Now What Does The Groom Wear?
Article by | Robin Wagner, the “Fairy Gownmother,” Chantilly Grace
Robin Wagner of Chantilly Grace in Brenham, TX helps couples find the perfect match for gowns and suits or tuxes. It should be just as important for the groom to love what he is wearing, as much as the bride loves her dress.
We all know that the official wedding planning starts with finding the venue, which sets the date and starts the official timeline. Next, comes finding the perfect dress, selecting the color for the bridesmaid dresses and maybe even mothers.
But, what’s the groom and his guy tribe going to wear? Does he have a vision for his wedding day or will he wear whatever you tell him and he’s just going to be glad that you showed up? Hopefully, I can give you some guidance for this process.
First of all, I have to admit that I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest. It is great for ideas, but not necessarily for colors. We have no idea what filters were used on the picture that you absolutely love for your groomsmen party that has that “perfect color” blue suit. You must remember that colors photograph differently in different light, so the overall goal is to find something close and that your groom loves. It should be just as important for him to love what he is wearing, as you do your dress.
Colors photograph differently in different light, so the overall goal is to find something close and that your groom loves.
FOR THE GROOM
I have many guys that have come in and discuss fitting issues with wedding attire from being in other weddings.
This usually happens for a few reasons: (1) The attire comes in the day before the wedding, which does not allow time for replacements or adjustments (2) A wedding party member picks up the attire and assumes that “It’s going to be good” and the gentlemen don’t try them on until it’s too late (3) They are measured by someone who isn’t experienced in measuring suits.
With that being said, how do we avoid most of these issues?
The coat. First, understand that the most expensive part of the rental is the coat, which is also one of the most important when it comes to fit and appearance in pictures.
Shoulders and inseams. The problem with the suit industry is that every single designer is going to cut their coat a little differently – usually around the armholes. I know that it sounds silly, but this one element can make the coat too tight through the shoulders, which would mean going up a size or it can affect the sleeve inseam length.
TRY IT ON! This is why I insist that everyone try on their attire before they leave the store. If something does not fit the way that it needs to, we will have the opportunity to fix or order a replacement in time for the big day.
Set a “Groomsmen Appointment.” I have also learned that guys are more likely to get their measurements done if you have them all come in together. This is what I call a “Groomsmen Appointment” and the date is usually scheduled after the groom has had his groom try-on and all of the attire selections are finalized. Crazy, I know… but it works!
TIP: Guys want to be part of their friends’ weddings, but they see having to drive to a store, get measured, give someone money for something that they are going to have to go back and pick up in the future, as an inconvenience. If everyone comes in at the same time, it becomes a social event and they are all going through it together.
BRIDES & COUPLES
Think about a cohesive palette for photos.
I was working with one bride, and she kept showing me this picture and saying, “this blue suit that I want.” I said, “I have no idea what color blue that is. It could vary from a navy to more of cobalt.”
Then I asked her to show me her color palette with flowers and bridesmaid dresses. They were soft blushes and dewy neutrals. I had suggested a slate blue suit which I thought would work better for her palette and also look great in the wedding pictures. She said, “But, I want my guys to look like this.” I looked at her with caring eyes and said, “I understand what you are saying, but this is their wedding picture, now, let’s create yours.”
It was at that moment, that she took a deep breath and said, “You’re right, let’s do the slate blue.” So, that’s what we did, and the groom was happy, he loved his suit, and the pictures were beautiful!
Why set up a Custom consultation?
I would like to think that this one-on-one consultation approach is what makes Chantilly Grace different from the big box stores.
It is important to us that I get to know our couples and truly understand their vision and the palette for their wedding day. After all, wedding photography is eating up a nice part of your budget, so everyone in your pictures needs to look great!
Attend as a couple. I start by setting an appointment to meet with the couple to explore inspiration pics and discuss color of suits, ties, and shoes.
TIP: It is important that the bride has a swatch or swatches of bridesmaid dress colors for this appointment to match ties for groomsmen, ushers, dads, etc.
The groom try-on. Next, I measure the groom and schedule his complimentary groom try-on. This is where we order everything that the groom will be wearing for his wedding day and give him the opportunity to come in and try it on. It is important to us to perfect the groom’s look and fit, just as it is for your dress. Hopefully, everyone is happy with the selections and the fit. If not, we are able to make timely adjustments prior to receiving the attire the week of the wedding.
We hope that you have found this information helpful. Chantilly Grace would love the opportunity to dress your groomsmen party for your special day. Whether it’s the top part of the suit with jeans and boots, a classic James Bond tux, or anything in between, we will take care of you! Warm wishes and congratulations on your special day!
– Robin Wagner, “The Fairy Gownmother”
Chantilly Grace – Bridal Gowns, Mother’s Attire, Grandmother’s Attire, Flowergirl Attire, Suit & Tuxedo Rentals, Veils | Accessories | Jewelry
212 E. Main St., Brenham, TX 77833
chantillygracetx.com
979.421.8434
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