Wedding season is upon us, and Salisbury's beautiful cathedral and surrounding Wiltshire venues will once again play host to celebrations throughout spring and summer. At Chas H Baker, we have dressed grooms, groomsmen, fathers of the bride, and wedding guests for generations. Here is our complete guide to looking impeccable on the big day.
The Groom's Suit
As the groom, your outfit sets the tone for the entire wedding party. The most popular choices we see at Chas Baker are:
- Classic Navy: Timeless and flattering. Works for church, registry office, and outdoor ceremonies alike.
- Mid-Grey: A softer, contemporary choice that photographs beautifully in natural light.
- Morning Suit: For traditional formal weddings — tailcoat, waistcoat, and striped trousers.
- Tweed: Increasingly popular for country and barn weddings across Wiltshire.
We recommend booking a fitting at least eight to twelve weeks before the wedding to allow time for any alterations.
Coordinating the Groomsmen
Groomsmen should complement the groom without overshadowing him. Common approaches include:
- Identical suits with different tie or pocket square colours
- Same colour palette in slightly different shades
- Matching waistcoats with the groom wearing a distinguished jacket
Bring your groomsmen in together for a group fitting — it ensures consistency and makes for a memorable pre-wedding experience.
Shirts, Ties & Accessories
Shirts
White is the classic choice for formal weddings. Light blue or pale pink offer subtle alternatives. Always choose a spread or cutaway collar for ties, and ensure the shirt is freshly pressed on the day.
Ties & Bow Ties
Silk ties in solid colours or subtle patterns coordinate best. For black tie weddings, a self-tied bow tie is essential — our staff can demonstrate the technique during your fitting.
Pocket Squares
A folded pocket square adds a finishing touch. It need not match the tie exactly — complementary colours often look more sophisticated.
Cufflinks
Personalised or heirloom cufflinks make thoughtful groomsmen gifts and add a personal touch to the ensemble.
"We have fitted wedding parties where the father wore a suit purchased from us thirty years ago, and now his son is choosing his wedding suit from the same store. That continuity means everything to us." — Chas H Baker
Footwear for Weddings
Polished leather oxfords in black or dark brown are the standard for formal weddings. Loake brogues remain our most popular wedding shoe — handcrafted in Kettering and built to last well beyond the wedding day. Ensure shoes are broken in before the ceremony to avoid discomfort during a long day of standing and dancing.
Timing Your Fittings
We recommend the following timeline:
- 12 weeks before: Initial consultation and suit selection
- 8 weeks before: First fitting with all groomsmen present
- 2 weeks before: Final fitting and collection
- Wedding day: Press your suit the night before and hang it properly
Book Your Wedding Fitting
Our experienced team at 17 Milford Street, Salisbury, is ready to help make your wedding day attire perfect. Contact us on 01722 324 234 or email sales@chashbaker.co.uk to arrange a group fitting appointment.