The Ultimate Wedding Suit Guide: Everything you need to know

That’s a common thought. But a wedding suit that’s truly made for your big day goes far beyond simply looking good. It should photograph beautifully, match the flow of your entire day, and reflect your presence and charm with ease.

After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Years from now, when you look back at your wedding photos, you’ll want your partner to smile and say, “You looked incredible that day.”

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 7 essential things you need to know before choosing your wedding suit. From photography tips to tailoring, fabrics and styling, this is your go-to roadmap for creating a wedding look that feels personal and leaves behind timeless memories.

Wedding Suit: When should you start preparing it?

We recommend starting to prepare for your wedding suit at least 2 to 3 months in advance. If it’s left too late, you may miss the fitting and adjustment windows. But starting too early isn’t ideal either, especially if you plan to work out or slim down before the big day. Your body shape might change, which would affect the final fit.

Giving yourself enough time not only ensures the best result, it also allows you to prepare the rest of your wedding details with more ease and confidence.

Wedding Suit: Off-the-rack, Made-to-measure or Bespoke?

There are generally three types of suits on the market: off-the-rack, made-to-measure and bespoke. For a moment as important as your wedding, each choice has a direct impact on how you will look and feel on the day.

Off-the-rack suits are not tailored to your proportions. Made-to-measure suits are created by adjusting an existing paper pattern, which is still based on standardised body shapes. They are modified to fit you, but not designed for you. This makes it difficult to achieve a truly flattering silhouette, and the comfort level may be compromised.

A bespoke wedding suit starts from scratch, using your measurements to create a personal pattern that fits your unique shape and enhances your strengths. Whether you want to emphasise strong shoulders or create a more balanced waistline, we use sculpted tailoring and thoughtful design to reflect your character and match your wedding theme.

A question we often hear is, “Is it worth going bespoke if I’m only wearing the wedding suit once?” In truth, a well-tailored wedding suit does more than leave a perfect impression on your big day. It can also be worn for your pre-wedding shoot, media interviews or formal occasions in the future. This is a piece that will support you through life’s key moments and help you look your best when it matters most.

At The Lancelot, our bespoke suits combine 3D body scanning, hand measurements and our own system to create a refined silhouette that is close to the body yet never restrictive. The result is light, breathable and easy to move in.

At the end of the day, whether it’s a suit or any other garment, whether it’s for a wedding or not, the most important thing is fit. Even the finest fabric or trendiest design means nothing if the fit is wrong. A suit that fits well is the foundation of confidence and presence.

Weeding suit: What truly makes it look good in photos?

When choosing a wedding suit, most men tend to focus first on colour (Grey? Blue? Black?) and style (Two-piece? Three-piece? Double-breasted sounds interesting?). Sound familiar?

But if you want to look sharp both in person and on camera, the real secret lies in the drape of the fabric. That’s what defines the quality of the silhouette in every photo.

(The suit above is made from British fabric by Holland & Sherry, known for its beautiful drape, crisp lines and wrinkle resistance. The result is a clean, structured look that photographs exceptionally well.)

Fabric Drape: British vs Italian Fabric

• British fabric: typically woven with a dense “two-ply” construction. They are structured, heavier and naturally drape well on the body. This makes them ideal for weddings, photography and formal events. Even after movement, the suit maintains clean lines with minimal wrinkling, giving you a refined and polished look throughout the day.

• Italian fabrics: usually woven with a lighter “double warp, single weft” technique. They are softer, more fluid and luxurious to the touch, which makes them excellent for daily wear. However, for photography or on-stage appearances, they may wrinkle more easily and lack the structure needed for sharp, camera-ready silhouettes.

Personally, when it comes to weddings, photo shoots or media interviews, I almost always choose British fabric. The structure and drape make sure every shot captures the suit at its best, holding its shape from every angle and lighting.

Wedding Suit: How to create layered visual depth？

If you want more than just wearing a suit in your wedding photos and if you want to truly become the centre of the frame, then fabric texture and layered visual depth are key.

• The Subtle Power of Sheen: Fabrics with a natural sheen reflect light beautifully as you move or walk under the sun, creating elegant shadows and highlights that bring your photos to life. It adds depth and sophistication to your presence, without being flashy. For a classic and photogenic two or three-piece wedding suit, the Scabal Galaxy collection is a great choice. It offers a structured look with a refined sheen, perfect for formal occasions and photo shoots.
  Prefer something more understated? Holland & Sherry also offers excellent options with a lower sheen, while still maintaining beautiful drape and depth.

