Atelier Mesure, Paris 7e
Complete Wedding Suit Guide
Everything you need to know to choose your wedding suit. Planning, styles, colours, seasons - the exhaustive guide for the groom and groomsmen.
The Ultimate Wedding Suit Guide
Your wedding is the most important day of your life. Your wedding suit will be immortalised in hundreds of photographs you will look at for decades. It deserves the time, attention and investment it warrants. This complete guide covers every aspect: planning, style, colours, seasons, budget.
A made-to-measure wedding suit requires 4 weeks of production (5 for Hand-Finished). Although the lead time is short, we recommend planning 2-3 months before your wedding for a relaxed choice with a comfortable margin. Discover also our specific colour pages: blue, grey, burgundy, beige.
- Allow 2-3 months: a comfortable margin for a relaxed and stress-free selection
- Made-to-measure recommended: you will wear the suit for 10-12 hours, photographed from every angle
- Bride coordination: suit colours and style should harmonise with the dress
À aborder dans ce guide
Le guide en 8 chapitres.
Planning & Timeline
Organisation
2-3 MONTHS BEFORE: Book your first atelier appointment. Discuss style with the bride, determine budget, choose a general colour direction. This gives you time to choose at ease with a comfortable margin. 6-8 WEEKS BEFORE: First atelier appointment (1h30-2h). Detailed discussion of your needs, exploration of the fabric library (500+ references), final fabric and style choice (2 or 3 pieces, double-breasted, etc.). Full body measurements taken. Fitting to note the adjustments needed for your build. Order confirmed and paid. Production lead time confirmed (4 weeks standard). 4-WEEK PRODUCTION: Your suit enters production. Adjusted to your build by software, fabric laser-cut, assembled according to chosen type (fused, half canvas, full canvas, or Hand-Finished 5 weeks). Rigorous quality control. 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING: SMS notification as soon as the suit arrives. Book a fitting appointment via the online diary at your convenience. Fitting + delivery (60% leave with the suit immediately) or alterations if needed (40%, 7-10 day lead time). Order accessories if not already done (shirt, tie, pocket square). 1 WEEK BEFORE: Complete suit fitting at home with all accessories. Final check. Prepare an emergency kit (brush, thread, stain remover). Professional shirt pressing.
Two-Piece vs Three-Piece: Which to Choose?
Style
TWO-PIECE SUIT: Jacket + trousers. ADVANTAGES: Less warm (important for summer weddings), maximum freedom of movement, slightly less formal so more versatile after the wedding. DRAWBACKS: Less presence than three-piece, less structured silhouette. RECOMMENDED FOR: May-September weddings, destination/beach weddings, grooms who prioritise comfort, smart casual weddings. THREE-PIECE SUIT: Jacket + waistcoat + trousers. ADVANTAGES: Maximum presence, slimmed silhouette, heightened prestige, groom visually distinguished from guests. DRAWBACKS: Warmer (a concern in summer), less comfortable for dancing. RECOMMENDED FOR: October-April weddings, formal/traditional weddings, grooms who want to maximise distinction. TREND: The three-piece has become the standard for grooms - 70% choose three-piece. The waistcoat can be removed in the evening if warm.
Colours by Season
Harmony
SPRING (March-May): Pale blue, light grey, beige. Soft colours that harmonise with spring blooms. Avoid black and dark grey, which are too severe. SUMMER (June-August): Beige, natural linen, pearl grey, sky blue. Lightweight fabrics (220-260g). A linen suit is ideal for beach/garden weddings. White or very pale blue shirt. AUTUMN (September-November): Burgundy, brown, charcoal, dark navy, tweed. Warm colours that harmonise with autumn foliage. Medium to heavy fabrics. WINTER (December-February): Deep navy, charcoal, black is acceptable. Flannel, heavier wool. Avoid colours that are too light, which can look cold. A winter suit in flannel is recommended. COORDINATION: The suit colour should harmonise with the wedding palette set by the bride. Ask for the decoration mood board before making your choice.
Groom & Groomsmen Coordination
Cohesion
OPTION 1 - GROOM STANDS OUT: Groom in a three-piece, groomsmen in two-piece in the same colour. OR Groom in a unique colour (burgundy, beige), groomsmen in classic navy/grey. OPTION 2 - COMPLETE COHESION: All (groom + groomsmen) in the same suit and colour. Groom distinguished by details: a different pocket square, a bow tie vs ties, a special boutonniere. OPTION 3 - MIX & MATCH: Same colour but different fabrics/textures. E.g. groom in smooth blue wool, groomsmen in blue tweed. Visual cohesion with personality. FATHER OF THE GROOM: Generally a classic suit (navy or grey), slightly less formal than the groom. Should not upstage the groom but should be elegant. GOLDEN RULE: Discuss coordination with the groomsmen 2-3 months beforehand. If groomsmen opt for made-to-measure, group orders for a potential group rate and fabric consistency.
