GET YOUR GROOM LOOKING HOT WITH THESE WEDDING SUIT IDEAS

We know it’s your big day, but your groom will be in the spotlight, too! Here, menswear experts Formal Tailor reveal their wedding suit ideas, so you can make sure he feels cool and confident in front of your guests…

It goes without saying that you’ll want your groom to feel super special on your wedding day. And that all starts with his suit. Make sure you take your venue, theme and season into consideration when you’re looking for ideas.

Don’t be constrained by tradition. Think about what will flatter your groom’s figure. For shorter grooms, a shorter jacket will look best on the big day. The more traditional tail or morning suit can make them look smaller in your pictures. Choose a material weight to match the month in which you are marrying, too. Go for a lighter fabric like linen for the summer months, or if you’re getting married abroad, and a heavier blend of wool in winter.

Morning suit

This is the most formal option available for grooms. A single breasted suit with a large tail at the back. Jackets are usually black or grey. Traditionally worn with a top hat, striped trousers and a waistcoat. Best for traditional church or formal civil ceremonies.

Tails

The classic tail coat has two long tails at the back it should be worn with braces, a white shirt, waistcoat and cravat. Less formal than the morning suit, it is suitable for civil celebrations.

Black tie

A popular choice for an evening soiree, with plenty of options including a variety of different lapels. Choose black or white and wear with a bow tie for a classic and timeless look. Also a great choice if you’re planning a glamorous or James Bond-type wedding theme!

Lounge suit

Some grooms feel more comfortable in a classic everyday style suit, which can be enhanced by a matching waistcoat and cravat. Make the groom stand out from the best man and ushers with a different coloured waistcoat or tie. Formal Tailor has over 160 shades of waistcoats, cummerbunds and cravats.

Reader offer!

We’ve teamed up with Formal Tailor this month to bring you an exclusive offer to get your groom looking gorgeous for less. All Wedding Ideas readers will receive a 20% discount on all sale suits booked using the code WeddIdeas20 between now and the end of May.

Not sure your groom has gone his speech sorted? Point him in the direction of our ultimate speech guide right here.

WINTER WEDDING? READ THESE STYLE TIPS FOR YOUR GROOM

Winter wedding? Outfit experts A Suit That Fits have got some top style tips to get your groomsmen aisle ready! Notebooks at the ready…

Consider a tweed wedding suit

Known for its rough texture and beige or grey colour, tweed was once considered an informal cloth. Today, people see tweed in a different light. In contrast to the rural and informal associations of yesteryear, tweed is often seen as chic, whimsical and authentically British. Not only have we seen an increase in tweed business suits, we’ve also tailored some fantastic, tweed, wedding suits, too.

Rustic weddings

If you’re having a rustic wedding this autumn or winter, in a barn or a country church, a tweed suit will look fantastic. Tweed was designed for the green but often rainy, Great British outdoors. Nothing looks better against a misty backdrop of hills and fields than a man in a tweed suit.

Add a waistcoat

Still not sure about a tweed wedding suit? Consider adding a waistcoat, making it a three piece suit instead. The waistcoat will balance the perceived informality of the cloth, making it special enough for the occasion.

Warm up with wool

A wool/cashmere blend – whether as a lounge suit or as a morning suit – is a good choice for an autumn or winter groom’s suit. It’s luxurious, comfortable and keeps you warm all day. The fact that this is your wedding suit means durability might not be your number one priority.  This is good because cashmere trousers wear through quickly and tailors will often recommend buying two pairs with your suit.

Look fab in flannel

A flannel wedding suit will keep out the cold and add an autumnal flavour to your attire. Flannel was once the go-to fabric for men’s suiting. This was before wool ousted it as the most popular type of cloth. One very good reason to get married in flannel is that you’ll have the suit for many autumns and winters to come as is it very durable. Its softness, versatility and medium weight means you’ll probably get more use out of it than a tweed alternative.

Eye on the time

If you’re wearing a three piece suit, a classic pocket watch on a chain is a great way to mark the specialness of the day. There look particularly dashing when wore as part of a wider vintage theme.

