Your Wedding Suit Checklist: Everything You Need to Look Perfect on Your Big Day

A wedding day is one of the most significant milestones in a man’s life, and the wedding suit or tuxedo is at the heart of the groom’s look. Just as brides carefully select their dresses, grooms deserve to stand out with impeccable, high-quality attire that enhances their style, fits perfectly, and reflects the overall theme of the day.

Choosing the right suit or tuxedo might seem overwhelming, but with a structured checklist, ensuring you look your best becomes much more straightforward.

Here’s a checklist to guide you in selecting and preparing your wedding suit to feel confident, comfortable, and classy on your big day.

Choose Between a Suit and a Tuxedo

The first decision in your wedding day attire is choosing between a suit and a tuxedo. While both options can look incredible, your choice will largely depend on the formality of your wedding, personal style, and the wedding venue. Here are some highlights for you to consider.

Suit

Ideal for semi-formal and less formal settings, suits offer versatility in style, color, and design. They also allow for personal touches that can reflect the groom’s unique style.

Tuxedo

Tuxedos are often reserved for formal or black-tie weddings. The primary difference is the satin detailing on the lapels, buttons, and trouser stripes, which give a tuxedo a more classic, elegant appearance.

Understand the Theme and Venue

Your wedding venue sets the tone for your big day and directly influences your attire. Whether you're hosting an indoor celebration with refined elegance or an outdoor ceremony surrounded by nature, your attire should reflect the venue's ambiance.

For an indoor venue, such as a historic mansion or luxury resort, consider how the sophistication of the setting complements your attire. For example, venues like a 1908 Georgian Revival mansion with antique decor and Wedgwood china exude timeless elegance. In such spaces, a classic tuxedo or a modern, tailored suit with sleek satin details perfectly matches the formal atmosphere. These types of venues often highlight the grandeur of black-tie weddings, encouraging polished and refined attire.

On the other hand, outdoor venues, such as scenic vineyards, serene lakesides, or mountain retreats, require an approach that balances formality with comfort and practicality. For example, picturesque venues in Lake County, California, offer breathtaking backdrops. In these settings, lightweight fabrics like linen or suits in bold, earthy colors such as forest green or burgundy harmonize beautifully with the natural environment while ensuring comfort during outdoor events.

When selecting your attire, consider how the elements of your venue—whether the grandeur of an indoor hall or the laid-back charm of an outdoor landscape—can guide your choices. This approach ensures your look feels perfectly in sync with your wedding's overall theme and setting.

Choose the Right Fit: Classic, Slim, or Modern

Selecting the right fit is crucial to looking sharp and feeling comfortable on your wedding day. Working with a custom suit tailor allows you to achieve a fit that feels comfortable and looks flawless. Here are the main types of suit fits.

Classic Fit

Timeless and slightly relaxed, offering comfort without compromising style. This fit allows for a bit more movement and can be flattering for various body types.

Slim Fit

A more tailored fit with a closer cut to the body creates a sharp, modern look. This fit is popular for contemporary weddings, particularly for grooms who prefer a fashionable edge.

Modern Fit

The modern fit is a balance between classic and slim, providing a sleek look without being overly tight. It’s ideal for grooms who want something stylish but not overly trendy.

Choose High-Quality Fabrics

Fabric quality can make or break the appearance of your suit or tuxedo. Choosing high-quality materials enhances the suit’s look and feel and contributes to its durability, especially if you plan to wear it for other formal events.

Consult with your tailor to find the best fabric for the season and venue while ensuring it aligns with your comfort preferences. Here are a few popular fabric options.

• Wool: Known for its versatility, wool is ideal for year-round weddings. It’s breathable, durable, and available in various weights.
  
• Linen: Perfect for summer or destination weddings, linen is lightweight and breathable but tends to wrinkle easily.
  
• Velvet: For a bold, unique look, velvet is luxurious and stands out, especially in cooler months or for evening weddings.
  
• Silk or Satin Blends: Often used in tuxedos for a sleek, glossy finish, these fabrics are sophisticated and work well for very formal settings.

Decide on Suit Color and Details

Color choice is a personal decision, influenced by the wedding’s color palette, formality, and season. Here are some popular options.

• Classic Black: Timeless and elegant, black suits or tuxedos are ideal for formal and evening weddings.
  
• Navy Blue: A popular and versatile choice that suits most complexions, navy is a modern, stylish alternative to black.
  