Essential Accessories
Details
SHIRT: A white made-to-measure shirt is COMPULSORY. Cutaway or French collar depending on style. French cuffs with silver cufflinks. TIE OR BOW TIE: A tie for classic daytime weddings. A bow tie for evening weddings or a vintage style. Quality silk coordinated with the wedding palette. POCKET SQUARE: A pocket square is NON-NEGOTIABLE. White linen for understated elegance, coloured silk for personality. Never an exact match to the tie. SHOES: Black Oxfords (formal) or brown (smart casual) depending on the suit. Impeccably polished. New or nearly new for photographs. BRACES: Braces are optional but elegant. Coordinated with the suit colour. Particularly recommended for grooms with a fuller midsection - maximum comfort. BOUTONNIERE: A boutonniere flower coordinated with the bride's bouquet. Pinned to the left lapel.
Themed Weddings & Styles
Creativity
COUNTRY/BOHEMIAN WEDDING: A linen suit in beige or light grey. Lightweight tweed for autumn. A wooden or fabric bow tie. Smart casual style. Brown suede shoes. BEACH/DESTINATION WEDDING: Off-white or beige linen. No waistcoat (too warm). Trousers may be without turn-ups. Suede Derbies or loafers. Open collar without a tie is acceptable. VINTAGE 1920s-30s WEDDING: A double-breasted 6x2 suit. Contrasting waistcoat. Visible braces. Felt hat. Gatsby style. FORMAL TRADITIONAL WEDDING: A three-piece suit in charcoal or navy. Morning coat for ultra-formal. An ascot tie for morning dress. MODERN MINIMALIST WEDDING: A two-piece suit in black or very dark grey. Clean lines. A slim black tie. Contemporary aesthetic. RULE: The suit style should harmonise with the overall wedding theme set by the couple.
Budget & Investment
Finance
GROOM SUIT BUDGET: Made-to-measure wedding suit 2-piece: EUR 1,290-1,990. 3-piece: EUR 1,690-2,790. Exceptional fabrics (cashmere, Super 180's): up to EUR 3,500. ACCESSORIES: Made-to-measure shirt: EUR 190-290. Silk tie/bow tie: EUR 120-190. Pocket square: EUR 50-90. Goodyear welted shoes: EUR 350-600. Cufflinks: EUR 150-300. Braces: EUR 80-150. TOTAL accessories: EUR 940-1,620. REALISTIC OVERALL BUDGET: Groom suit + accessories: EUR 2,230-4,410. If groomsmen (x2) opt for made-to-measure: +EUR 2,580. Realistic total budget for the wedding's menswear: EUR 4,810-6,990. AFTER THE WEDDING: The wedding suit is easily worn again. A three-piece in blue or grey serves for ceremonies, formal events for 15+ years. Amortisation: EUR 1,990 worn 50 times over 15 years = EUR 40/wear. ECONOMISING: High-end off-the-peg with alterations: EUR 800-1,200 vs EUR 1,500 made-to-measure. Hire: EUR 150-300 (but photographs for a lifetime in a suit that is not yours). ADVICE: Made-to-measure is worth the investment for the groom. Groomsmen may opt for altered off-the-peg if the budget is tight.
The Big Day Checklist
Practical
THE EVENING BEFORE: Try the complete suit with ALL accessories. Check for no loose buttons, no stray threads. Polish shoes one last time. Prepare the suit on a hanger, accessories in a dedicated box. Professional shirt pressing. WEDDING MORNING: Get dressed AFTER hair is done (avoid messing it up putting on the shirt). Dress in order: socks, shirt, trousers, shoes, tie/bow tie, waistcoat, jacket, pocket square, boutonniere. Check in a full-length mirror (not just the bathroom mirror). EMERGENCY KIT: A clothes brush (remove lint/dust). Thread + needle in suit colour (button). Mini shoe polish kit. Tweezers (stray threads). Stain-removing wipes. Spare cufflinks. DURING THE WEDDING: Groom solo photographs BEFORE the ceremony (suit still impeccable). Remove jacket/waistcoat for dancing if warm. Brush suit regularly (confetti, dust). Hang jacket when removed (not left on a chair). AFTER THE WEDDING: Professional dry cleaning within the week. Do NOT store a dirty suit - stains will set. Preserve in a garment bag to wear again throughout your wardrobe.
The 10 Commandments of the Wedding Suit
Questions Fréquentes
What budget should I allow for a made-to-measure wedding suit?
A made-to-measure suit starts from EUR 990, with the budget varying according to fabric, number of pieces and finishes. A made-to-measure shirt can complete the outfit from EUR 290.
When should I order my wedding suit?
The lead time is generally 4-5 weeks, excluding any final alterations. For a wedding, it is advisable to plan further ahead to coordinate accessories, groomsmen and shirt.
How does the creation of a groom's suit work?
The process includes a consultation and measurement appointment, style and fabric selection, then a fitting. Delivery follows once adjustments are validated.
Which fabric should I choose depending on the season?
For summer, a cool wool, a wool-linen blend or a breathable fabric limits heat. In autumn or winter, a light flannel, a denser cloth or a deep navy provides more structure.
Should I choose a two-piece or three-piece suit for a wedding?
A two-piece suits understated or summer ceremonies, while a three-piece brings a more formal presence. The choice depends on the venue, time of day, theme and expected level of elegance.
Further reading