Bring on the braces

Braces are an attractive addition to a groom’s wedding suit, especially if you’re going for a more casual look – for instance, if you’re wearing them with trousers, a shirt and canvas trainers. Not many modern men get to wear braces.  Like the pocket watch, they have a novelty factor that can look unique in your wedding photographs.

Final tip

Whatever look you’re interested in, make sure you include your fiancée in the discussion. You may not be allowed to see her dress, but if she doesn’t know what you have in mind, how will you know that your outfits are complementary? You two have to be in the know!

So that’s your suit sorted but what about your speech? Read our top tips for presenting the perfect prose here, or check out these hilarious wedding speeches guaranteed to get your guests giggling!

GET YOUR GROOM WALKING DOWN THE AISLE IN STYLE

It’s about time to waltz down the aisle in style! All eyes are on the bride and groom on the big day, so you’ve got to make sure your attire is in tip top shape. We’ve teamed up with The Idle Man to bring you the best of the best when it comes to groom and groomswear tips…

Put a ring on it

Those donning a wedding suit support the sentiment of commitment. Take the sense of committing a step further and purchase, rather than hire, your wedding suit. It will cost more but there’s no comparison between a suit tailored to your and one you’re hiring for the day. When it comes to your wedding suit, go all in and buy the suit.

It’s a wedding (not a business) suit

You want to look like you’re marrying the partner of your dreams, not charming the pants off a boardroom of investors. Consider a traditional, black suit. A three-piece makes a nice impression Don’t be frugal regarding the investment! Buying a wedding suit is not a time to try and save on money – you need a one-of-a-kind suit to marry the person you’ll be with for the rest of your life.

Take the next step

Take the next step and invest in a tailor. A great fit is the reason to buy rather than rent the suit, so it’s important for it to look like it was made for you. Find a tailor and make the added investment in securing a perfect fit. An expensive and ill-fitting suit pales in comparison to a suit of less quality that fits great.

Find fabulous fabric

A well-dressed man chooses quality fabric. The fabric dictates the form, and flimsy, cheap fabric appears as such on a man’s frame. Contrarily, thick, quality fabrics present good form and sharp cuts in the right places. A suit’s presentation is only as good as the fabric!

Wear pieces post-wedding

You might be hesitant to make such a large investment in a suit that you’ll wear for one day. Yet, you don’t have to retire the wedding suit after the nuptials. Take the suit apart and wear pieces alone. For example, the jacket worn as a blazer works well with slacks, jeans and a formal night out. Also, the waistcoat may be worn with dress shoes and a nice pair of trousers. Even the trousers can be worked into a workday ensemble!

Make it fit right

As stressed, the fit of the suit matters more than the price. An expensive yet poor-fitting suit does not make a grand impression. So, it’s important to go to a tailor and understand how the pieces of the suit should fit:

• The shoulder of the jacket should end at the wearer’s shoulder.
• A shirt shouldn’t lay straight down but move inward toward the torso starting at the armpits.
• A jacket should just about cover the wearer’s posterior – no shorter or longer.
• The shirt should end at the wrist, leaving a bit of room so about a half-inch of shirt can be seen underneath the jacket.
• The trousers should be snug yet comfortable, and sit right above the beginning of the shoe.

Don’t forget accessories

You may have a colour scheme related to the wedding or add pizzazz to an otherwise elegant, yet plain outfit. Use waistcoats, ties, cravats and pocket squares as accent pieces and opportunities to add colour. But don’t go overboard, don’t make any surprises for your partner to experience on the wedding day! There’s a time and a place for accentuation. If you’re unsure, as ask a tailor or fashion-orientated friend.

Dressing the men behind the man

Some grooms proudly strut down the aisle followed by a train of groomsmen. If your wedding hosts others as part of the ceremony, you’ll have to think about whether to dress them to emulate your appearance or choose an alternative. Moreover, consider shopping for your groomsmen at the same time for possible discounts.

Check the lapel and little details

Lastly, looking great comes down to the little details that people take notice of. For example, you have choice of a notched, peaked or shawl-collar lapel, each distinct in style and presentation! For example, a notched lapel accentuates an overall V-shape and looks good amid a well-tailored ensemble. Alternatively, shawl collars work well for wearers of all shapes – slim, tall, small and husky!

