Groomswear for Beach, Summer and Winter Weddings
Do winter weddings have a theme? Does a summer wedding look different to an autumn wedding? What do you wear if you marry on a beach?
My experience tells me that the look of the wedding suit or attire is more about co-ordinating with the wedding colour scheme than the time of year or location. Granted, the bride may have chosen a seasonal colour, but generally speaking the colour scheme will be determined by a bride’s favourite colour or by the dress of her dreams.
Beach Weddings
This is a very iffy and contentious subject. Personally I love the loose linen rolled up trouser, baggy linen shirt with a Panama hat look. However, I am not sure how ‘formal’ it is. When I see this type of picture I love it, but then the chap is next to a bride in a full blown wedding dress. This is not a good mix in my eyes, so what about a nice, really trendy fitted suit, in a supremely lightweight, light brown or grey fabric? Smart, modern, comfortable and in keeping with the bride. Tie? I say a smart open neck shirt, no tie. What shoes if any? This is another big question. Whatever your decision your trouser shape / bottoms need to be adjusted accordingly. I think if you are in a darker suit then I believe this exudes a more formal look, so should have a smart shoe worn with it. However to dress things down a bit, a light tan or light brown lace up will give off both a smart yet slightly dressed down look. If you choose a loose, lighter suit then open toe / sandals, why not?
Winter / Christmas Weddings
The only trend here seems to be that black suits or black top hat and tails are chosen accompanied by gold’s and reds. This is a minor trend as seasons do not tend to affect choice.
Summer Weddings
Summer weddings can be a tad tricky given the seemingly constant “isn’t black a bit harsh for summer?” comments. I agree, but accessorised well, even black can be jazzed up a bit. Generally speaking it is the other colours on offer, such as shades of grey, browns, and a brand new ‘Air Force Blue’ colour (see picture) that are chosen instead. Along with ivory accessories to match a bride, with neckwear such as purple, turquoise or fuchsia, seriously lively and summery looks can be achieved.
The most comment request is for lightweight fabric, regardless of when the wedding is. Unfortunately the typical formal wear store offer thicker more durable fabrics so optimum wear per item at lower prices can be achieved. I don’t agree with this policy at all. It is a wedding after all so surely quality is a must. 75% of weddings that I help with take place during the warmer summer months so I don’t see the logic in supplying, let alone wearing, what amounts to winter weight fabrics. Lightweight, designed to be modern and relevant colour suiting is the way forward I feel.
Whatever you choose remember the golden rules: be comfortable, love the fit, and be confident in the companies you choose to help you with any of the services you require to create a perfect wedding day.
Article by Groomswear Specialist Steve Bishop
Images Courtesy of:
Beach Wedding: From Flickr by Fevi Yu
Air Force Blue Suit: Hugh Harris
Read more Groomswear Advice articles
Read other Wedding Advice articles
