06.04.2024
Dress the part
As summer diaries fill up with multiple wedding invites, it’s time to assess your role in the upcoming nuptials – supportive best man or tenuous invitee – and let Thomas Pink elevate your attire.
‘I do’ season is upon us for another year. Weddings are a grand celebration of everlasting love – and a great excuse for a good old- fashioned knees-up. Obsessing over what to wear may seem like the bride’s prerogative and hers alone, but that’s simply not the case and grooms and guests are increasingly involved in planning the big day.
But whether you’re a groom, part of the wedding party or simply a guest, knowing your place in the upcoming nuptials (so to speak), is key to figuring out what to wear. While it may be tempting to dust off the same tried-and-tested suit you’ve been wearing since your first post-uni job interview, now is the time to take your wedding guest attire up a notch. And you can trust in Thomas Pink to be your guide...
Father of the bride (or groom)
It’s true that the father of the bride or groom won’t have as much choice as Mother dearest, but that doesn’t mean that Dad’s wardrobe should be of secondary importance. A wedding is a milestone day for every member of the family, and a father’s role is pivotal, especially if he’s walking his child down the aisle. The dress code should ultimately dictate the outfit: formal, black tie, beach-casual etc. So Dad’s outfit should adhere to this while complementing that of the groom and ushers without being a carbon copy. So, feel free to go a little left-field with the outfit – adding unique accessories, going tieless or opting for a slightly different hue – in order to emphasise your unique role without stepping on anyone’s toes.
The Groom
All eyes may be on the bride as she makes her way down the aisle, but don’t forget that it’s the groom’s big day too. Men are increasingly proactive in wedding planning alongside their spouse; the idea of the controlling bridezilla micromanaging every little detail is somewhat outdated. Of course, there are some brides who will want a say (and a chance to veto) their groom’s sartorial choices, and there is something
of an unwritten rule that the groom should always run his outfit past his betrothed (but rarely the other way around). However, providing you stick to the dress code and colour palette then everything should be hunky dory. Having said that, don’t feel pressured to go full tuxedo or morning suit if it’s not your cup of tea. Your outfit should reflect your personality and make you feel confident and happy, whether you go black tie or opt for a more modern, informal suit.
The Best Man
The best man occupies a very special place in the heart of the groom – and the wider bridal party. Chances are that thoughts and energy will be directed to penning the perfect speech, but what you wear on the
big day is also very important (especially considering how many photos you’ll appear in). In the past, groomsmen and bridesmaids tended to be very matchy-matchy, right down to the cufflinks and hairstyles. But these days, bridal parties are a little more relaxed. Having said that, the golden rule is to adhere to the same level of formality as the groom and the other ushers. So feel free to go for a different fabric or tie pattern, but you don’t want to turn up in Converse shoes while the groom and ushers are in their polished Oxford brogues.
The Guest
The wedding guest has the luxury of not being in the spotlight on the big day and can therefore be a little more relaxed and carefree in their attire. However, adhering to the dress code is common courtesy, so do read the invite properly, even if the idea of a guest colour code makes you roll your eyes. Make sure to find out beforehand just how formal the do is. If a suit isn’t a prerequisite, go for a colourful shirt, worn loose and unbuttoned at the neck, or an unstructured blazer and relaxed trousers.
