When to go shopping for your wedding suit
You’ve likely found yourself on this blog post because you’re either the groom, best man, or guest to an upcoming wedding and are in the market for the perfect wedding suit for such an event. The feat of finding said wedding suit can feel like an epic challenge, especially when you consider all the styles out there and the fact that trends are constantly changing.
So, when is the right time to go shopping for your wedding suit? Read on to discover our expert tips and advice that we have constructed over many years in the tailoring business to ensure you know exactly when to go shopping and what to do to ensure the best experience.
Plan ahead
No matter what, plan ahead. Before you even enter the shopping phase, there are numerous ways to plan your suit ahead of time.
One of the most important things to define is the budget. Securing a budget of what you intend to spend will prevent you from wasting time in the try-on process as custom made suits and tuxedos will vary in price. Keep in mind that custom made suits and tuxedos will allow you to create a suit that is bespoke to you, whether you’re looking for modern, contemporary or classic design, and add any significant details you or your partner may want.
The second thing to consider is the season. The time of year the wedding will be taking place is something you won’t regret taking into consideration at all. Tweeds and flannels work wonderfully in the colder seasons and give a soft, warming look to a suit. However, these materials won’t fare too well during summertime. During hotter climates, linens and superfine wools are ideal and will ensure you don’t get too warm during the festivities.
Once you have an idea of fabric and style, regard the time that will be put into making the garment. All tailors will declare that every order is unique, so the length of time it takes to make your garment will vary depending on what you order. However, the general rule of thumb is that your garment will be ready for your fitting 8-10 weeks from your date. But remember to take into account the cloth you choose and any additional features such as custom linings or personal tartans as this will require more time. We recommend giving yourself 10 weeks so you have some wiggle room for any adjustments.
The final planning point relates to any grooms-to-be and that is to have a chat with your partner. Many couples like to have a cohesive style and so having a discussion with your partner over colour, material, pattern and style will help you decide when shopping on the right style for the day. Even if you’d prefer to keep the suit a surprise, having a general conversation of likes and dislikes may prove useful to one another and keep both parties in the know and save any unwanted surprises on the big day.
What to know when trying on
Once you’ve done all your planning you’ll be eager to enter the shop and start trying on. We recommend coming in around 6 months before the big day to give yourself enough time to get any adjustments made and to also make sure your suit is in style with the current trend.
We also recommend bringing in any accessories you have in mind to wear on the day, whether it be a specific tie, cufflinks or shoes. Bringing them with you to try on with suits will help you piece together how you will look on the actual day. If you don’t have anything to bring, don’t worry, we can help with all of that too and find you the perfect finishing touches once you’ve found your perfect suit. We also like to make your experience as bespoke as possible, so you can personalise kilt pins, sgian dubhs, sporrans and many other accessories.
The typical timeline for a bespoke wedding suit
The timing of a bespoke wedding suit can vary depending on what you require. Usually, we’d set aside 30 minutes to an hour for a fitting appointment, however, it does wholly depend on the number of garments you are trying on and if any alterations are required.
As discussed, keep in mind every order is unique, so the length of time it takes to make a bespoke suit varies depending on what you order. Usually, it will be ready for your fitting in 8-10 weeks from your order date but cloth choice and additional features can extend that time frame. After your fitting appointment, your garment may be ready to collect straight away. If any further alterations are required, they will usually be ready to collect within a few days.
Andrew Brookes tailored wedding suits
Here at Andrew Brookes Tailoring, we craft suits to your exact measurements and take into account your needs and requirements for the day. If you desire a custom-made suit but are not sure about the design, you can take inspiration from our showrooms where you’ll find a host of luxurious materials, styles and designs that can help form a part of the finished product.
If you have any other enquiries regarding tailoring, or just want to speak to a member of our friendly team about our process, feel free to get in touch today.
