A Suit to Suit

What to wear, what to wear. It's unfortunately not as simple as grabbing a suit and tie and heading up the aisle.

The range of clothing for your wedding can be a bit overwhelming...but you need to wear something that will fit both your wedding style and location.

Here are a few wedding scenarios and a suit to match.

YOUR LOCATION

It won't make much sense to wear a full tuxedo and tails if you are getting married on the beach in Rarotonga. Nor would it look quite right if you wore a linen shirt and rolled up khaki pants if your wedding will be held in an ornate, Catholic cathedral.

Here are a few common locations and a suggested outfit to match:

Island Beach: Throw on a white linen shirt and casual khaki pants OR (if that's a bit too much for you) a relaxed khaki suit with an open white shirt. No need for shoes - go with leather jandals.

Vineyard or Gardens: Try a contemporary grey or black three-button suit with an open shirt or a graphic print silk tie. Wear sleek black shoes to top off the look.

Church: Don a classic black tuxedo with a waistcoat and tie OR a morning suit (traditional single button with curved front and full tails) with all the trimmings, if your service is before 4.30pm.

Backyard: Dress in a casual, modern light grey suit or wear chic black paints with a tailored shirt. Top it off with stylish, light brown or black shoes.

Museum or Sophisticated Function Venue: A Roma suit (three-button pin stripe suit) with a French-cuffed white shirt and a silk tie (either black, the same colour as the bridesmaids dresses or a graphic print) will look sharp.

YOUR TIMING

The time of day and time of year may play a part in the suit you choose. If you're getting married in the morning, remember that it may get warmer as the day gets longer, so make sure it's alright for you to take off the jacket etc. Morning suits, as noted above, are typically worn before 4.30pm as well.

A classic, tailored two- or three-button suit looks great for a late afternoon wedding, but again, if it's a warm day, consider the fabrics. It's probably best to steer clear of thick, wool suits, and it's probably best to wear a cotton shirt that breathes well.

If you want to look smart casual on your wedding day, there is nothing wrong with wearing a really nice opened, collared shirt with smart black dress pants and black shoes. Today's fashions tend to lend themselves to a slightly fitted dress shirt with cufflinks tucked in, straight-legged pants that are not too baggy and slightly pointed, shiny, leather shoes.

If you're worried about sweating too much, there's nothing wrong with stashing a "reserve" shirt that you can change into later in the day.

The later the wedding ceremony, the more formal the attire tends to be. A tuxedo or traditional tails adds to the elegance of an evening wedding, but it's not a "must" if your wedding theme is less than formal.

YOUR BODY

Check out A Groom's Dress Guide to Size to find out what suits your body shape.

YOUR THEME
Your attire should work in well with the overall theme of the wedding. If you are going for a light and airy garden-themed wedding on the patio of a beautiful estate, a tan or platinum suit with a tailored shirt and chocolate brown shoes will look great.

On the other hand, if you're going for the black and white fairytale evening wedding, a full tuxedo with a satin vest, satin tie and wing collar shirt will look the part.

You should discuss this with your fiancé to ensure you tie in well with the wedding's style.