Archive for the ‘Wedding’ Category

What to wear for a spring wedding

Seasonal wedding outfits, this way.
Moss - dusty pink wedding suit

 

WHAT TO WEAR TO A SPRING WEDDING

Words: A. Fozzard

It’s a fact: people love to get married in spring. It’s probably got something to do with longer days and the likelihood of a bit of sunshine, but we think it’s also about the romance and optimism of a new start.

And dressing up for a spring wedding is good fun. Soft spring suit shades like light blue and grey come into their own in here – choose a blue suit if you’re wearing neutral-shade accessories, and grey tailoring for those brighter colours like pink, yellow, orange and teal. For a destination wedding, linen always makes sense. A neutral linen suit with an unexpected knitted polo underneath can make things feel a bit more casual. And of course, we couldn’t talk about spring weddings without a mention of a tweed three-piece suit. Try yours with a tonal tie for a more formal affair.

PLAY WITH COLOUR

Spring weddings are a great opportunity to lean into lighter and brighter tones – pastel blue, soft pink and oatmeal all work well as a spring suit for warmer celebrations. Our light blue Donegal and dusty pink DKNY suits are cut on our neatly tailored slim-fit block and crafted from a wool blend for breathable warmth. Wear them with the matching waistcoat and a tonal tie for a cohesive look, or go for a more relaxed aesthetic and swap out your shirt for a merino mock neck.

Muted tones are a great way of easing into wearing colour without feeling too intimidated.

 

Moss - tailored fit copper flannel suit

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER

One minute it’s raining, the next it’s beaming sunshine – welcome to spring in the UK. It’s safe to assume it won’t be freezing or boiling, but the middle ground can be just as tricky to dress for.

We recommend banking on a mid-weight fabric, so nothing too heavy like thick wool and nothing too light like hopsack. Look for a worsted fabric in a weight of around 350g or less.

 

The weight of your suit will also be influenced by its construction. A lightweight suit will have light or no shoulder padding, minimal interlinings and a half or buggy lining. The lighter the structure, the breezier the suit. A traditional spring suit will have more structured shoulders and perhaps a half-canvas construction – a luxury addition that will help the suit mould to your frame over time, but will also lock heat in. Consider the wedding date and how much of the day will be spent inside/outside and choose your suit weight accordingly.

 

 

ADD SEASONAL ACCESSORIES

Your choice of accessories is where you can really up the ‘spring’ feel of your outfit. Handy if you’ve moved your wedding date and need to make a darker suit feel more seasonal.

Sunny shades like sage, pale blue, coral and pink are springtime classics that look great with both light and dark shades of suit. They tend to feature in springtime flowers too, so you should be able to match your buttonhole to your accessories easily if you’re in the wedding party. If you’ve gone for a green or brown tweed suit, you can set off the earthy tones and still look cheery for spring with a printed tie.

Of course, if you’re the groom or in the wedding party, your suit and accessory choice might be dictated by what the bridesmaids are wearing. If you’d like to coordinate without outright matching, you can soften the look by wearing two pocket squares, one neutral and one in the theme colour.

If you need some advice on what to wear for weddings all year round, our wedding dress code guide has it all laid out.

How to match your wedding hire suit to your venue

Got the venue? Now sort your suit.

 

Venue booked, now sort your suit

with Coco Wedding Venues

Words: E. Hla

 

Recently engaged? Congratulations! While I always advise taking a little time to enjoy the just-engaged bubble, it’s also very tempting to start the wedding planning ASAP – especially the venue search as locations can book up one to two years in advance… gulp.

But once you’ve found the dream spot to marry, it’s time to turn your attention to the outfits. For the bride, the wedding venue and the wedding dress go hand-in-hand and I don’t see why it should be any different for the groom.

Getting the right wedding suit is important. So to help guide you through this style dilemma I’ve selected eight of my most-loved venues and matched them with the perfect hire suit. Pretty handy, right?

 

HOW TO MATCH YOUR WEDDING SUIT TO YOUR WEDDING VENUE

 

Upthorpe Wood, Suffolk

 

THE BOHO ONE

Upthorpe Wood is a magical venue set in a small private woodland, just off the beaten track in Suffolk. The team loves to encourage their couples to create a day that’s individual and unique with an easy, relaxed vibe. From getting wed under a canopy of trees, to dining in their Cartlodge and chatting around the fire until the wee hours, weddings at Upthorpe Wood are really quite special.

Beautifully wild, it’s just the spot for an outdoor boho celebration and what could be better than a bit of tweed to reflect this al-fresco vibe? For me, boho always airs on the side of being light and airy, so I’ve opted for this herringbone tweed suit in warm, sage tone.

Tweed is a groom’s outfit trend that shows no signs of slowing down. But now in softer cuts and trending colours, it’s nothing like your Grandad’s boxy tweeds. To complement the laidback bohemian look of this location, pair yours with a white merino mockneck and a chunky loafer, or keep things classic with a white shirt and khaki loafers.

 

Stratton Court Barn, Oxfordshire

 

THE RUSTIC ONE

I’m crushing on this Donegal tweed lounge suit – a contemporary option that’ll look quite at home in rustic locations thanks to its textured weave and characterful flecks. Brown leather shoes match really well, as would a tonal knitted tie.

So now we have the look, we need a rustic venue – but which one?

Meet Stratton Court Barn – it’s found at Pool Farm, set amid rolling Oxfordshire countryside, yet only 10 minutes from Bicester. Once you enter the venue by the grand tree-lined drive, the peace and quiet of the countryside will surround you and make a seriously nice backdrop for your celebrations.

Originally built in 1870 and since thoughtfully refurbished, the barn has kept its rustic charm so it’s the perfect setting for an intimate, relaxed celebration.

 

St Giles House, Dorset

 

THE LUXE ONE

At this fine-art country house located in Dorset, you can marry surrounded by fireplaces and Old Master paintings or in their intimate and romantic grotto. It forms part of the Pleasure Grounds and was built in the early 18th century using shells brought back from the Caribbean. It’s perfect for couples looking to wed in a unique and magical setting.