There is a lot to think about, it’s true – groomswear is more complicated than people think! But it’s a special day in your life, so you need to look your best. Buying rather than hiring, paying attention to small details, and arranging colour schemes with your partner and groomsmen ensures a wedding suit success!

To see more from The Idle Man, head over to the website now. Does your groom know the rules of a suit? Check them out here!

5 SUIT COLOURS IT’S OKAY FOR GROOMS TO WEAR ALL YEAR ROUND

In an ideal world, all men have access to a large walk-in wardrobe that includes a huge range of impeccably tailored suits. Oh, and available in every single colour imaginable; a suit for every occasion and every season.

Sadly, that’s not the reality for the majority of us, however, opt for sensible choices when it comes to colours. It means that five different suits cam be worn all year round without any sense of offending the season. And no, white linen is not included.

Black

Don’t be put off by wearing a black suit in the summer – it’s a classic look and will never look out of place. Of course, it’s not the right colour for a social event on a hot summer evening, so be sensible with when and where you use it. Perfect for business wear all year round and for evening functions, in the warmer months, lighten the look with a pale shirt and tie combo – or no tie at all.

Navy blue

Timelessly smart, navy blue is a great option if you want to keep it fairly formal but consider the occasion not quite suitable for black and the associations with that colour. You can dress it up or down, depending on the occasion, like teaming it with black shoes for the office or tan brogues for a more casual appearance. A navy jacket it ideal for pairing with jeans at the weekend too.

Charcoal grey

This is a super versatile colour and every man out there needs to own a charcoal grey suit. It’s formal enough to wear to the office or a business meeting, but also can be adapted for social occasions after your big day – like other weddings, dinner parties and events. The beauty of charcoal grey is that it tends to look richer and deeper – and therefore more expensive – than lighter greys. Try 6PM for examples!

Brown

Yes, brown. Possibly the most underrated and understated of the mainstream suit colours; brown should be in your top five. It’s more versatile than you think – it looks great with white, and almost any shade of blue. The chances are, too, that whenever you wear a brown suit, you’ll be in a minority in the room: the very stylish minority.

Pinstripe

Not a colour exactly, but a pinstripe suit is a welcome addition to the set of five. The pinstripe is no longer the exclusive to the banker or stiff office worker – it’s becoming a smart, savvy look for all men that want to stand out from the crowd. Pinstripe suits come in a range of colours though work best in blues, medium to light greys and brown. We’d say avoid black as that really does scream stockbroker!

If you’re struggling to find inspiration for your suit, Dobell have endless choices of smart, sophisticated suits for your big day!

TIS THE SEASON TO PROPOSE, AND WE’RE TALKING SURPRISE ENGAGEMENTS

Christmas kicks off ‘proposal season’ for the wedding industry, shortly followed, as it is, by new year and Valentine’s Day, also key dates in the sparkly-ring-giving calendar.

So, have you been browsing wedding sites for a while now, hoping that he will propose sometime soon? Or are you perhaps someone’s boyfriend/potential husband planning to get down on one knee this festive time, or on Valentine’s Day? Well, we have rounded up our favourite surprise engagement stories to give you some inspiration. Make it good, make it memorable!

Why not slip the ring on her finger while she’s asleep? She’ll either wake up there and then (have the Champagne on ice!) or will wake up to see it on her finger… So sweet!

Use your Christmas/new year/work night out… Have a word with the DJ, ask him to play your partner’s favourite song, and at the end make the proposal public. How can they refuse?!

If you’re flying somewhere soon, don’t wait until the end of the trip. Ask the cabin crew if you can use the cabin address system to propose at 35,000 feet.

Why not get your family and friends together, each wearing a letter of ‘Will You Marry Me?” Gather them in order for a group photo that your partner will take, and hey presto!

Tie a ribbon between two spots in the house, hanging love notes along it, saying things that you love about your partner. The last will of course be: “Will You Marry Me?”