• Colour Depth in the Yarn: Many premium fabrics may appear as solid colours, but are actually woven from two to three different colours and shades of yarn.
  For example, my own wedding suit was made from a British fabric woven with blue, black and deep burgundy threads. Depending on the light and angle, the fabric reveals a quiet richness of colour layers.
  This kind of subtle detail gives your wedding suit a story to tell and your wedding photos an added sense of texture and elegance.

Tuxedo for Your Wedding Suit: Embody Black Tie Elegance

If your wedding follows a black tie theme, a tuxedo is not just recommended, it is essential. And when it comes to tuxedos, the depth of black and the refinement of the fabric make all the difference.

Classic Black Fabrics: For a timeless black wedding suit, I often recommend Holland & Sherry's black cloth collection. The shade is deep, the texture dignified, perfect for formal settings.

If you are seeking more sheen and dimension under light, Scabal’s English-woven black fabrics are another excellent choice. They are ideal for both photography and being on stage.

One of my clients is a pianist who frequently performs at music halls, appears in media interviews, and attends formal galas. For him, we tailored a suit using Scabal’s English black fabric. On stage, it gave him a poised and powerful presence. The fabric responded beautifully to both studio lighting and the camera, creating a refined silhouette and elegant aura, perfectly balancing professionalism and charm.

Velvet Collection: If you are after something bolder, with personal flair and dramatic impact, consider Holland & Sherry's velvet collection. Woven from premium cotton, their velvet is dyed to an incredibly deep black.

One of my clients chose Holland & Sherry’s black cotton velvet for his wedding tuxedo. After the ceremony, he sent me his wedding photos and described the fabric as “darker than the sky.” That speaks volumes about its visual impact, a striking presence in any black tie setting.

You might be curious, "Isn't velvet usually made of silk? Why use cotton instead?"

An excellent question, and the answer may surprise you.

Traditional silk velvet is indeed luxurious in texture and shine. However, silk cannot withstand the high temperatures or shaping process used in bespoke tailoring.

This means silk velvet cannot be sculpted through steam shaping and pressing, two essential techniques to create a tuxedo’s signature structure and form-fitting silhouette.

Cotton velvet, on the other hand, allows for precise shaping, which is crucial when crafting a tuxedo that not only looks refined but fits flawlessly. It lets the tailor create defined lines and elegant drape, ensuring your tuxedo expresses both luxury and personal presence with every step.

Wedding suit: How to choose the right colour and style

Start with the wedding theme and background

When it comes to choosing the colour of your wedding suit, you might already have a few options in mind. Perhaps grey, navy or black seem like popular choices. But in my view, there’s no such thing as a “common” or “standard” colour for weddings. There is only the colour that suits you. Every wedding is one of a kind, and the selection of your wedding suit should reflect the uniqueness of your venue, theme and personal style. I always tailor my recommendations based on the couple’s wedding location, setting, preferences, and floral arrangements.

Let’s talk about white for a moment, because it’s one of the easiest colours to get wrong if you’re not careful:

• Ivory or off-white: These soft tones give a warm and friendly vibe, perfect for daytime or outdoor weddings. But take note that lighter colours can be more see-through. You’ll need to ensure the inner lining is done in white too, and not just on the front of the trousers as with most standard suits. In some cases, you may need an extra inner layer to avoid transparency. As a side note, high-end fabrics are rarely pure white. Most use natural wool or silk, which carries a gentle ivory or champagne tint. These materials are never heavily bleached or chemically processed, so their fibres remain beautifully intact.

That said, your wedding suit doesn’t need to be overly bold or flashy in colour or pattern. Remember, the groom will already stand out with elements like the boutonnière, bow tie and accessories. So as long as the colour choice is right, your look will naturally stand strong.

What defines the “right” colour? First and foremost, the background of your wedding venue is the most important factor. For example, if your ceremony takes place outdoors at noon followed by an evening banquet, you’ll want to consider the background tones of both environments. Of course, some grooms opt for two different suits to better complement the changing settings, giving them more flexibility in styling.

When I consult with my clients, I also take into account the groom’s skin tone, boutonnière colour and overall visual balance. You want to avoid what we call “blending into the background,” where your suit’s colour is too similar to the venue, making you disappear into the scene.