This navy black check suit is my pick of an extra special look for your luxe wedding. Set in the foothills of the Alps, the mill’s fabrics are some of the finest you’ll find, and made with care for the environment too. Pair its deep blue, wool-rich fabric with a white poplin shirt and bold-coloured silk accessories and you’ll fit right into the dramatic surroundings of St Giles House.

 

Chateau de Redon, France

 

THE DESTINATION ONE

Chateau de Redon is a romantic French venue in a relaxed and natural landscape. Set in a two-hectare private park with rare, century-old trees, it offers a secluded and exclusive location for your wedding. The Chateau was completely renovated in 2013 with modern design choices but with respect for all the authentic elements: century-old oak wooden floors, chimneys with majestic mirrors, handcrafted mouldings and intricate woodwork.

To complement such a location this stylish light blue flannel suit will help you stand out against the classic details. In a tailored fit, it’ll give off an air of relaxed, understated charm that’s just right for this location, and is cut from a lightweight flannel that will help to regulate your temperature all year round. Keep things traditional with a crisp white shirt and a knitted tie.

 

Mount Druid

 

THE VINTAGE ONE

Mount Druid in Ireland is a new addition to our collection of venues. Where vintage chic and the beauty of nature meet, we just had to pair this unique venue with this blue sharkskin suit. This sharp, tailored-fit suit comes in a vintage-inspired grey-blue tone that will blend in perfectly with the retro aesthetic.

Situated in the picturesque village of Castletown Geoghegan, County Westmeath, Mount Druid is an exquisite private wedding venue set in parkland of 100 acres. After getting married in their Tin Chapel, dance the night away in the converted Barn decorated with vintage chic trinkets and antique furniture.

 

The Hoxton Holborn, London

 

THE CITY ONE

The Hoxton Holborn is an intimate, relaxed hotel venue and just the space for a chic city wedding. Located in the centre of London, a stone’s throw from Covent Garden, this is one of the area’s most renowned hangouts with bars, restaurants and city views aplenty. Taking inspiration from the disco days of the 1970s The Hoxton Holborn’s event space features bold prints, velvet textures and a jaw-dropping terrazzo bar.

We’ve got the perfect match for this wow-factor venue – the slim fit blue donegal. The rugged texture gives off just enough personality to set you apart as the groom, while the neutral shade will go with any colour theme – and won’t leave you clashing with your show-stopping surroundings!

 

The Gallivant, Sussex

 

THE COASTAL ONE

We don’t think you could pick a more appropriate suit for a coastal wedding celebration than this tailored fit blonde camel suit. As well as being an easy, breezy option for your wedding by the sea, neutral suits are also a huge trend when it comes to your groom outfit.

Thanks to its lightweight construction, it’s cool enough to wear comfortably all day – especially important if you hit the jackpot and have a glorious summer’s day wedding!

So, which venue? Well, The Gallivant is a pretty epic venue on the raw coastline of Camber Sands in East Sussex. Weddings at this location always take place on an exclusive basis, meaning guests can enjoy the entire hotel and its 20 individually styled bedrooms for themselves. In the warmer months, big days flow naturally between the beach and the coastal-styled marquee. In the cooler months, the open log fire in the New England Room and the heated marquee create a beautiful Scandinavian/Hamptons-themed vibe.

 

Royal Botanic Gardens, London

 

THE CLASSIC ONE

I’ve saved my favourite venue for last – the incredible Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London. With floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, the Nash Conservatory offers lots of natural daylight for your wedding celebrations. The Conservatory is the oldest of the 19th-century glasshouses at Kew and is of major historical and architectural importance, making it a unique venue for your big day. The style of this venue is super versatile, but it’s really the perfect backdrop for a classically elegant wedding.

Classic doesn’t necessarily mean traditional, and while tails would certainly suit this space, I urge you to go for a dinner suit instead. There’s something very dashing about a man in this particular attire and, believe me, your better half will go a little weak at the knees when they see you in this sleek black tuxedo.

Cut in a frame-defining tailored fit, this tuxedo suit’s wool-rich fabric and sharp peak lapel detail is black-tie tailoring at its finest. Paired with high-shine dress shoes and a black satin bow tie, there’ll be no doubt you’re the man of the moment.

 

WHAT’S THE RIGHT WEDDING SUIT FOR YOU?

Whatever your wedding venue or theme, it’s important that you feel comfortable and confident in your wedding suit or groom outfit. A wedding day is naturally fairly long, so you want to feel like yourself from when you head down the aisle right through to when you hit the dancefloor later. Personal style is an important part of your wedding day, so you should choose your venue and complementary wedding outfits with that in mind – there are no rules!

 

Coco Wedding Venues is the first place to kickstart your wedding planning.

They are the UK’s original style-focused wedding venue directory, showcasing a carefully curated selection of the very best wedding venues in the UK and beyond.

How to wear tweed to a wedding

It’s a piece of (wedding) cake.

IT’S A PIECE OF (WEDDING) CAKE

• WORDS: L. HOLMES

As wedding season kicks off, you might be thinking about what you’ll wear. Whether you’re a humble guest or taking centre stage as the groom, you want your outfit to feel worthy of the big day.

So how about embracing a more tactile fabric, like tweed? Once the go-to textile for the high-born country living set, today’s tweed translates as well to city celebrations as it does a knees-up in a traditional stately home.

slim fit herringbone tweed suit | white piquet textured shirt | white with sage border linen hankie | brown Camden loafer

HOW DO I WEAR TWEED IF I’M THE GROOM?

Wearing a tweed suit to your own big day is a piece of (wedding) cake. As some of you may already have noticed, we’ve got something of a soft spot for this hardworking fabric right now.

And why wouldn’t we? No longer just for the stiff-upper-lip set, tweed has successfully managed to shrug off its dowdy reputation and is full of character and heritage – ideal for the main man of the day. As the groom, wearing yours as a three-piece will have more impact, and all you’ll need to do is pair it with a shirt in a complementary shade and perhaps a floral tie and pocket square to contrast with the tweed.

