The Formal Wedding - the ultimate guide to groom style

The Formal Wedding - the ultimate guide to groom style

The formal wedding is the grandest of occasions and as a groom or a guest it's your duty to look your very best. But since the only option is morning dress, how hard can it be? The bride, on the other hand, has an entirely different set of decisions to make with regards to her dress, as evidenced by the fact that there is an entire industry devoted to bridal, but very little advice and options out there for the groom. 

But if you've been following Favourbrook for a while then you'll know that we're huge advocates of drilling down to the details of groomswear and morning dress. While it's difficult to look bad in a morning suit ensemble, it takes some knowledge and good decisions to look really good.

The Morning Suit

 
 
main

The main questions the groom needs to ask himself with regards to the morning suit is regarding its configuration, which can be one of a number of options: black coat and cashmere stripe trousers; black coat and grey houndstooth trousers; or matching two-piece (or three-piece) charcoal or navy morning suit. Those are the three starting points for any groom. The most traditional format is the black morning coat and cashmere stripe trousers (they're not actually made from cashmere - the name refers to the pattern of the stripe).

Swapping the trousers for a grey houndstooth variety offers a lighter look that may be preferable in high summer, or for weddings on the continent. The more contemporary option would be the matching two/three-piece morning suit, which we would recommend in either charcoal or navy. Both styles are exquisite. King Charles, for example, always favours a light grey morning suit for Royal Ascot, while the navy style is a touch more modern and fabulous option for glamorous evening venues.

 
 
Sale
 

The Waistcoat

A number of variables may factor into the groom's waistcoat, some of which may be out of his hands! An eagle-eyed bride or wedding planner for example, may have chosen a certain floral scheme that jars with various colours. In floral arrangements of white and lilac, one doesn't want to be wearing a vibrant orange or yellow waistcoat for example - softer pastel tones more in keeping with the fauna would be recommended so as to not spoil the treasured photos of the day!

 
 
 

Then there's the question of single or double-breasted waistcoat. In most cases the double-breasted waistcoat comes across as the more formal style and the sweep of its shawl collar is certainly very sophisticated. That said, for more portly body types, the square finish can be anything but flattering. Single-breasted styles, with their neat uniform row of buttons can be splendid too and tend to hold pattern more effectively than the DB.

Speaking of which, pattern or plain is largely a matter of personal choice. A sophisticated floral pattern waistcoat will work perfectly for some but will be too much for others so it is best to try on in store. A geometric pattern is a good choice as it maintains a degree of formal uniformity. With plain styles, strong colours can be very effective since one only ever sees a slither of them beneath the morning coat, while more muted pastels are a safer approach.

The Tie and Pocket Square

Similarly, the tie and pocket square are largely down to personal preference but there are some hard and fast rules that we would advise adhering to. Matching both to the waistcoat is not something we would generally recommend simply because you lose much of the impact and interest each one can deliver. Homogenising the trio seems to be missing a trick.

 

Instead, one could try working with a broader palette of complementary colours - so if you're waistcoat is pink for example, try a red polka-dot tie and a white or cream pocket square. Or if the waistcoat is a neutral tone such as a light grey, then you can adopt a contrast colour for the tie, such as navy or pale green, and omit the pocket square entirely. Again, the best course of action is to drop into Favourbrook's Pall Mall store and run through a gamut of different configurations to find one that suits you.

The Party Change

 

At some point just before the evening's proceedings, you may wish to change out of your morning suit and into eveningwear, typically black tie. Classic black tie needs no introduction but for a wedding one may wish for something altogether more flamboyant and memorable. At Favourbrook, we have a host of different dinner jacket styles, from the ornately embroidered to sophisticated velvet options that are both fun and elegant. Given that you'll only be married once (allegedly), you may as well make it an evening to remember!

Shop Wedding Attire

Older Post Newer Post

7 Jaw-Dropping Wedding Venues In The UK

7 Jaw-Dropping Wedding Venues In The UK

The UK is home to some of the most stunning wedding venues imaginable, with stately homes providing the perfect balance of heritage, luxury, and lasting...

Read more
Eveningwear With Edge

Eveningwear With Edge

Discover Favourbrook’s avant-garde dinner jackets, from vibrant velvet to bold patterns, redefining black-tie elegance. Embrace personal flair with frilled shirts and eclectic bow ties for...

Read more
Silk and Sophistication: Mastering Eveningwear

Silk and Sophistication: Mastering Eveningwear

Indulge in Favourbrook Womenswear’s luxurious evening collections, where extravagant silk coats, flowing dresses, chic jumpsuits, and palazzo pants blend timeless elegance with modern flair. Style...

Read more
It's Henley Week! Here Are A Few Style Notes

It's Henley Week! Here Are A Few Style Notes

It's Day 1 of Henley week! From lightweight linen blazers to summery dresses, discover how to master the regatta’s sartorial elegance with sophistication and ease.

Read more
The Royal Ascot Round-Up 2025

The Royal Ascot Round-Up 2025

What a week of racing and fashion! Here are some of the Favourbrook highlights and the moments that made the week.

Read more
Lightweight Morning Coats For Summer Events

Lightweight Morning Coats For Summer Events

Morning coats are typical worn in the summer so why are so many cut in heavy wool cloth? At Favourbrook, we have a selection of...

Read more
Wardrobe Strategy For A Busy Summer Season

Wardrobe Strategy For A Busy Summer Season

And we're off! Here's what the summer season has in store over the next few months and what should be wearing to stand out from...

Read more
Dressing for European Weddings with Favourbrook: Timeless Elegance for Men and Women

Dressing for European Weddings with Favourbrook: Timeless Elegance for Men and Women

If you're attending an overseas wedding this summer, read our guide on how to dress accordingly.

Read more
What to Wear to Garsington Opera 2025: Dress Codes, Style Tips, and Festival Highlights

What to Wear to Garsington Opera 2025: Dress Codes, Style Tips, and Festival Highlights

Fast becoming one of the highlights of the season, the Garsington Opera at Wormsley is a beautiful occasion to dress up for...

Read more
Mastering the Royal Enclosure: Crafting the Perfect Morning Dress Ensemble

Mastering the Royal Enclosure: Crafting the Perfect Morning Dress Ensemble

Royal Ascot racegoers, if you have been invited to the Royal Enclosure this year, this article is a must-read to ensure your morning suit ensemble...

Read more
What We're Wearing At The Chelsea Flower Show This Week

What We're Wearing At The Chelsea Flower Show This Week

Chelsea Flower Show begins today, showcasing some of the worlds finest horticultural talents. Even if you're not green-fingered, it's a chance to socialise in style,...

Read more
Four Wedding Looks For Summer Elegance

Four Wedding Looks For Summer Elegance

With a busy summer schedule and weekends loaded up with weddings, we've curated four sophisticated looks to ensure you make a statement.

Read more