Bridal gowns are typically white, and naturally go with everything. That’s why your wedding suit should be selected first. After that, you can decide what your groomsmen and bridesmaids will wear, ideally choosing something a touch more subtle. Always remember, the bride and groom are the stars of the day. Every decision should begin with them in mind, to ensure the couple stands out beautifully together.

Choosing a colour is not only about personal taste. It also needs to harmonise with the venue, the bride’s styling, lighting conditions and the mood of the entire celebration. That’s how your wedding photos turn out naturally beautiful and timeless to look back on.

Wedding Suit Style: 2-Piece vs 3-Piece vs Double-Breasted vs Tuxedo

For a wedding suit, I usually recommend either a 3-piece suit or a tuxedo. Why? Because your wedding day look should feel special. It should be a clear step up from your usual style. In Hong Kong, 3-piece suits and tuxedos are not often worn in daily life, which makes them perfect for standing out on such a memorable occasion.

Personally, I always recommend a 3-piece wedding suit. The layered design offers more depth and dimension, and even when you remove your jacket, you still maintain a polished look. This makes it ideal for all-day events, from the ceremony to the banquet. With the vest in place, you also have the freedom to leave your jacket unbuttoned, which makes moving around more comfortable and natural.

By contrast, 2-piece suits are less suitable for weddings. They tend to look more business-like and might appear too ordinary for such a meaningful day. Keep in mind, many of your guests may also show up in 2-piece suits. If you do choose to go with a 2-piece, you’ll want to put extra thought into your accessories to ensure you still stand out as the groom and not be mistaken for a guest.

Double-breasted suits also bring a distinct flair. They carry a sense of presence and structure, making them a strong option for grooms who are confident and naturally poised.

So if I had to rank the options, my personal order would be:
3-piece suit > Tuxedo > Double-breasted > 2-piece suit

Many grooms also hope to wear their wedding suits again after the ceremony, for interviews, photoshoots, public speaking, or anniversary portraits with their partner. Whether you choose a 3-piece or a tuxedo, your suit can remain a symbol of your best self and continue to serve you at life’s most important moments. It becomes more than just a memory — it becomes a suit of significance.

Planning a wedding already comes with countless decisions to manage: the venue, schedule, seating plans, and coordinating with your partner’s outfit and styling. On top of that, trying to dress your best while looking effortless on camera can feel like a lot.

That’s where The Lancelot steps in.

We’re here to support you from start to finish. From understanding your wedding venue, schedule, vibe, and time of day, to aligning with the bride’s gown and styling — we’ll guide you through it all. Based on your body shape and personal style, we’ll recommend the most suitable fabrics and silhouettes to create a wedding suit that is truly yours.

From your first fitting to final delivery, our process is clear and well-paced. You only need to show up and try it on, from there, we’ll handle everything else. So you can enjoy your day feeling free, confident and entirely yourself.

Wedding Suit Details: Accessories That Complete the Look

Should you choose a tie or a bow tie for your wedding suit?

This really depends on the style of your suit:

• 3-piece suit: You can wear either a tie or a bow tie
• Tuxedo or 2-piece suit: A bow tie is the way to go

As mentioned earlier, if you’re wearing a 2-piece suit with a tie, the look may come off as too similar to what you’d wear to the office. A 3-piece suit already feels more special, so both options work. But a tuxedo calls for a bow tie. No exceptions.

If you’ve planned two outfits for your big day (say, a daytime ceremony and an evening banquet), you can also use the tie and bow tie to shift styles and elevate the sense of occasion.

Personally, I recommend wearing a bow tie. After all, your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and a bow tie brings just the right amount of distinction. The colour choice matters too, opt for something with a celebratory touch, like champagne gold. Ideally, it should complement the colour of your boutonnière. It doesn’t have to match exactly, but should echo a key accent from the bride’s look. I always give tailored advice based on each client’s preferences and styling.

Choosing the Right Shirt for Your Wedding Suit

The shirt is often the quiet supporting piece in your overall look. While it will appear in your photos, you’ll mostly be wearing your jacket throughout the day, so only a small portion will actually be visible.

I recommend a crisp white shirt made from high-quality fabric that holds its shape and isn’t see-through. This ensures you look clean and composed under any lighting. I also help my clients choose a collar style that best complements their face shape and neck proportions to subtly enhance the overall silhouette.

If you’re wearing a bow tie, you can consider a hidden placket shirt, where the buttons are covered for a cleaner, more refined finish.

Should You Wear a Belt with Your Wedding Suit?