Our sage green tweed ticks all the boxes when it comes to a modern wedding suit – in a trending green tone, it comes in as a three-piece or a two-piece (depending on how formal you’re planning on going) and works well with a pique shirt if you want to double on the texture front. Add a linen pocket square with a sage border for extra detailing, and finish with a pair of chunky loafers for a contemporary twist.

I WANT SOMETHING BOLD – DOES TWEED COME IN ANY OTHER COLOUR?

Indeed it does. We’ve also given this traditional textured fabric a contemporary spin in shades of khaki, light blue and olive. It’s a modern riff on a timeless classic if ever there was one, and is definitely something to consider for the more adventurous grooms out there.

Set off your tweed suit by contrasting it with a plain white shirt and a soft-hued tie, or double down on its bold colour by wearing it with patterns in the same shade, like a striped shirt or polka dot accessories – today’s tweed is nothing if not versatile.

If you do want to go down the neutral route, our slim fit stone donegal is a sharp, smart choice. Crafted from a wool blend with added stretch, it’ll keep you comfortable at the drafty town hall or barn wedding alike, and looks really put together when paired with a tonal tie.

I’M A GUEST AT COUNTLESS WEDDINGS – SHOULD I HIRE MY TWEED SUIT OR BUY IT?

Either – the choice is yours depending on your budget. Buying a tweed wedding suit means more of an investment, but it’ll take you all the way through wedding season by styling it differently each time you wear it. Keep yours smart with its matching waistcoat and a tie for one wedding, try it with a slightly more casual button-collar shirt for another and then dress it down with just a printed shirt or lightweight knit for a more relaxed big day.

One option for a wintry wedding is the slim fit brown tweed suit. With the optional waistcoat, you can up the ante and go full three-piece or tone it down with just the jacket and trousers. If you do want to style it the classic way, choose a brown bordered pocket square, while adding a chunky loafer and belt will add a modern more relaxed feel to the look.

If you do decide to hire tweed, you can experiment with a different tweed suit for each set of up-and-coming nuptials without the expense (or guilt) of buying a new piece every time. Win-win.

 

 

CAN I HIRE MY TWEED WEDDING SUIT?

Definitely. If you still have any lingering reservations about wearing say, sage tweed to your own wedding (and by the way you absolutely can) consider hiring rather than buying especially if you know that you’re only going to wear the suit just the once. Spending less money on yourself – or your groomsmen for that matter – should be incentive enough to encourage you to take that leap of faith while also leaving a bigger budget for that open bar you’ve promised your nearest and dearest.

The slim fit blue donegal is one of the many suits you can hire for your wedding. Crafted from a texture wool-blend, it’s a classic tweed design with a slim fit so it sits snugly across your shoulders and arms.

Grooms’ wedding suit looks for now

Because traditional isn’t for everyone.

 

GROOMS’ WEDDING SUIT LOOKS FOR NOW

Words: C. Stewart

 

So, it’s time to start thinking about what to wear on your big day. For a long time, men getting married have felt confined to the classics like morning suits or tuxedos. But with everything that’s happened over the last few years, the new rule is: anything goes.

Whatever you wear, it should make you feel on top of the world and ready to celebrate your wedding. Here are some wedding outfit ideas for men that feel completely right for right now.

 

Moss - tailored fit boucle check tweed jacket

 

TWEED SUITS

Tweed’s been one of our most popular suits fabrics for a while now, and nowhere more so than for weddings. But even though it’s a fabric with heritage roots, there are crucial differences between your grandad’s tweeds and the ones on offer now, like contemporary cuts, softer shoulders and modern muted shades. Reworking the classics is going to be big this year, and tweed is an easy way to do this with your groom outfit – and, of course, it looks great too.

Nod to tradition by wearing yours as a three-piece with a vintage-inspired waistcoat or go more minimal with your styling to take the look firmly into today. Checks are predicted to be a wedding trend in wedding décor this year so we suggest being the shining example of the trend by weaving checks into your wedding suit style.

Moss - tailored double breasted sage flannel jacket

 

LOUNGE SUITS

No, not for lounging around at home (we’ve done enough of that recently) – a ‘lounge suit’ is the catch-all term for any suit that’s not traditional morning wear.  Go for a neat fit with soft shoulders for a modern profile that’ll form a solid base to any look. Like pattern or colour, or like mixing your suit jacket with different trousers, styling it up with all the trimmings or dressing it down with a t-shirt.

Lounge suits are a great choice for anyone who wants to look sharp but doesn’t feel comfortable in a more formal suit. They also work really well for a more casual, laid-back wedding or a destination wedding. They tend to stand up to long-distance travel a little better too, though as long as you take care of your suit on your flight you should be fine to travel with any style.

And if you’re after something completely unique to you, how about a custom-made lounge suit, personalised down to the last detail for you? With Custom Made, we’ll even embroider your wedding date or your partner’s initials on the inside your jacket to make it a one-of-a-kind memento. Custom details like this will make your special day feel even more so.

Moss - tailored fit houndstooth tweed

 

LIGHT SUITS

Traditionally, the less formal your wedding the lighter your suit could be, but with tradition out the window now you’ll probably be more led by weather than anything else. For big (or small) days in sunny weather, a fabric that’s lighter in both colour and weight will feel more carefree than black, blue or grey. Think linen in a neutral hue. The reality is that it’s your wedding day and you can wear whatever style or colour of wedding suit that you want.

And on cold days, a stone or beige wool suit is a relaxed alternative to darker tweeds. Either way, you’ll find modern neutral hues will set off all sorts of styling, like romantic florals or textured tonal accessories. You can dress it down (or up) as much as you like if you’re going for a more relaxed, casual wedding.

Moss - tailored fit claret flannel jacket

 

STATEMENT SUITS

If the last couple of years have taught us anything it’s that what you wear has a real effect on how you feel. For grooms that means grabbing the chance to dress up and feel great when it matters most – and there’s little better to put you in an occasion mood than a statement wedding suit.

