Groom Expert Q&A

Q "I'm trying to find brown suits for my groom, best man and ushers. Where can I find them to hire for less than £100?" ‘Emma2908'
A Visit Hugh Harris (www.hughharris.co.uk), which has a brown morning suit and also a brown lounge suit, both £75 each to hire.


Q "What can I buy my groom for the wedding day? I was thinking about maybe a men's version of the perfume I will be wearing?" ‘MrsW2b'
A Matching scents are a great idea as they will forever remind you of your wedding. You could even wear the same one - I love the new unisex fragrance Electric from Calvin Klein, £25 (100ml), out in September.


Q "My h2b doesn't want to wear a traditional wedding outfit, where can I look for something a bit different?" ‘Kel'
A I recommend a trip to Marc Wallace (www.marcwallace.com), one of my favourite menswear designers, which does a great line in funky suits in lots of different colours, floral shirts and vibrant matching ties and waistcoats.


Q "Help! I have been told by a recent groom that I should write to my h2b's football club manager for a telegram of congratulations, which can be read at the reception. I have never heard of this - has anyone else?" ‘Rjs'
A I think this is a great idea! I wrote to the manager of Crystal Palace who sent a signed letter for my friend's wedding, wishing them both the best of luck. I can't guarantee that all clubs will be as accommodating but it's certainly worth a try.


Q "My fiancé doesn't want to wear a traditional outfit. Does anyone know of a menswear company or tailors who do traditional morning suits with a twist?" ‘Eden'
A If you want to make a traditional morning suit look a little more funky why not go for a jacket and trousers in the same colour, instead of trousers in grey? Alternatively, try one of Moss Bros's (www.mossbros.co.uk) trendy ¾ length jackets.


Q "I want to get my groom a wedding day gift but we're hoping to get married in Oz so I don't want to carry a large present. I also don't want to spend more than £100. Any ideas?" ‘Alison2'
A Traditional gifts such as a nice watch with the wedding date engraved on the back or a smart wallet shouldn't be too heavy, www.simoncarter.net is a great place to look for both. Or why not get him an activity? www.redletterdays.co.uk has some great days out for £99 and all you need to carry is the voucher in a small presentation box.


Q "Should my dad wear tails like the bridegroom, bestman and pageboys, or is a normal suit OK?" ‘Hoops'
A Normally the father of the bride wears the same as the rest of the males in the wedding party but if he'd rather wear a normal suit that's totally up to you.


Q "Who should pay for the outfits for groom, best man, two brothers and both fathers?" ‘Dinkyfur'
A Generally you and your fiancé pay to hire or buy all of the wedding party's suits as well as the bridesmaids' dresses. If your budget won't stretch maybe ask them all to wear their own black suits, as most men will own one, although you'll have to put up with them not matching perfectly.


Q "Are all the male guests at the wedding supposed to have buttonholes or just the groom, best man etc, and if so, should they match the bride's flowers?" ‘Tweedy'
A It's normally just the men in the wedding party who wear buttonholes. They can be any flowers you like but the groom often wears a slightly different one that includes some of the flowers from your bouquet.


Q "Any thoughts about the groom wearing an ivory suit to match my ivory dress?" ‘pink'
A I think an ivory suit can look great and very modern. Perhaps team it with a colourful buttonhole and tie or cravat to match the wedding colours. Visit www.anthonyformalwear.co.uk for a good selection.


Q "We're getting married in Mauritius and I need ideas for my groom's outfit. Does anyone know any trendy websites where I could get a lightweight suit for him?" 'Nicole'
A Try King and Allen (www.kingandallen.co.uk), which makes bespoke suits to your specifications - so you can choose the colour and a lightweight fabric - for a very affordable £199 to £299. Moss Bros (www.mossbros.co.uk) has a selection of hirewear designed for weddings abroad in lighter colours and materials.


Q "My h2b has decided that he wants to wear a tie rather than a cravat but then what should the best man and ushers wear? Should they all be dressed the same or should the groom wear something slightly different?" ‘Bella1'
A Often the groom wears a similar style tie or cravat as the groomsmen with a slightly different pattern on it or it a different colour. There's no reason though why he shouldn't wear a tie while his ushers wear cravats if that's what you would prefer.



Don't worry if your question hasn't been answered this time, we'll be bringing you lots more expert advice very soon.

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