When planning a wedding, some people dive into Pinterest boards, browse wedding attire sites, and spend their Saturdays hunting for that perfect wedding outfit in bridal shops. But not everyone’s search for the ideal look gets the spotlight. The focus is almost always on the wedding dress, leaving other wedding outfits a bit in the shadows. Often, the partner is just expected to show up in the right color with a clean outfit, without much fuss.

For a lot of us, we don't think more than five minutes about what we want to wear on any given day, but a wedding day is different. So today on the blog, I want to help all persons out there in stepping up and planning your wedding suit. No matter your gender or fashion sense, these suits are JUST as important as any wedding dress!

Here are 5 suit mistakes to AVOID when choosing your wedding attire:

1. Waiting until the last minute

The person wearing a dress isn't waiting until the last minute to pick up their dress, so why would you wait until the last minute to pick up your suit? This is one of the worst things you can do; there is so much room for disaster! Let’s not forget about Murphy's Law: "anything that can go wrong, (probably) will go wrong."

You’ll have a dozen other tasks on your to-do list during the month leading up to your wedding, and there won't be time to worry about something that should have been taken care of already. Believe me when I say that in between picking up guests from the airport, remembering to eat, memorizing your vows, and a number of other wedding-related tasks, you do not want to be trying on a suit several days before your wedding!

Everything might turn out fine, but some simple Google searches would point otherwise. I have seen it all when it comes to suits - wrong sizes, wrong colors, missing accessories - even no suit at all! It will cause unnecessary drama and choas for everyone!

I suggest ordering your suit or tux six to four months in advance, and get it in your hands no later than 10 days before your wedding.

2. I don’t need a tailor

A wedding is the most important photographic moment in any couple’s life! Do you want to look back at your wedding pictures, carefully taken and edited by a professional that you paid a lot of money to, and see sleeves that are too long or a baggy inseam? If your answer is anything but “no,” please seek help from a wedding professional.

Even if a suit fits well in the store, I strongly consider getting it tailored before the big day. A tailor can turn an acceptable-looking suit into a dynamic article of clothing that will turn heads every time you wear it! Alteration costs vary based on the tailor and what you need to have done. As a general rule, expect to spend between $50 and $500.

If you have a strict budget, choose a less-expensive suit and spend more on professional tailoring. People will usually notice a suit’s fit, more than the quality of fabric and stitching.

3. It's only for one wedding

When you’re buying a suit for the wedding, you probably imagine wearing it while saying your vows, listening to speeches and getting down on the dance floor.

But have you imagined wearing it at a dinner party, a funeral, or another friend’s wedding? Is your suit versatile enough to handle a variety of situations, or will it only be appropriate in rare circumstances?

Gray and navy suits are a good compromise between a traditional black suit or tux. Tan and white suits might be popular for summer weddings, but won’t always work well for a networking event (unless you are totally confident in it!). The suit should also coordinate with all of the other outfits in the wedding - the other marrying person, sometimes the officiant (if it's just the couple and the officiant), groomsmen and bridesmaids. Definitely try to find a reasonable middle ground between what helps the aesthetic of the wedding and what you can wear again.

4. Wrong accessories

There’s some wiggle room when it comes to suits and your personal style, but there are also some tried and true ways to wear your accessories!

Tuxedos, being the classiest option, come with the most rules: do not wear a belt with a tux (the lack of belt loops should be your first clue), instead, you'll need suspenders; studs and cufflinks should be worn with your tuxedo shirt; and bowties, rather than long ties, are traditionally worn with tuxedos.

Other accessory guidelines to consider: Nontraditional colors for socks are fine, but stay away from white! You can also go city-chic and choose to go without socks - yes, this works for both men, women, and LGBTQ+ persons. If your tux or suit is black, then no brown shoes or brown belt! Usually, you don't do a belt and a set of suspenders on one outfit - it's one or the other.

If you plan on re-wearing the suit, also plan on re-wearing the accessories! This may happen way more than you think it will. If you’re buying a new tie, belt and pair of shoes for the wedding, make sure to find something you’ll want to wear again. Get shoes that look good with the suit but also with a more casual outfit. Consider a reversible belt that has both brown and black depending on shoes and tie.

5. Don’t expect to turn into a style expert

Ignorance is bliss. If you don’t know or care about all things fashion, then swallow your pride and elect the most fashionable person in your life to help shepherd you through your options! You can also have an honest conversation with a wedding attire owner or your wedding coordinator. I've helped plenty of people with their wedding outfits! However, the most important part is that you are flexible when seeing new styles or a bit more “fitted pants” than usual. Remember, it's only one day, and chances are, you can't wear your basketball shorts and your favorite old t-shirt.

In the whirlwind of wedding planning, it's easy for the focus to gravitate towards the wedding gown, often leaving other individuals overlooked when they are choosing something else for their attire. However, the significance of finding the perfect wedding ensemble extends beyond gender norms and expectations. It's a day where all marrying individuals deserve to feel confident and celebrated in their chosen attire.

So, whether you're donning a suit, tuxedo, or alternative attire, remember that your wedding day outfit is more than just fabric and threads—it's part of your love story and deserves every bit as much attention and consideration as any wedding dress.

Read about creating a unique experience in my blog article, Creating a Custom and Unique Wedding Experience.

Need some advice about choosing your wedding outfit, or other questions about wedding planning? Check out my Virtual Visits service, a way to chat with an event and wedding expert without spending thousands of dollars!

Adapted from The Wright House blog