Discretion
Family Restraint
These family ceremonies call for understated elegance. Favour sober colours (navy, grey) and avoid upstaging the child being celebrated.
Style guide · Atelier Mesure, Paris 7th
Christening & Communion Suit Made-to-Measure
Respectful elegance for family ceremonies. The suit adapted for christenings, communions and confirmations combines restraint and distinction.
16 chapters5 rules4 min read
Introduction
Christenings, communions and confirmations are moments of family and religious celebration that call for respectful attire without being as formal as a wedding. The suit for these ceremonies must reflect the respect you hold for the event whilst remaining appropriate to the family context. Complete your outfit with a made-to-measure shirt in white or light blue. For godfathers and fathers who wish to stand out, opt for a three-piece suit. Distinct from the wedding suit, which is more formal. A guide to the different types of ceremonies and the appropriate suits.
Respect
An Important Role
As godfather, father or close guest, your attire reflects the importance you place on this moment in the child's and family's life.
Versatility
Flexibility
A well-chosen suit for christenings and communions will serve for multiple family occasions and religious ceremonies for years to come.
Christening
FamilyA christening is generally a semi-formal family ceremony. A two-piece navy or grey suit is perfectly appropriate. Godfathers may opt for a three-piece to stand out slightly.
Communion & Confirmation
FormalFormal ceremonies requiring respect and restraint. A two or three-piece suit in dark tones. Fathers and godfathers may choose a three-piece for the occasion.
Religious Ceremonies
TraditionalBar mitzvahs, ordinations, official religious ceremonies. A high level of formality. A three-piece suit or a very sober black/navy suit is recommended.
Funerals
RespectBlack, charcoal or very dark navy suit. Absolute sobriety. White shirt, black or dark grey tie. No whimsical details.
Weddings (Guest or Groomsman)
CelebrationAs guest or groomsman, your outfit must honour the couple without stealing the spotlight. A made-to-measure ceremony suit in navy blue or dark grey offers just the right elegance, enhanced by sober, refined accessories.
Medal Ceremonies & Decorations
HonourHonours deserve attire equal to the event. A dark, perfectly fitted three-piece suit conveys the gravity and pride of these solemn moments where every detail is scrutinised.
Official & State Ceremonies
OfficialPrefectoral receptions, Legion d'honneur presentations, national ceremonies. These events demand a flawless suit in the most classic tones, reflecting your respect for the institutions.
Commemorations & Tributes
RemembranceThese moments of collective remembrance call for attire imbued with dignity and restraint. A dark made-to-measure suit, in its absolute sobriety, bears witness to your deference towards the memory being honoured.
The cuts
- Classic Two-PieceGuests & FamilyStandard
- 2-button jacket, pleated trousers. The standard suit for guests and family members. Elegant and appropriate without being ostentatious.
- Three-PieceGodfathers & FathersDistinction
- Adding the waistcoat marks your special role. Perfect for godfathers, fathers and grandfathers who wish to stand out at these ceremonies.
- Understated Two-PieceUncles & Close FamilyBalanced
- A well-cut suit without waistcoat. The perfect balance between respecting the occasion and remaining discreet so as not to upstage the immediate family.
Materials
For a christening or communion suit, favour noble yet understated fabrics. As communions often take place in May-June, a mid-weight fabric is perfectly suited.
- Plain Navy Wool
- The safest choice for christenings and communions. Navy blue is universally appropriate, sufficiently formal without being austere.
- Plain Charcoal Wool
- An excellent alternative to navy for godfathers and fathers. Dark grey brings distinction and restraint without the severity of black.
- Mid-Grey Wool
- For less formal family christenings or spring communions. Softer and more approachable, particularly suited to daytime ceremonies.
- Avoid Black
- Black is too severe for joyful celebrations. Reserve it for funerals. Favour navy or grey for christenings and communions.
Fabric weights
- Spring-SummerCommunion
- 220-260g wool. May-June communions require a breathable fabric. Wool-mohair recommended for comfort in churches, which are often warm.
