Q: We are getting married abroad and wondered if you had any suggestions for the groom’s suit. He doesn’t want anything too heavy because of the heat and was thinking of maybe not wearing the jacket at all? Also is it possible to hire outfits for two weeks?
Marc Wallace: If it's a formal venue then I would suggest a lightweight 8oz wool suit, with an open collar shirt. Only use linen for beach weddings or a less formal setting, as it will always look slightly more casual. My advice would be for him to wear a suit as he can always take the jacket off after the vows. As for hire you may find it expensive for two weeks, so try purchasing from Topman (topman.com).
Q: Half our male attendants are wearing kilts and the other half are in grey morning suits. We have settled with a silvery/grey colour tie but for all of them but I'm concerned that this will clash with the morning suits. What do you think?
Marc Wallace: In most cases silvers and greys work really well together, without seeing the fabrics I cannot say for sure, but don't worry if you have a mix of colour, silver always has a way of bringing things together. Try a flower in their button holes, this will give continuity to your wedding party.
Q: My H2B wants to wear white/ivory. His best man has said he would too, but my dad has unfortunately said no. Any ideas for my dad?
Marc Wallace: I totally understand your father’s reservations. Light shades are not for everyone and you have to feel comfortable standing out in a crowd. Don’t worry about having all the suits exactly the same - it's much more important that the shade of the suit works well with your father’s colouring.
Q: I've finally chosen my dress - an ivory full-length gown with lace and beading. My groom has expressed quite an interest in wearing a cream suit, but I'm worried we'll clash. He's also a little interested in a beige colour, but I don't know if this will look too informal. Our colour scheme is all whites and creams for the flowers, with the bridesmaids wearing earthy greens.

Marc Wallace: Earthy green looks great with a dark brown suit, and would really help your dress to stand out. But I wouldn't worry too much about combining different ivories together, ivory may really suit him and with the right buttonhole and accessories it could work well with everything else. The main rule to stick to is never put white with anything off white such as ivory or cream; the white makes other shades look dirty!
Q: H2B wants to wear tails with pinstripe trousers. We are getting married at Babington House in Somerset...so classical with a contemporary twist. What ties should they go for?
Marc Wallace: So many morning suits are hired and do not fit properly, it's the fit that makes all the difference. Remember that the trousers are striped so don't have heavily patterned accessories.
Q: My H2B will be wearing a kilt outfit - he wants to go for the Argyll day jacket and high waistcoat in a dark charcoal grey. My bridesmaids are wearing dresses which are chocolate with a touch of vanilla in them. My dress is a very creamy ivory colour (almost champagne). What colour of tie should H2B go for?
Marc Wallace: It's always a challenge to match wedding colours with tartan attire. You almost need to treat his outfit separately to the rest of the party. But you are right to be concerned about the tie, I think that gold looks great with charcoal and brown, but I would choose the tartan first, and then make a decision on the tie. You really need to try different combinations on with their skin tones and colouring to see what works.
Q: My dress is diamond white and my bridesmaid is wearing an olive dress. I am keeping my flowers simple with ivory roses and greenery. Can you recommend any colours for my best man and fathers? Would I need to try and match their ties with the olive of my maid? I was thinking of a dark suit and all white tie and waistcoat for my groom, what do you think?
Marc Wallace: It sounds like a gorgeous combination of colours already. It would be great if you could bring out the olive for the ties or wraps, we have a swatch service if you'd like some samples to choose from. As for your groom, dark brown suits look stunning with olive and white. I love your idea of combining his suit with a white tie and waistcoat; this would work either with a white shirt or even a light olive shirt.
Q: My H2B and his groomsmen are having black lounge suits with white shirts and then H2B is in a pale gold tie and waistcoat and the rest in a pale pink. Do you think they are necessary or overkill?
Marc Wallace: Sometimes the hanky can be a bit much. If you're having a buttonhole you do not need the hanky, but if you’re not, I would add the gold hanky for that finishing touch.