• Grey: Ranges from light to charcoal; ideal for daytime or semi-formal weddings, especially in spring and summer.
  
• Bold Colors (Burgundy, Forest Green): If you’re looking to make a statement, deeper colors like burgundy or green can add personality and complement seasonal weddings.
  

Consider details like lapel styles (notch, peak, or shawl), pocket types, and button choices. These customizations allow you to add a personal touch to your attire.

Plan for Proper Accessories

Accessories are essential in elevating your wedding look. The right accessories can tie your entire outfit together and add a touch of sophistication or personal flair. Here’s what to consider:

• Tie or Bow Tie: Match this to the formality of your attire—a bow tie for tuxedos and a tie for suits. You can choose solid colors, patterns, or textures that complement your suit and wedding theme.
  
• Pocket Square: A classic accessory that adds a pop of color or elegance. Consider choosing a pocket square that complements your tie or suit color for a cohesive look.
  
• Cufflinks: A simple yet sophisticated detail, cufflinks add elegance and are perfect for formal occasions. Personalized or engraved cufflinks can add sentimental value.
  
• Belt or Suspenders: Not all suits require a belt, especially if you’re wearing a tuxedo. However, suspenders can add a stylish, retro touch and keep your trousers in place.
  
• Shoes: High-quality leather shoes, whether black, brown or even oxblood, add the final polish. Match the shoe color with your suit and belt for a coordinated look.

Schedule Fittings and Final Adjustments

Once you have the overall aesthetic of your suit figured out, the next thing is to do a fitting. Traditionally, this involves multiple in-person multiple fittings with your tailor or seamstress. However, at Sartoro, we’ve streamlined this experience to fit seamlessly into your schedule.

Here are three ways to complete your fitting with us:

• Digital Tailor AI: Powered by the latest sizing technology, our Digital Tailor AI at Sartoro can predict your full body measurement profile in about one to two minutes, delivering a high level of precision and fit without requiring an in-person fitting.
• Measure Your Body: If you prefer, you can measure yourself at home with the help of any intuitive photo and video tutorials that are available online. These measurements can be done alone or with a companion.
• Measure Your Garment: If you already have a perfectly fitting suit that you love, just take measurements from that suit, and we’ll replicate its dimensions to provide a similar fit in your custom Sartoro suit.

Other Considerations

While these are solid foundations for a checklist, it is also essential to consider various factors outside of your perspective as a groom. Here are some additional considerations to ensure your suit complements your bride and centerpiece for your wedding.

Consider the Season and Weather

The season and weather can influence your suit choice and comfort level. A winter wedding may require a heavier wool suit or a three-piece to keep warm. In contrast, a summer wedding will benefit from lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton to prevent overheating.

Consider the likelihood of extreme temperatures or unexpected weather changes if your wedding involves outdoor ceremonies or events. A suit that’s breathable yet insulating can be the perfect middle ground for unpredictable days.

Coordinate with the Bridal Party

While your suit should reflect your unique style, it’s also essential to coordinate with the bridal party. Your attire should align with the overall aesthetic without overpowering the bride’s look or clashing with the bridal party’s color scheme.

One way to coordinate is through small details like matching ties, pocket squares, or boutonnières with the bridal party’s colors. This keeps everyone in sync without sacrificing your individuality.

Plan for Grooming and Presentation

A polished look goes beyond the suit; grooming is equally important. Plan your haircut, beard trim, or clean shave a few days before the wedding. Consider skin care routines leading up to the day, especially if you’ll be photographed frequently.

Remember, your confidence and poise will complement your attire. When you’re groomed and feeling your best, it reflects in your demeanor and makes a lasting impression.

Test Your Suit and Accessories Together

As the wedding day approaches, trying on the entire outfit, including shoes and accessories, is crucial to ensure everything works together seamlessly. Walk around, sit, and even dance in your suit if possible. This test run allows you to confirm comfort and mobility, making adjustments if needed.

Additionally, practicing wearing cufflinks, tying your tie, and placing the pocket square can save time and ensure you’re well-prepared.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the perfect suit or tuxedo for your wedding day involves careful planning, attention to detail, and consideration of your style and comfort. By following this checklist, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate each step of the process, ensuring you look perfect and feel confident and comfortable.

Remember, your wedding suit is more than just attire—it’s a reflection of the commitment you’re making. With the right fit, fabric, and finishing touches, you’ll be ready to take on your wedding day with confidence, style, and sophistication.