Try bold checks, a double-breasted style or a bright colour. Up for more? Switch up your styling with a refined knit or a great pair of boots. We’re celebrating in style these days, so extend that all the way to your wedding outfit.

CHOOSING A WEDDING SUIT

There are loads of options when it comes to choosing your groom’s outfit. Hiring a wedding suit has always been a more sustainable option for your wedding outfit – if you don’t wear suits very often then it might not make sense to invest in a one-off. Hiring a suit gives you a memorable look without the commitment (save that for your partner!). On the flip side, if you want to treat yourself to a suit then your wedding day is about the best excuse you’ll have to do it.

Style-wise, it’s all up to you whether you choose a wedding outfit that complements the rest of your wedding day or you go for something that makes you stand out as a couple. Sometimes it’s a great, creative touch when everything isn’t too matched together, especially if you’re going for a more relaxed or eclectic day.

You’ll also want to make sure that your wedding suit complements what your partner is wearing. You’ve already shown that you’re the perfect match for one another, so you want your wedding photos to reflect that too. Those pictures last a really long time!

GET THE RIGHT FIT

When you’re selecting a suit – whether you buy or hire – fit is really important. Too tight and you could feel restricted or self-conscious through the day. And a too-big suit can make you feel just as bad, especially when you look back at photos. Have a look at our handy guide on how to measure yourself for a suit to help you get it right.

Give yourself enough time to find your just-right wedding suit too. You might need alterations or to order your ideal size in, so make sure you slot in some time for extra bits like this. And, if you’re hiring, think about booking your appointment now. It’s always worth giving yourself the time to try on some different styles, colours and fits – you might just surprise yourself when it turns out your perfect suit is completely different to what you usually wear!

The wedding and engagement guide

All the resources Moss has to help you make the most of your big day.

 

WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START PLANNING YOUR BIG DAY

Words: T. MacInnis

 

Did you know more than 100,000 people in the UK get engaged the weekend before Christmas? If that’s you, congratulations! And, if you’re ready to get started on planning your big day (no pressure), Moss has loads of resource that’ll help make the process easier. Read on to get started.

Moss - DKNY slim fit claret wedding suit

Our all-access wedding guide

Our standard emails always have great wedding advice, from us and the experts in our network. If you’re looking for even more however, sign up for our wedding-specific emails – just pop in your details and you’ll get planning advice, styling tips and speech-writing guidance that’ll help you tackle that to-do list.

The Inside Pocket

The Inside Pocket, Moss’ blog, has an entire section dedicated to weddings. Whether you’re a groom, bride or guest, you’ll find useful info on the latest wedding trends, how to style your wedding party, what to wear based on your venue, and what to pack for your honeymoon. Check back regularly—we publish content multiple times per week.

Moss - tailored double breasted Italian Barberis flannel suit

Custom Made

If there’s ever a time to get yourself a bespoke suit, it’s for your wedding. At Moss we make that process simple, approachable and best of all, affordable with our Custom Made service. Choose your favourite fit and fabric from some of the world’s best mills, then customise the details to make your suit unique to you. Then, head into store to get measured by one of our experts so the final product will be one of the best-fitting suits you’ve ever owned. It’ll be ready in just 28 days, but we recommend coming in a month or two out from your wedding date to try it on, just to be safe.

Hire

If you’re not a big suit person, or you simply want to make a more sustainable choice, our Hire service is a great option. From tweed suits to lounge suits to black tie, we have dozens of options to suit whatever your wedding calls for. Find that perfect suit, wear it to your wedding, then return it. This is a great option for your wedding party if you don’t want to ask them to buy new suits for your big day. Book an in-store appointment to get started.

Moss - tailored fit boucle check tweed suit

One-to-one styling appointments

Even if you aren’t coming in for our Custom Made or Hire services, you’re still more than welcome to book a one-to-one styling appointment at one of our stores. Our experts can help you choose an off-the-rack suit, make fabric and fit suggestions, help you pick the right accessories, and even help you choose holiday looks for your honeymoon.

At Moss, we love helping you celebrate those big moments and your wedding is undoubtedly one of the biggest. So, when you’re ready, we’re ready.

Wedding Trends for 2024

FIVE WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2024

As predicted by The Un-Wedding

Words: M. Woods

If you’ve found yourself here, you’re probably already thinking about your wedding day and what it’s going to look like.

Well, look no further because here are my top 5 predicted wedding trends for 2024, based on everything we’ve seen from the industry’s most unique suppliers at The Un-Wedding Show in 2023, and from speaking to our attendees – the next wave of modern couples who are planning their wedding, their way.

From playful floral displays and clever use of colour to eco-friendly decor and a touch of vintage, these trends can be adapted and personalised to make your day stand out from every other wedding, making it one for you and your guests to remember.

Get ahead of the trends and plan your perfect day with my top five 2024 wedding predictions:

Floral arrangements at the Un-Wedding Show

Photo: Natalia Case Photography

Monochromatic colour palettes

We’ve seen strong examples of this in all categories of wedding styling this year at The Un-Wedding Show, and it looks like this trend is here to stay.

Choosing your wedding colour palette doesn’t have to be difficult. Think about your favourite colour or one that suits you the most, then introduce different tones of the same hue throughout your wedding styling. This can be applied to your outfits, accessories, flowers, the cake, and any decor you choose. Set the tone by sending out your wedding invites in your chosen colour, and everything else can follow suit. Keeping your colour scheme monochromatic is impactful and creates a sense of continuity throughout the day, making everything feel well thought out.

The best thing about this trend is that you don’t . It’s all about what suits you, and that’s what weddings should be about.

Photo: The Un-Wedding Show

Playful floral displays

Say goodbye to traditional floral arrangements and centrepieces, and a big hello to fun and unique flower displays and installations aimed at wowing your guests. As we head into 2024, people are opting for a more creative approach to their wedding floral designs. Again, this trend is all about incorporating your personality into your wedding day. Forget buttonholes and bouquets; think flower clouds, meadows, and hanging floral wreaths instead. This trend pairs perfectly with modern, blank canvas wedding venues that are crying out for impactful styling ideas. Modern wedding florists are always up for the challenge of bringing your vision to life and can make informative suggestions based on your budget, as well as the types of flowers that are in season.