Ask your local bakery to make a cake with the words: “Will You Marry Me?” iced on the top. You could just happen to be walking by the shop that day…

Arrange a trip to their favourite local spot. When the time is write, take off that heavy backpack (think Champagne, tasty snacks and finally the ring box).

Take your partner to their favourite restaurant. Make it as romantic as possible but make them wait until dessert is served up, with the ring box…

It’s an oldie, but a goodie – make a treasure hunt in your house, where the final clue leads her to the ring.

Rome, Venice, Paris, Edinburgh… Europe is blessed with the most romantic of cities, and flights can be inexpensive if booked enough in advance. Make it look like a straight-forward trip, but propose on the last day, maybe as you are packing up to leave.

Another real groom dressed his newborn baby in a vest saying ‘Will you marry daddy?’ and when his wife went to change him, she found the heartfelt message. And yes, she did say yes!

5 HISTORIES OF THE WEDDING BAND!

In celebration of National Proposal Day today, we thought it fitting to take you back to the the very origin of the Wedding band to inspire our brides and Grooms-to-be when choosing bands with sentiment and personality. 6PM presents a historical timeline of the wedding band! From the traditions of its exchange as a timeless symbol of commitment, to the desire for bespoke yet organic designs into high quality materials that will stand the test of time. The wedding Band to this day remains an imperative ritual and consideration of personality, where beauty and quality is paramount. Here we share with you how the ritual of the wedding band as we know it, has evolved and from where it was created..

Tradition and symbolism

Throughout human history, the act of marriage has evolved but historically the tradition of the wedding ring has been around for thousands of years! It is believed, that even as far back as 3, 000 years ago Egyptians were braiding and exchanging rings twisted of hemp, reeds and papyrus for the woman’s finger and other decorative ornaments worn for the purpose of the occasion.

• However, naturally these organic materials had little or no longevity and were quickly replaced with better lasting rings of leather,bone and Ivory.  Over the centuries, the style of wedding bands have evolved to be fashioned for permanence and durability. Developments in craft after the Egyptians and the Romans, saw Albeit crude materials like welded metals and plain inscribed bands made from unpolished silver and gold.

• The use of the circular band originated from not just the Egyptians but other ancient cultures. A belief that the circle symbolised eternity, bearing no beginning and no end. The hole of the ring was also believed to be symbolic of a gateway that would lead the couple into events both known as unknown as they both enter marriage together.

Giving and receiving of rings

In terms of tradition for presenting the ring to the bride-to-be, during the 1500s it was customary that European husbands would present their wives with what was known as a Gimmel ring.The Gimmel ring consisted of two interlocking gold rings. Both the man and the woman would wear one of the rings until their actual wedding day, where the two rings would then be reunited and the woman would wear the combined set from that day forward.

• During the Renaissance, we saw the creation of the poesy ring. Traditionally inscribed with typography in the form of a line of poetry or another written expression of love personal to the couple.

 The male wedding band

Up until the 1940’s, wives were generally the only party that wore a wedding band.It was not until during WWII that we saw the trend of both men and women wearing rings start to take effect. With being separated for long periods of time, wearing rings was a way for couples to remember one another during the time they were separated.

•  Today it is common practice that both husband and wife wear a wedding band and it’s not only women that have options when it comes to the style of their ring. In the last five years, the marketplace has seen a huge spike in terms of the design options for men’s bands. Just like women’s, men’s bands now come in every shape, color and design.

Design and detail

During the Victorian and Art Deco periods there was a noticeable transformation in women’s wedding bands. Not only were the bands becoming more ornate in style, but there was also the inclusion of diamonds and patterns within the design. Jump ahead to present day and the style of these time periods are now sought after by many brides. This ornate style is now referred to as vintage, and is certainly having a comeback with many modern brides for obvious reason.The designs of the past were elaborate and intricate in a way the traditional and classic styles of the late 20th and early 21st century were not.

