A Black Tie wedding look. Image by InStitchu
Themed-weddings can be fraught with danger.
When done correctly they can turn a special occasion for two people into a fantastical memory for everyone who attends.
But done incorrectly and, well, let’s just say it’s lucky wedding guests usually tell the happy couple they had a good time regardless.
So what’s the appeal of a themed wedding? Aren’t they just more work?
“Themed weddings are appealing in the sense that they are great for showcasing the personalities of the bride and groom and their style,” says Miles Ruge, InStitchu weddings manager.
InStitchu is a global custom, tailoring menswear company, and Miles says they’ve seen an increase in themed weddings of late.
“There’s always the traditional notion of a wedding in which everybody is suited up and it’s a very extravagant affair, when in reality, that may not be the wish of the couple which is why we are seeing the upwards trends of themed weddings from beach weddings to colour themed weddings, to whatever the imagination can think of really.”
I asked Miles for InStitchu’s top four wedding themes and how they would help a groom dress for each occasion.
Black Tie
At a glance: High end formal, full on tuxedo, glitz and glamour.
Description: The Black Tie wedding is an absolute classic, so much so that you might not even consider it a theme, but make no mistake, the classic look takes work.
Miles likes the black tie wedding because it “showcases glamour in its most simplistic way”.
“When a groom wears a perfectly fitted tuxedo, it really makes a striking statement,” he says.
The Look: “A black tie wedding is all about the tuxedo – a timeless wedding outfit. The tux boasts both sophistication and elegance. For those who want to go for a not-so classic approach to the black tie theme, there are also options such as opting for a Midnight Blue tuxedo, I like that there is still versatility in this seemingly classic theme.”
Key detail: “As the tux is such a constructed, striking garment, getting the perfect fit is the most important thing to get right.”
Beach Wedding
A beach wedding look. Image by InStitchu
At a glance: The beach wedding steps away from the traditional wedding and brings the party to a beach, or a destination. Popular choices include Bali and the Greek Islands.
Description: The destination wedding is the epitome of a themed wedding and yes, the potential highs and lows go along with it. You get great weather, you get an amazing wedding. You get bad weather… let’s not even think about it. Miles says the beach wedding offers both the bridal party and guests an opportunity to explore a new destination in a more relaxed setting.
The look: “Custom, tailored, three-piece linen suits and shirts are great for this theme. Linen is lightweight, breathable and is perfect for a Summer or Spring beach wedding as the temperatures are bound to get hot, especially when outdoors at the beach.
“We recommend going for a three-piece linen suit, so that when it does get warmer, the gents can take off their jackets whilst still looking smart and uniform with their vests.
“Pair with boat shoes for a more casual look, and your beach wedding theme outfit is complete.”
Key detail: “I would say that the main thing to get right fashion-wise is to add your own touches to your outfit that make it you, whether that’s choosing a classic beige suit, to even opting for a three piece suit, to monogramming your wedding date or initials on your shirt cuff, to adding a crisp white pocket square, it’s the little things that show your personality.”
Creative and Unique
A creative and unique wedding look. Image by InStitchu
At a glance: Celebrate your quirkiness.
Description: Not all couples want to fit the traditional mould. What makes you special should be celebrated not repressed. Examples include: a colour-based theme, enchanted forest theme to an urban city theme. Miles says getting creative is a great opportunity for a groom to express “personality, individuality and give an extra flair to the wedding”.
The look: “It honestly depends on the theme and the person, however we are now seeing (once again) couples breaking out of the traditional mould, stepping into suits such as the tweed jacket, burgundy jacket or even a traditional navy with an out there lining.”
Key detail: “Show your own touch of individuality and uniqueness. Being able to customise your garment allows you to put your own spin on it by designing your suit down to the very detail, from the fabric, to the lapel, to the buttons, to the lining, monogramming and so much more. Showcase your personality not only through your customisation choices, but also through accessories like your pocket square, your shoes, your socks and more.”
Countryside
A countryside wedding look. Image by InStitchu
At a glance: Embrace the outdoors and what is sure to be a beautiful and natural backdrop.
Description: We’re pretty lucky in this country to have a wealth of countryside to pick from. Picture white Gum trees with long yellow grass, or thick greenery among the mountains. Miles says this theme embraces the “beauty of nature and the stunning outdoors”. “That’s why this theme is a lot of fun–there is the opportunity to match and compliment the beautiful outdoors and all of its natural colours, through your wedding outfits and decorations.”
The look: “There is a lot of versatility for an outdoor Australian country wedding, depending on the weather and your style. You can’t go wrong with classic navy custom, tailored chinos with white shirts and patterned bow ties and on the same page you can very easily opt for a navy cocktail suit – all of these garments are versatile – meaning they can be worn to another occasion post-wedding.”
Key detail: “Whether you decide to go formal or more casual, do it right, accessorise accordingly and commit yourself to an outfit that you are 100 per cent comfortable in.”
Ms Zigzag says: Thank you to Mr Houndstooth and InStitchu for diving into the details here! I definitely think you want to seriously consider your overall wedding aesthetic and theme before going suit shopping!
About the author Mr Houndstooth: I am a happily married man. I enjoy a fine whisky, a new suit and swashbuckling around town with my beautiful bride. Looking back on my wedding day always makes me smile, even though it began to rain just as I said ‘I do’.
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