- All-SeasonVersatile
- 260-300g wool. The ideal weight for a versatile christening/communion suit. Suited to indoor ceremonies year-round.
- Autumn-WinterWinter Christening
- 300-340g wool. For autumn and winter christenings, or ceremonies with outdoor receptions. Warmth and elegance.
The details
- For the Godfather
- Suit
- Three-piece recommended to mark your special role
- Colour
- Navy or charcoal - avoid black
- Shirt
- Immaculate white with an Italian or French collar
- Accessories
- Understated tie, discreet white pocket square
- For the Father
- Suit
- Two or three-piece according to your preference
- Coordination
- May coordinate with the godfather without being identical
- Style
- Slightly less formal than the godfather is acceptable
- Comfort
- Prioritise comfort - you will be wearing the suit all day
- For Guests
- Suit
- A classic two-piece is sufficient
- Golden rule
- Do not upstage the godfather and immediate family
- Colours
- Navy, grey, or light beige for spring ceremonies
- Tie
- Optional for guests, but recommended
- What to Avoid
- Black
- Too severe for a joyful celebration
- Bright colours
- Avoid light beige, cream or vivid coloured suits
- Too formal
- No morning coat or tailcoat - reserved for weddings
- Too casual
- No linen or tweed suit unless the ceremony is explicitly casual
Care
- Preparation
- Check the condition of your suit 2 weeks before the ceremony. This allows time for a clean or alterations if needed.
- On the Day
- Put on the suit a few minutes before leaving to check the fit. Keep a clothes brush in the car to remove dust and lint.
- After the Ceremony
- Air the suit in the open for 24 hours. Brush it. Store it clean - often several months will pass before the next family ceremony.
Level of Formality by Role
Adapting your suit to your role in the ceremony.
- Fit
- Ready-to-wear
- Standard sizes (risk of poor photographs)
- Made-to-measure
- Impeccable for capturing the moment
- Role advice
- Ready-to-wear
- No guidance
- Made-to-measure
- Expert adapts formality to your role (godfather, father, guest)
- Versatility
- Ready-to-wear
- Single use
- Made-to-measure
- Reusable for all future ceremonies
- Confidence
- Ready-to-wear
- Fit anxiety
- Made-to-measure
- Perfect fit guaranteed
- Price
- Ready-to-wear
- EUR 400-800
- Made-to-measure
- From EUR 580
Christening & Communion Suit Investment
BudgetA suit suited to christenings and communions starts from EUR 1,190 as a two-piece, EUR 1,690 as a three-piece. This investment will serve you for numerous family ceremonies over 10-15 years.
Key takeaways
Golden Rules for Christenings and Communions
- Restraint and discretion are the order of the day - the child is the star, not you
- The godfather has a special role - a distinguished three-piece suit is appropriate
- For May-June communions, favour a lightweight fabric - churches are warm
- Avoid black - this is a joyful celebration, not a funeral
- Be prepared to wear the suit for several hours - ceremony + photographs + reception
Frequently asked questions
Before you begin.
A made-to-measure ceremony suit starts from EUR 980, with the price varying according to the fabric and finishes. A matching made-to-measure shirt can be added from EUR 150.
A lead time of 4 to 5 weeks is recommended for a christening, communion or official ceremony suit. For a fixed date, it is advisable to plan ahead to secure the fitting and delivery.
The process begins with a consultation with measurements and a discussion of the level of formality. A fitting then adjusts the silhouette before delivery.
Cool wools, fine serges and fabrics in navy blue, mid-grey or charcoal are suited to religious and official ceremonies. For funerals or tributes, dark tones and discreet textures remain the most appropriate.
A sober, well-cut, understated suit is appropriate for these occasions. The outfit can be adapted according to the role held, whether guest, godfather, groomsman or participant in an official ceremony.
Create Your Suit for Family Ceremonies
Prepare to accompany your children and godchildren at their important moments with a suit perfectly suited to the occasion.
Further reading