Photo: The Un-Wedding Show

Decor hardcore

We’re in an exciting era whereby more people are opting for alternative spaces to celebrate their nuptials, and 2024 weddings will continue this trend (warehouse wedding anyone?). The best thing about opting for a less traditional, blank canvas wedding venue is the opportunity to go all out with your decor. These days, there are some very cost-effective ways to style even the biggest event spaces by hiring out showstopping decorations. Hiring also has a more positive impact on the environment, meaning you can party guilt free.

Consider full-ceiling glitter canopies or streamer installations in the colours of your choice – these can be easily adapted to dress any space and greatly add to the party atmosphere.

Photo: Natalia Case Photography

The vintage comeback

A bit of a contradiction in terms because let’s face it, vintage never really went away. The glory of vintage is its immortality, especially when it comes to style and weddings. 2024 will see weddings get back in touch with our vintage ancestors in more ways than just the fashion side of things.

Wedding suppliers at The Un-Wedding Show have shown us unique ways to bring vintage technology back into the modern world with a contemporary twist. Think Super 8 wedding videography – it’s grainy, romantic, looking like it’s already stood the test of time (meaning it won’t date). Or how about some 35mm film photography to add extra dimension to your wedding photography package, that cannot be captured in the same way with digital? We think vintage technology will continue to be a big hit next year.

One of our personal favourites has to be the charming audio guest book. It allows your guests to pick up a vintage telephone and speak into the receiver to record their heartfelt message, instead of scrawling it drunkenly into a traditional guest book.

Photo: Bruno Cervera @ Pexels

Wedding content creation

At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have something completely new in 2024 – wedding content creation. Yes, it’s a thing, and we can see it being huge in 2024.

Why?

Because until now, your wedding day content hasn’t been geared up for social media. You won’t get your official photos and film for a good few months after the wedding and, even then, you probably won’t want to share most of it.

Most of the guests are too busy enjoying the wedding to stop and post on their socials. Also, a lot of couples opt for unplugged weddings these days, requesting that their guests don’t post anything until after the day. So why not hire someone to create quality content for your wedding day in short, social media friendly formats like Reels, TikToks and Stories? This way, you can post them at your leisure without stressing about the creation side of things.

Wedding trends 2024: conclusion

2024 weddings are going to be all about injecting your personality into every aspect of your wedding. It doesn’t matter if it hasn’t been done before; in fact, that’s a good thing! The only way we can continue to make weddings truly unique is to take trends and put your own spin on them. Use your wedding day to celebrate ‘you’ and don’t worry about outdated opinions telling you what you should and shouldn’t do. That’s how you’ll truly have a day to remember.

The Un-Wedding is the UK’s coolest wedding planning platform and wedding fair for modern couples. Find the most unique independent wedding suppliers in their Book Of Love directory and shop cool gifts for the whole squad in their online store.

Lessons in outfitting a wedding party by stylist Gareth Scourfield

Our guest editor Gareth Scourfield styles three suits for the whole wedding party.

 

Styling ideas for everyone in the wedding party (and for those invited to party at the wedding)

 

Words: G. Scourfield

Gareth Scourfield, our guest editor for AW23, contributes to GQ, Esquire and Gentleman’s Journal, and styles high-profile clients like Ben Whishaw and Daniel Craig. We asked him to turn his outfitting skills to wedding suits. The result?  Stylist-approved looks for three distinct big-day styles.

 

The location’s been booked, the invites have gone out and now it’s time to focus on what to wear for the most important day of your adult life. Grooms have a lot to consider when it comes to navigating how they and their groomsmen look on their special day.

Take your styling lead from aspects of the wedding that you and your partner are agreed on – the time of year you’re getting married, the location of the ceremony, how formal or informal you want the overall day to be and any colour themes you are fixed on. These are valuable visual aids in getting the styling nailed for the groom, his groomsmen and fellow wedding guests.

More recently there has been a break away from the traditional tailcoat or black tuxedo outfitting, which sit very much in the formal camp of dressing. Now, grooms are taking a more personalised approach with coloured suits, noticeable textures and contrasting jackets and trousers. While it’s a day you want to look and feel the very best, it’s important to let your personality shine through too. The choice of suit and how you style it will be the best way to show your true self.

Below, I look at three very different suit styles you could consider for your wedding, how you can interpret each one with various styling choices to give you a look that’s individual, works for the theme or style of wedding, and is still considerate across the wedding party from groom to guest.


groom sage green shirt | liberty print floral tie | burgundy socks | dark brown monk shoebest man white stretch shirt | sage and toffee bottinelli tie | olive socks | brown Oxford shoesgroom’s party sky oxford shirt | wine knitted tie | burgundy ribbed sock | brown Oxford shoes

Sage tweed suit

This slim-fit sage tweed suit offers a great alternative if you want to stay away from the traditional blues and greys, which can often look more business-like. While it appeals to a more countryside setting, with a different take on the styling it can work for more urban location weddings too. Play to its strengths – its heritage-style, two-tone herringbone structure can let you build a more textured and tonal outfit. It’s a very British style of tailoring, so work with it.

Important tip for any groom-to-be: when it comes to styling your wedding suit, keep to a tight colour palette. The less array of colours, the more elevated your wedding outfit will look. It allows you to introduce more texture if you need to without it becoming distracting.

