go?? I am a sponge to groom-related information today, so any hints, tips, color combinations or recommendations, please leave a comment! Paul, his best man and I are suit-shopping this Friday night in an attempt to catch the last of the January sales, so I’m hoping we can get it done in one fell swoop. Lord knows Paul will make my life a misery if we have to go more than once…
Wish us luck!
Sama xxx
