The suits of the newlyweds (and the guests)

Part One

Let’s take a step forward from the checklist and write about the (infinite) topic of the suits of the newlyweds, as in last Sunday issue I’ve only briefly touched on an important aspect, i.e. the choice to have the groom and the best men all wear suits made by the same tailor (highly recommended). 

This is, in fact, one of the many nuances that the “suits chapter” can present.

We might as well take the topic had on and start today with some rules.

There is a well-defined code that concerns the suits of the ceremony, both those of the newlyweds and those of the guests, but it seems that we often completely forget about this code, put it aside, to do our own thing.

Nothing serious, obviously; indeed, fantasy and modernity are welcome, but something is worth keeping in mind.

First of all, we must keep in mind the time (and sometimes the season) of the ceremony: a morning wedding, with lunch to follow, requires compliance with some very basic principles that will be very different in the case of an afternoon wedding with dinner to follow.

Number 1: a very elegant wedding involves a morning coat. The latter should be specified in the invitation and men who don’t plan on wearing one should be specifically exempted as, if requested, it becomes mandatory. But be careful, as very often a sensational blunder takes place, regarding the time of the wedding. A wedding requesting men to wear a morning coat can only take place in the morning.

Number 2: Tuxedos are strictly forbidden. Such suit absolutely cannot be worn at a wedding, not even an evening wedding.

Number 3: Ladies’ hats should be allowed only and exclusively in the morning. Showing up at an afternoon wedding wearing a hat, albeit elegant and custom made for the occasion, means that you are unaware of the wedding bon ton.

Number 4: The bride’s gloves should be long above the elbow, in case of a low-cut dress.

Number 5: The guests should not be allowed to wear, in any circumstances, white or black suits: these two colors are forbidden in any wedding ceremony. 

These first five rules are very basic and they’ve been around for ages, yet it seems that many people struggle with keeping them in mind.

I decided to start this suits chapter with these five basic rules so that they can be easily remembered. Beyond this point, personal choices and considerations could be made.

Until next Sunday.