For a country-themed wedding, I would suggest the groom wear the full three-piece version, with a lighter-coloured sage green shirt under and teaming it with the navy Liberty print floral tie. For his best man and father of the bride or groom, I’d go with the two-piece suit, opting for the darker green slim fit stretch shirt and keeping the theme of the Liberty print floral tie for everyone – this may help tie in with any of the floral colours of the day, or pull out the rusty reds in the print to inform the colour palette of the button holes. If the Liberty print is a step too far for some of the male members of the party, try a knitted wine or bronze silk tie with the green shirt. It will keep the colour palette tight and amplify the burgundy in the printed tie. Add a burgundy sock to help bring the look together. Keep to the warmer wintery palette and have the men in your wedding party wear dark conker-brown shoes; double monk strap for the groom and his best man, and lace-up brogues for the other male members.


groom white oxford shirt | neutral and navy bottinelli silk tie | taupe melange socks | dark brown oxford shoesgroom’ s party navy stretch shirt | neutral and navy bottinelli silk pocket square | blue ribbed socks | brown oxford shoesguest camp collar shirt | chestnut loafers

Blonde camel double-breasted suit

Lighter colour suits continue to be popular for summer weddings. This camel double breasted suit is designed with that in mind, offering versatility for the groom and his male wedding party with numerous options on how to style it. This two-piece, with its contemporary patch pockets and peak lapels, can be dressed up or down while still looking wedding-ready.

For the groom that wants an elevated look, I’d suggest a crisp white shirt worn with the neutral and navy Medallion print Bottinelli silk tie and pocket square, to keep it sharp and coordinated and with a flash of print. Finish the look with a pair of taupe melange socks and dark brown Oxford lace-ups. Keeping to the rule of a strict colour palette opens up options for the other male members of the wedding party. Navy and white works very well with this camel-coloured suit.

If the groom is wearing the white shirt and printed tie and pocket square, select a navy blue shirt for the groom’s party with the same printed pocket square for consistency, but omit the tie. These visual styling signposts photograph well in group shots with all the wedding guests.

The versatility of this suit style also allows for it to be broken up. Your groomsmen may compliment you by wearing the same DB jacket with a more relaxed but smart navy tailored chino, styled with a white shirt and a pocket square but no tie – timeless pieces that will be worn over again. As a guest for the wedding, I’d suggest styling the suit with a print camp collar shirt to show some individual flair, worn open neck with a leather loafer.


groom blue double cuff twill shirt | sage textured tie | tan brogue shoesbest man white oxford shirt  | gold silk tie and pocket square | brown monk shoesguest pink linen shirt | mulberry silk pocket square | brown tassel loafer

Stone puppytooth linen suit

Achieving the goal of looking your best on your wedding day without wanting to compromise on comfort is what you want to look for in your suit. This puppytooth three-piece suit offers up a number of styling solutions that will see you looking pin-sharp while at ease in the lightness of the linen.

For the groom I’d suggest going all out with the three-piece, showing off the low-cut DB waistcoat. I’d look towards Hollywood style inspiration by referencing Robert Redford’s wardrobe in The Great Gatsby. Introduce those pastel ice cream colours from summer by teaming this suit with pale pinks, ice blues and soft mint greens for shirting and working a complimentary tie in the same colour, keeping the colour focus.

For the best man or husband-to-be, I’d suggest a classic white shirt with either a sky or gold silk tie and co-ordinating silk pocket square. Finish the look off with a smart pair of monk leather shoes. For the groomsmen, I would suggest they all wear an aqua blue shirt and each choose from a selection of silk ties (avoiding the groom and best man’s tie colours). It keeps to the summery colour theme of the party, all while showing some individualism. Have everyone coordinate their socks with their tie colour for a unified finish.

If you’re going as a guest, wear the suit as a two-piece and select a tailored fit linen shirt to wear open-necked. Then, style the jacket with a complimentary silk pocket square. This gives a more relaxed but no less smart approach, and plays to the strengths of the linen fabric. Team the suit with a suede or tasselled loafer.

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Winter wedding outfits: what to wear

Winter-weight fabrics and textured finishes are made for going to weddings on crisp winter days.
Moss sage flannel double breasted suit

WONDERING WHAT WINTER WEDDING OUTFIT TO WEAR?

Words: L. Holmes

Like any wedding you’re invited to, a winter wedding is a great excuse to pull out your finest. But it’s also a chance to lean into all the best bits of winter wedding outfits when it comes to menswear. Think thicker fabrics, after-dark dressing, stylish men’s boots and a really great winter coat.

Moss stone houndstooth suit

WINTER WEDDING OUTFIT IDEAS

If you’ve been invited to a UK wedding in the next few months, now is the time to make the most of wintry woollen fabrics like Donegal, tweed or herringbone. These look great as a 3-piece, or a patterned two-piece like our stone houndstooth suit. Both of these outfits are absolutely ideal when it comes to layering too – pair yours with a merino roll neck to keep you warm, so a slightly draughty church, waiting outside to throw confetti or enjoying the dance floor can all be done a little easier.

Tailoring cut from this trio of textiles is a great alternative to the usual lightweight wedding offerings, especially at this time of year. Having such a dense weave, they’re brilliant cold-wedding options as they’ll trap heat in and keep wintry chills at bay.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A SUIT TO A WEDDING?

In short, no. Though suits are usually the go-to for most wedding guests, there are plenty of opportunities to look sophisticated without the need of a two-piece.

For weddings that are less on the formal side, or where you’re an evening guest, you can keep it more casual. Think smart trousers, a fitted roll neck jumper or a casual shirt, smart shoes and a jacket of your choice. A blazer or suit jacket, such as our white cord jacket, doesn’t need to match your trousers and you can easily take it off to change up your look.

Moss winter white cord jacket

WHAT IF THE WEDDING INVITE SAYS ‘BLACK TIE’?

If it’s been made clear you’re expected to turn up in black tie, there’s little leeway for dodging this specific dress code. But as daunting as it might sound, it’s actually a really easy rule to follow because, in a way, the decision about what to wear has already been made for you. It doesn’t have to be boring – here’s how to take on black tie without it feeling dull or you’re dressed like everyone else in the room.

That doesn’t mean you can’t do it your own way, though. Sure, you can play it safe and stick to a traditional men’s tuxedo like this slim-fit notch lapel number, but feel free to bend the rules with a tux jacket in coloured velvet over a fine-knit rollneck instead.

CAN I WEAR A COAT TO A WEDDING?

