When Should You Start Wedding Suit Shopping?

When should I start shopping for my wedding suit in the UK?

The best time to start shopping for your wedding suit is around eight to ten months before your wedding day. This gives you enough time to focus on your style, compare tailors, book fittings, and choose fabrics with confidence. London’s tailoring industry, particularly on Savile Row and with specialist bespoke suit makers, operates on long lead times. Appointments get booked out early, especially during spring and summer. Planning ahead gives you access to more tailors, more fabric options, and a smoother experience overall.

Why does starting early make such a difference?

Precision fitting and hand-finished suits take time. In London, bespoke tailors and made to measure suit providers often need several months from the initial consultation to the final fitting. Timing affects everything from cloth availability to group fitting coordination. Fabrics like high twist wool and luxury cottons are often reserved months in advance. Late bookings can mean compromising on style, silhouette, and fit.

Reasons to act early:

• Spring and summer weddings increase demand for London wedding suit tailors

• Popular fabrics from Holland and Sherry or Dugdale Bros run out early

• Tailor availability shrinks as peak season approaches

• Coordination for groomsmen requires advance planning

• Fit elements like lapel roll, trouser rise, and shoulder expression need multiple fittings

What should I do 8 to 10 months before the wedding?

Start by defining the type of suit that matches your personality and venue. Save inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, and magazines. Consider how the suit should feel structured and formal, or relaxed and modern. Try a few styles in person to see what works with your frame.

Think seasonally. Lightweight linen or high twist wool suits are ideal for summer weddings. Midweight flannel or worsted wool suits perform better in cooler weather.

Focus on:

• Jacket length and body shape

• Peak, notch, or shawl lapels

• Natural fibre cloths and their comfort levels

• Suit colour and how it appears in photos

When should I book my tailor consultation?

Around six to eight months before your date, schedule consultations with different London tailoring houses. Decide whether you’re going bespoke, made to measure, or ready to wear.

• Bespoke requires four to six months, allowing time for basted fittings and adjustments

• Made to measure usually takes two to three months with a shorter fitting cycle

• Ready to wear suits still require tailoring and often take two to six weeks

Talk to your tailor about timeline expectations, measurement requirements, fabric sourcing, and payment terms. Be sure to ask if they allow you to view your suit during intermediate stages.

How do I choose the right fabric for my wedding suit?

The right fabric supports both comfort and the overall look. Choose fabrics based on the season, formality of the venue, and how much movement and photography you’ll be doing.

For summer, choose lightweight breathable materials like cotton, linen, or tropical wool. In colder seasons, wool flannel, brushed cotton, and velvet offer warmth and texture.

Consider:

• Bolt reservation lead times

• Weight to warmth ratio

• Crease resistance and durability

• Fabric texture under different lighting

What happens at the measurement stage?

At four months before your date, you’ll have a full-body fitting. Tailors measure chest, waist, seat, and also assess posture, shoulder pitch, collar height, sleeve length, and armhole depth.

If you’re matching your groomsmen, this is when you should coordinate their appointments. Some tailors offer group fittings or staggered bookings for larger parties.

Measurement details:

• Neck and collar positioning

• Back seam shaping and waist suppression

• Armhole and sleeve pitch

• Seat, thigh, and hem width

What do I check at my first fitting?

Between two and three months before the wedding, your suit will be partially assembled. This basted fitting is used to review structure and fit before final construction.

Move around, test your range of motion, and sit down to feel the suit’s balance. The tailor will assess how the cloth sits on your frame, note any pinches or pulls, and make necessary fitting tweaks.

Watch for:

• Shoulder alignment and drape

• Lapel tension and chest fit

• Trouser fall and waistcoat shaping

• Sleeve rotation and armhole clearance

When should I finalise the accessories?

Six weeks before your wedding, wear the full outfit during your fitting. This includes shirt, shoes, tie or cravat, pocket square, and any jewellery. Ask someone to photograph you in both indoor and outdoor light.

Assess whether the accessory choices support your overall style. Final adjustments to trouser break, jacket cuffs, or lapel pin position may be needed.

How do I store my suit before the big day?

From two to three weeks out, store your finished suit in a breathable garment bag. Use a wooden hanger with shaped shoulders. Avoid storing the suit in tightly packed wardrobes or humid rooms.

If travelling, fold the suit in a protective carry bag or use a dedicated garment cover. Avoid last minute pressing; instead, have it professionally steamed a few days ahead.

What should I pack on the wedding day?

Have a small emergency kit packed and kept nearby at the venue. This should include:

• Travel steamer and lint roller

• Extra tie, cufflinks and pocket square

• Shoe shine cloth and anti-static spray

• Breath mints, tissues, and grooming items

What are the most common timing mistakes grooms make?

Many grooms leave their suit planning too late. This can lead to limited availability, rushed fittings, and regret over poorly matched styles or sizing issues.

Common mistakes include:

• Booking fittings less than three months before the date

• Not coordinating groomsmen fittings early enough

• Expecting off the rack suits to fit without alteration

• Choosing a fabric without testing how it wears

Questions We Get Asked About When Should You Start Shopping For a Wedding Suit

How many fittings will I need for a bespoke wedding suit?
Usually two to four fittings depending on the complexity of the design and your availability.

Can I reuse my wedding suit after the big day?
Absolutely. Many grooms opt for versatile styles in classic fabrics that can be worn again for formal events.

What suit fabrics work best for summer weddings in the UK?
Linen, tropical wool, and lightweight cotton are popular for their breathability and comfort in warm conditions.