• It wasn’t until the late 20th century that women started to gravitate towards more stylish and bejewelled wedding bands. By 21st century standards, the wedding band is still not as intricately designed as the engagement ring but there are certainly more style options made available to brides than ever before. Even if a bride opts for a more simplistic wedding ring, she can now choose from white, yellow or rose gold and/or platinum to craft her band. She also has the choice of adding white or black diamonds or an expansive range of gemstones.Many modern brides choose to mix and match in terms of their bridal sets, and with so many options the marketplace has seen a noticeable surge in tri-colour wedding bands.

Quality

Perhaps the most distinct change in wedding band practice is that in our current day and age we’ve seen the symbolism of love attached to the wedding ring equal the desire for a higher value point. Except for the period during WWII where rings had to be made from 9 carat gold rather than the standard 22 carat gold, there has been an increasing desire to use better quality materials in the design of our wedding bands.There is a need for perfection, and so the gold is always polished and the quality of metals and diamonds are heavily taken into consideration before purchasing a wedding band.

• Modern couples are now also in a position to have matching or complementary bands – not only are they able to buy matching sets, but they are also in a position to have their wedding bands custom made. When it comes to design and quality, the possibilities are truly endless!

Thinking about proposing on National proposal day this year? Take a peak here at just a few of the beautifully finished engagement and wedding bands designed for Majesty Diamonds…

Have a look at 6PM.com full collection of inspired cuts and designs for timeless wedding jewellery!

5 Easy Ways To Make Your Dirty Hair Look Clean That Lazy Girls Will Love

Use A Comb To Tease Your Oily Roots

One of the worst things about hair getting dirty is having flat, oily looking roots. To create subtle volume in your roots as if it was just freshly blown out, grab some hairspray, spray a little at the roots, and use a comb to tease the flat pieces of hair. If you've never teased your hair before, it's easier than it seems. “Grab the piece of hair you want to tease, hold it straight up, and comb it in a downwards motion. Don't be scared if teasing creates a little frizz because the frizz will eventually calm down and you'll be left with nice volume.

Take A Blowdryer To Sweaty Hair Around Your Face

Being left with sweaty hair around your hairline after a workout or in the summer heat sounds like a huge bummer, but there's actually a simple solution to it. After an intense sweat session, take your hair down immediately from your ponytail or whichever style it was in. Using your blowdryer, blast your hairline with heat to soak up the sweat and dampness in your hair. Use your round brush to brush through the hair to add volume.

Spray Dry Shampoo When You're Rushing Out The Door
If you hit snooze one too many times this morning and you're left with zero time to fix your dirty hair, grab the dry shampoo. Hold your hair out and spritz the dry shampoo approximately 10 inches away from your scalp. I don't limit myself to only using dry shampoo at my roots, I spray it wherever my hair needs to be refreshed. Feel free to use dry shampoo where needed, but be careful not too use too much product. And remember: don’t just spray it and leave it. Instead, wait 30 seconds, then massage it into your roots. This gets rid of any annoying white residue.

Wash Only The Front Pieces Of Your Hair
This trick has saved me so many times. It's a sneaky way of making your hair look nice and clean without actually washing your whole head. Separate only the front pieces of your hair, which are probably the dirtiest, and pull back the rest of your hair so it's away from your face. Wet your front pieces in the sink and use a dime size amount of shampoo and massage it in. Once your front pieces are rinsed clean, comb them out, and blow dry with a round brush. This tip also works great for bangs, which tend to get greasy faster than the rest of your hair.

Don't Brush Your Hair
Try to avoid brushing your hair if possible. Natural oils will build up in your roots, and running a brush through your hair will distribute those oils so that your entire head looks oily. If the ends need to be tamed, just gently brush the ends without touching the roots.

15 Reasons Why Marshmallow Peeps Are The Worst Candy Ever

It’s almost Easter, which to me means one thing: it’s the time of year when everyone tries to get you to buy Peeps as if they’re delicious and not just sugar-coated garbage. You heard me. Marshmallow Peeps are the worst candy ever. They’re overrated trash that people weirdly obsess over this time of year. Like candy corn and thin mints, Peeps are that one snack item that everyone loves for no real reason. Why are Peeps stans so ravenous and die-hard about their trash candy? “Oh my God, it’s PEEPS SEASON!” Yeah, cool. I’ll be over here stocking up on Cadbury Creme Eggs like someone with some level of good taste and common sense.