As with most weddings, there’s often a fair bit of hanging around outside waiting for the bride or groom. Worse still, you might find yourself listening to unending declarations of love while sitting inside a chilly venue.

Here’s where the welcome addition of a suitable piece of outerwear – a well-cut overcoat like this double faced epsom – will come in handy. Like we already said, layering is key when it comes to getting a winter wedding outfit right. Paired with, say, our sage flannel suit, your coat will keep you insulated from the winter weather and prove that you can look both warm and wedding-appropriate at the same time. It’s a total finishing touch to your outfit that doesn’t have to be a one off.

Moss claret flannel suit

CAN I WEAR COLOUR TO A WINTER WEDDING?

Absolutely. A winter wedding is the perfect opportunity to bring out those deep hues that work so well for the season. Plum, olive, copper and sage are just some of the colours that really shine in the winter months, our claret flannel suit a prime example. Crafted from a comfortable stretch flannel (perfect for long days at the wedding venue), it can be worn as a smart three-piece or paired back as just the jacket and trousers. With a pale pink shirt and champagne tie to finish, you’ll feel put together and look the part too.

I’M GOING TO A DESTINATION WEDDING – WHAT DO I WEAR NOW?

Lucky enough to be invited to a set of nuptials somewhere hot and exotic? No-one said a winter wedding had to be cold! A lightweight linen suit is your best bet. But just because this will probably be the most relaxed suit you’ll ever own, don’t fall into the trap of wearing a suit that’s baggy and shapeless – look for something lightly constructed in a trim fit. You can always experiment with different colours and patters for your linen if the neutral look just isn’t for you.

If the wedding you’re going to is so semi-formal it’s almost laid-back – like if they’re getting hitched on a beach – leave the tie at home and wear your suit with a crisp white shirt or one in a printed floral design. And just because the weather is going to be undoubtedly hot, that’s not an excuse to go barefoot; finish your outfit off with a pair of beach-friendly casual shoes.

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Groom’s winter wedding style

Explore wintry hues and heavy duty fabrics for the cooler months.

GROOM’S WINTER WEDDING STYLE

Words: C. Stewart

If your big day is happening in the coldest months of the year, summery groom staples aren’t going to cut it in a draughty church or wintry outdoor wedding shots. So, what to wear?

Your wedding’s location and styling themes will influence your outfit – perhaps the flowers for your day will have a wintry theme, or your country manor location is more suited to a heritage look. There are still ways to stand out in a look that’s all yours, though.

As a general rule, dark hues and winter-weight fabrics are made for crisp weather and shorter days, but cooler shades can also look great in winter light so don’t be afraid to step beyond the cold-weather clichés.

Tweed for grooms

Tweed tailoring is a popular choice for grooms, and with good reason. This heritage cloth has a warming hand-feel that’s great for a rustic wedding theme. But today’s tweeds also lend themselves to city celebrations and more minimalist tastes in sharp cuts and less traditional colours.

Crafted from a warm wool blend, our check tweed suit is designed for cold-weather occasions. It’s not too heavy either, which means that you won’t feel bogged down by fabric on your big day. And with a tailored fit, it offers definition on the shoulders on legs without feeling too restrictive.

For more texture, try a herringbone-weave tweed. With both visual and tactile interest, it’s a proper departure from any weekday suiting – exactly as your wedding outfit should be.

Deep shades will particularly suit winter wedding days, but light grey or blue are curveball choices that will look great in icier themes. For accessories, a knitted tie and velvet dress slippers will set off the matte texture of your tweed suit nicely.

Moss Barberis Blue Check Suit

Checked wedding suits

Pattern’s a bolder tailoring take on any day, but we’re seeing more grooms squaring up to braver looks on their big days too. A classic Prince of Wales or glen check will never date, while graphic-check fabrics are a modern choice that’ll set you apart from your guests.

Tone-on-tone check suits in navy or grey will always look elegant and form a great base for just about any shade of accessories. If you’re looking to embrace the spotlight, there’ll be no mistaking you for anything but the man of the moment in an Italian tailored fit number. This one is spun from 100% wool at Vitale Barberis Canonico, one of Italy’s finest mills, with a luxurious textured finish.

Alternatively, make grey work even on grey days by choosing a checked suit with rich accent tones, like our grey and brown version above. It’s made with insulating wool so will help to keep you warm no matter how long you have to pose in the cold for photos.

Moss Tailored Claret Suit

Flannel groom suits

If your big day’s taking place in the depths of winter, you need a cloth that can stand up to the cold. Enter: flannel.

Spun using insulating wool, our flannel suits have a brushed finish that traps warm air, making them an extra warm choice. It was originally worn by Industrial Revolution railway workers, so if it can keep them warm you can rely on it to keep the cold out at your wedding – and you can get on with warming everyone’s hearts with your vows instead.

Today, it’s less workman and more refined with a super-soft handle and saturated colours like plum, green and blue in a modern, matte finish. Wear yours as a three-piece or try it with a woollen knit for a more relaxed take.

Groom’s accessories

No groom outfit is complete without the small, distinct elements that bring it all together. As it’s your big day, choose something that truly makes a statement with a silk tie, designed and hand printed at the Tessitura Bottinelli mill. Based in Italy’s Lake Como, this family-run business has been crafting luxurious accessories for almost 100 years, using some of the world’s finest silks.

Classic paisley is always a hit, but more muted patterns work equally well too. Add a matching pocket square and silver cufflinks for a sharp finish.

 

Best man guide: this year’s top stag do locations

Time to plan the best stag do ever.
Manchester in the summer

HERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO GO FOR A STAG DO

Words: L. Thorpe

Searches for stag parties have more than doubled since the end of last year, suggesting that best men up and down the country are busy planning what’s in store for the groom, along with his nearest and dearest.

With that in mind, menswear experts Moss have run the numbers to find out where the best stag do locations to head to in 2023 are.

