Style guide · Atelier Mesure, Paris 7th
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.
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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 3 to 5 weeks of production depending on the range. 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
Planning & Timeline
OrganisationAtelier Mesure offers six constructions: semi-traditional, traditional half canvas, traditional full canvas, traditional full canvas hand-finished, deconstructed and deconstructed hand-finished.
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. 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
FinanceFrom EUR 980 on a selection of 3 colours. Other colours are available at higher prices. Plan for your shirt and accessories separately. Your advisor confirms a quote for the complete outfit before ordering.
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.
Complete Wedding Suit Checklist
6-8 months before the wedding
- Define the overall wedding style (formal, relaxed, country...)
- Book an appointment with a made-to-measure tailor
- Begin exploring inspiration (Pinterest, magazines)
- Set your suit budget
- Coordinate with the bride on the general style
- First atelier appointment - measurement taking
- Choose the suit fabric and colour
- Decide on the style: 2 or 3 pieces
- Define the details: buttons, lining, finishes
- Coordinate the groomsmen's suits if needed
- First suit fitting
- Check the fit and request alterations
- Order accessories: tie/bow tie, pocket square
- Choose shoes and try them with the trousers
- Order the ceremony shirt
- Final fitting with all accessories
- Ensure everything is perfect
- Purchase final accessories: cufflinks, socks
- Plan suit storage and transport
- Inform the groomsmen of their outfit
- Have the suit pressed or steamed if necessary
- Prepare all accessories together
- Try the complete outfit one last time
- Prepare an emergency kit (thread, needle, stain remover)
- Confirm the storage location for the day
- Take your time getting dressed
- Start with the shirt, finish with the jacket
- Check the pocket square fold
- Verify buttonholes and cufflinks
- Smile and enjoy this unique day!
Expert Tips for the Big Day
- Wear your suit and shoes at least once before the wedding to break them in
- Plan a light breakfast to avoid any discomfort
- Keep the jacket open when seated to avoid creasing
- Ask your best man to check your appearance regularly
- Prepare a spare pocket square just in case
Key takeaways
The 10 Commandments of the Wedding Suit
- Plan ahead: a minimum of 2-3 months for stress-free made-to-measure
- Coordinate: with the bride on colours and style before any decision
- Invest: made-to-measure for the groom - photographs for eternity are worth the investment
- Try at the first appointment: fitting to note all necessary adjustments
- Accessorise: pocket square, cufflinks, polished shoes - details count
- Do not overlook the groomsmen: coordinate 2-3 months beforehand, group made-to-measure if possible
- Choose comfort: you will wear the suit 10-12 hours - comfort is the priority
- Test mobility: dancing, sitting, raising arms during the fitting
- Prepare an emergency kit: brush, thread, stain remover for the day
- Preserve carefully: professional cleaning after the wedding, careful storage
Frequently asked questions
Before you begin.
From EUR 980 on a selection of 3 colours. Other colours are available at higher prices. A matching made-to-measure shirt is available from EUR 160.
The lead time is generally 3 to 5 weeks depending on the range, excluding any final alterations. For a wedding, it is advisable to plan further ahead to coordinate accessories, groomsmen and shirt.
The process includes a consultation and measurement appointment, style and fabric selection, then a fitting. Delivery follows once adjustments are validated.
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.
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.
The groom's guide · Free
68 pages to prepare the big day.
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From rules to practice · Paris 7th
The advisory appointment covers buttoning, colour pairings and the mistakes to avoid, with your adviser. No obligation.
Further reading