Worse yet, they come in different cute animal shapes and colors and they’re all – let’s be honest – so super cute! They’re so cute I’d want to eat them up – IF I DIDN’T KNOW BETTER. When you’re tempted to eat these shiny fluff balls of suck, remind yourself that cute is not a flavor. Just because something looks aesthetically pleasing does not mean that it’s going to be a rewarding candy experience. Think I’m out of my mind? I’ll convince you I’m not. Here are 15 reasons marshmallow Peeps are the worst candy ever: 

1) They don’t taste like anything.

Nope, not even marshmallows. They’re fluffy like marshmallows but it’s just sugar and fluff. Like, a lot of sugar. A terrible amount of sugar, actually.

2) When they try to taste like something, your whole body says “No thanks.”

Check out these completely un-seasonal and unappetizing flavors here. Gross. Just stay in Easter where you belong, Peeps. Stop trying to make fetch happen.

3) They don’t look like anything.

You only know they’re supposed to be chicks because of marketing. They look like swirly poop blobs with eyes. They’re festive, seasonal, multi-colored poop emojis that we eat on Easter.

4) Some Peeps do look like things and they’re honestly just there to get you to buy more than one pack.

The bunnies don’t taste different than the chicks. Pass it on. You’re wasting your valuable easter candy budget on literal trash.

5) You can’t eat more than one because the sugar is overkill. 

What’s the point of candy if you can’t binge a little?

6) Why would you make a marshmallow crunchy?

You can’t deny that the sugary coating makes an annoying crunching sound that’s so disturbing. Marshmallows are fluffy, that’s part of their magic!

7) Seriously, marshmallows are just sugar, why would you layer more sugar on top of it like you’re doing anyone a favor?

Omg why would you I do not understand.

8) Tbh, the outer sugar coating has the same texture as sand.

COOL. JUST WHAT I WANT IN MY EASTER BASKET. A MOUTHFUL OF SAND.

9) The sugar coating makes your saliva taste like you brushed you teeth with candy toothpaste.

Which, in theory, is great, unless you value your teeth or are afraid of cavities, in which case, it’s horrifying. Sugary sweet is a flavor that’s great if it can leave your mouth, but nope. Not with Peeps. How does one candy make you produce so much saliva and why does it all taste like simple syrup?

10) The aftertaste makes you want to brush your teeth right after.

Regular marshmallows don’t make you feel like you’ve been making out with a bowl of Lucky Charms. Why is it so hard to get that weird coating out of your mouth?

10 DIY Dorm Room Ideas To Save Money and Make Your Place Cute

6. Create a pretty loft-type space with your bunk bed by hanging nice sheets and lights. You can hang the sheets down so they hide whatever you store under there, or you can stick a bean bag chair under there to relax in. 

I would strongly advise against that makeshift hammock though. That looks dangerous.

7. Glittery mason jars could not be easier to make, and they’ll make really pretty containers for whatever you want. 

Using them as a vase for fake flowers make a perfect decoration.

8. Making your own headboard is way easier than you would think. This one can be super temporary because it’s not attached to anything. 

Trust me, this will make your tiny little bed look SO much nicer.

9. Make polka-dot ping-pong ball lights. How pretty are these?! 

10. If you’re allowed to hang stuff on your ceiling or walls, make this canopy. It will give you some much-needed privacy. 

11. Make a picture garland instead of a collage so that your pics stand out from everyone else’s. 

12. Bean bag chairs can easily look tacky and silly. Make yours more mature and pretty by DIYing it up. 

These are a great alternative to chairs. They don’t take up as much space, are easy to store away, and pretty comfy.

13. If you can hang something on your door, make this hamper. It keeps dirty clothes out of the way, and makes laundry so easy.

The open top makes it super simple to throw dirty clothes in there!

14. Not into the hanging lights? Try this simple fabric flower garland for decoration instead. 

15. Make a braided t-shirt rug. I’m not going to lie, this looks super difficult and time-consuming. If you’re really into DIY, though, go for it… it will make an awesome piece.