Many people wear a belt out of habit, especially since most of us are used to wearing 2-piece suits for work. But if your wedding suit is a 3-piece suit or a tuxedo, then a belt is not needed at all.

Think about it, with a 3-piece suit, your waistcoat and trousers are meant to form a seamless line. Wearing a belt breaks that harmony. Even if your waistcoat covers the belt, the belt buckle still adds bulk and pushes the waistcoat outward, creating a visual bump that disrupts the silhouette.

As for tuxedos, they are not designed to accommodate belts in the first place, there are no belt loops on the waistband. So for a wedding suit, it’s best to put the belt away. You simply won’t need it.

Leather Shoes: Style and Colour That Match Your Wedding Suit

If you're wearing a black or midnight blue tuxedo, your shoes should be black Oxford leather shoes. They should be clean and classic, without unnecessary stitching or embellishments. This matches the formal tone of a Black Tie event and helps maintain a sharp and elegant presence. 

On the other hand, brown leather shoes pair beautifully with ivory, cream, or lighter-toned evening themes, adding warmth and contrast to your look.

At The Lancelot, we also offer a bespoke leather shoe experience, tailored to your foot shape, wedding venue (grass, outdoor, or long hours of standing), theme, and suit colour. This way, you’ll not only look elegant but feel comfortable all day long.

These shoes won’t just walk you into your wedding, they’ll walk with you through every milestone that follows. Since each pair is handmade, we recommend starting at least 3 months in advance to allow time for both crafting and fitting adjustments.

On the Wedding Day: How to Look Your Best

There are a few simple yet powerful tips that can help you look more composed, confident and natural on your big day, especially when it comes to photos.

How to Travel with Your Wedding Suit

Recommended: A foldable garment bag made for suits

Instead of packing your wedding suit in a hard-shell suitcase, we recommend using a purpose-designed garment bag. These are lightweight, often come with internal padding, and can hold extra garments in between layers to minimise creases and pressure.

Every suit tailored at The Lancelot comes with our signature suit bag, exclusively designed for travel. Many of our clients who travel frequently have praised its thoughtful features, ensuring your suit stays in top shape, no matter how far you fly.

Once You Arrive at Your Destination

• Take the suit out of the bag as soon as possible and hang it up in a dry, well-ventilated space.
• If the fabric has natural drape (as with many of our suit fabrics), most light wrinkles will disappear simply by hanging the suit for 1 to 2 days. And let’s be honest, no one gets off a plane and walks straight into a wedding. Give yourself at least a day or two to rest and recover before the big moment.
• If there are still small creases, you may gently iron the suit, but avoid using steam, and make sure not to use high heat.

Care & Preservation: Let Your Wedding Suit Walk with You Beyond the Aisle

Don’t let your wedding suit sit forgotten in the wardrobe. With the right care, it can continue to serve you at major milestones in life, from business banquets and media interviews to keynote speeches and anniversary celebrations.

• After the wedding or photoshoot, you may send the suit for professional dry cleaning to remove sweat or dust. That said, if there were no visible stains or excessive sweating, you don’t need to dry clean it immediately, and never throw it into a washing machine.
• When storing, always use a thick-shouldered wooden hanger to prevent deformation.
• Avoid keeping it in a plastic cover, which can trap moisture and harm the fabric over time.

Leave Your Wedding Suit to Us

Leave Your Wedding Suit to Us

Getting married is a once-in-a-lifetime journey, and there’s already so much to plan and prepare. If you’d rather not worry about your outfit, let us take care of your wedding suit, so you can focus on the moments that truly matter.

At The Lancelot, we offer one-on-one consultations to understand everything from your wedding venue, theme, and photography schedule, to your partner’s outfit and even your wardrobe needs for future formal occasions. From there, we’ll help you choose the fabric and design that best complements your physique, character and setting, creating a look that’s made entirely for you, from head to toe.

Whether you’re looking for a wedding tuxedo, a three-piece suit you can continue to wear after your big day, or custom shirts, leather shoes, and accessories, we’ll be here every step of the way — making sure you not only look remarkable, but feel completely at ease in front of the camera and throughout your celebration. Wherever your journey takes you, your suit will move with confidence and grace.

Curious to learn more? Request your wedding suit consultation now, and let us create something truly yours.

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📌Browse the Resources page to view everything you need to know about ordering your bespoke suit in Hong Kong, including how to select the right fabric, how to style and care for your suit etc.