Best stag do locations revealed

Based on essential stag do criteria – including nearby bars, restaurants, weather, stag party activities, hotels, distance from the UK and, of course, the cost of a pint – Moss have revealed the top 5 destinations to head for a stag do this summer:

Benidorm

Benidorm, located on the stunning coast of Spain, is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable stag do experience. With its vibrant nightlife, thrilling activities and accommodation options for every budget, it offers the essentials for giving the groom-to-be a good send off.

Benidorm’s nightlife scene is renowned, with a wide range of clubs, bars and pubs catering to every taste and budget. The average cost of a pint is less than £1, the cheapest on the destination list. The city also offers an array of thrilling activities, from water sports like jet skiing and parasailing to land-based adventures like go-karting and paintballing.

With excellent transport links, including an international airport, reaching Benidorm is hassle-free for stag groups from around the world.

 

Two images of Prague, one of the top stag do locations in Europe. On the left is a sunset across the skyline in Benidorm, and the image on the right features a chair facing the sea during a sunset.

Bratislava

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is the perfect destination for an exciting stag do experience. With its vibrant nightlife, affordability, and range of thrilling activities, it offers everything you need to celebrate the groom-to-be in style. The city is renowned for its lively bars, clubs and pubs, providing a diverse range of entertainment options to suit every taste.

Bratislava’s affordability compared to other European cities makes it an attractive choice for stag parties on a budget, without compromising on quality. Its compact size allows for easy exploration and seamless navigation. Whether you’re seeking an energetic night out or thrilling adventures, Bratislava guarantees an unforgettable stag do for the groom-to-be and his friends.

Prague

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is an exceptional choice for a stag do. With its legendary party scene, stunning architecture, and affordable prices, it offers everything needed for an unforgettable celebration. Prague’s vibrant nightlife boasts a wide variety of bars, clubs, and pubs to suit all tastes, ensuring non-stop entertainment.

Plus, Prague’s affordability makes it a budget-friendly destination and its central location in Europe makes it easily accessible for stag parties from different parts of the continent.

Three images of Prague, one of the top stag do locations in Europe. On the left is a red tram driving through the city centre, and the images on the right feature historical architecture from around Prague.

Manchester

With its lively nightlife, range of activities and northern charm, Manchester offers everything needed for an unforgettable celebration. The city’s thriving music scene and numerous clubs and bars ensure an epic night out for the stag party.

During the day, sports enthusiasts can visit iconic stadiums or explore the National Football Museum, while adventure-seekers can enjoy go-karting, paintballing or escape rooms. Manchester’s warm hospitality and plenty of places to eat make it a great stag do destination. Plus, it’s usually a train rather than a flight.

Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is an excellent choice for a stag party destination. It offers everything needed for an unforgettable celebration. The city’s electric nightlife scene boasts a variety of bars, clubs, and rooftop venues, ensuring an exciting night out for the stag party. Plus there’s plenty to do in the day.

During the day, Lisbon’s breathtaking landscapes, charming neighbourhoods, and historic sites provide the perfect backdrop for exploration and adventure. Stag groups can visit iconic landmarks, enjoy outdoor activities or explore the city a little further than bars and restaurants.

Popular stag do locations ranked

Based on Moss’ data collection, using the same criteria as above, the top 20 stag do destinations from the UK are:

  1. Benidorm
  2. Bratislava
  3. Prague
  4. Manchester
  5. Lisbon
  6. Blackpool
  7. Barcelona
  8. Amsterdam
  9. Dublin
  10. Ibiza
  11. Cardiff
  12. Krakow
  13. Budapest
  14. Aberdeen
  15. Berlin
  16. Bucharest
  17. Las Vegas
  18. Marbella
  19. Riga
  20. Belfast

Three images of Bucharest, one of the top stag do locations in Europe. On the left is of a street in the city, and the images on the right feature historical architecture and nightlife from around Bucharest.

Stag do planning tips

Planning a stag do can be exciting, but it also requires careful organisation and attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a successful stag do:

  1. Start early: Begin planning well in advance to secure the best deals on accommodation, activities, and transportation. This will also allow guests to save the date and make necessary arrangements to join the celebration. Remember to find out from the groom who he wants to come, and get their details.
  2. Set a budget: Determine a budget early on to guide your planning decisions. Consider the costs of accommodation, activities, food, drinks, transportation and any additional expenses. Make sure to communicate the budget to all attendees to avoid any misunderstandings.
  3. Know the group’s interests: Think about the interests and preferences of the groom-to-be and the entire stag party when selecting the destination and activities. Discuss with the group to ensure everyone is on board with the chosen destination and the planned activities.
  4. Research the destination: Do thorough research about the chosen destination. Familiarise yourself with local customs, laws and places to go. Identify popular nightlife areas, attractions and activities to include in the stag do plans too.
  5. Plan activities and entertainment: Plan a mix of activities that cater to different interests and energy levels, especially if you have a range of ages attending the stag do. Consider including both day and night activities, such as adventure sports, brewery tours, boat cruises or clubbing. Keep the groom’s preferences in mind when choosing activities.
  6. Book accommodation and transportation: Secure suitable accommodation early to avoid last-minute availability issues. Choose accommodations that are conveniently located and can accommodate the entire group within budget. If there’s a big group, a central location might be better than having to arrange transport.
  7. Coordinate group communication: Set up a group chat to keep everyone informed and involved in the planning process. Share updates, itineraries and important details to ensure everyone is on the same page.
  8. Collect payments in advance: If applicable, collect payments from attendees in advance to cover expenses such as accommodation, activities and transportation. This will help avoid any financial complications during the stag do.
  9. Plan for contingencies: Have backup plans in case of unforeseen circumstances or unexpected changes. It’s always wise to be prepared for any last-minute changes or emergencies that may arise.
  10. Delegate responsibilities: Assign specific responsibilities to different members of the group to share the planning workload. This will help distribute tasks and ensure that everything is well-coordinated.

Remember, the ultimate goal of a stag do is to celebrate the groom-to-be and create lasting memories. By following these tips and staying organised, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable stag do for everyone involved.

Three images of Krakow, one of the top stag do locations in Europe. All three images feature people walking through the city amongst the historical architecture in Krakow.