Well hello there, welcome to Grooms' Week!

Our blog might be called Bridal Musings, but that doesn't mean we haven't got plenty of room among our pages for Grooms' Musings too!

All week we're going to be discussing all things gentlemanly for weddings, from brilliant speeches to best men, and where better to start than with the threads?

Photo via Brides Magazine

When it comes to dressing for a wedding everyone thinks the guys have the easy job. But it's just not as easy as just "putting on a suit".

As with the purchase of that all important ring, you've got to think of cut, colour, size and style.

Do you want top and tails, a tuxedo or a tweed suit or something maybe you want something a little more modern or laid back?

Should you wear a tie, a dickie bow or go open collar?

And have you thought about your socks? Yes, socks!

Luckily, we're here to help. With everything from shirt collars to trouser cuffs, sit back, put your feet up and enjoy our guide to grooms attire 101.

Our Ultimate Grooms' Guide To Dressing For Your Wedding

Photo by Joseba Sandoval via Bridal Musings

From top to toe, check out our top tips for grooms on what to wear on your wedding day.

We've run through grooms' attire piece by piece, and look out for our expert tips at the bottom of the post.

Suits

Photo by Laken Fulton Photography via Bridal Musings

So the first thing you'll probably consider when you start thinking about your wedding day attire, is suits.

Of course suits change vastly with fashion, boxy jackets and loose fix trousers have now been replaced with slim fits and short lengths. Though of course, that doesn't suit every shape, so talk to your tailor or store assistant about the best fit for your build.

While you may decide to have a made-to-measure suit, other options include rental or off-the-rack.

If you're opting for tops and tails or a formal tuxedo, renting might be the more economical option, whereas if you go for a navy or grey suit you're likely to wear again, why not splash out and buy the suit of your dreams?

Separates

Attire by Clements & Church, Photo by Emma Case Photography via Love My Dress

A modern look for style savvy grooms, opting for separates on your wedding day is a great way to set yourself apart.

Start with the blazer and look for a sports coat or jacket you really love, then pair with contrasting pants. Checks, stripes, and clashing or complimentary colours all work well, you can go bold or choose something a little more subtle.

You don't have to limit it to a jacket and slacks either, opting for separates mean you can choose jeans, chinos or shorts for the bottom and shirts, waistcoats or cardigans for your top half.

This is one to play around with, so have a scout around Pinterest, and look to your favourite male celebrities (David Gandy, Eddie Redmayne, and Bradley Cooper all have awesome style) for inspiration.

Shirts

Photo by Ryder Evans Photography via The Lane

You might think a white shirt is just a white shirt, but it can also make a real statement.

Choose to look effortlessly handsome with an open collar and no tie, go for a hipster look with a buttoned-up starch shirt, or pick a peter pan collar for a quirkier style.

And of course, it doesn't have to be white, try a black tie on a black shirt, opt for a ditsy floral print, or maybe some stripes or polka dots?

Top tip: Don't leave it until the day of your wedding to try on your shirt, make sure it's neatly pressed, well fit and not too see-through. Have a back-up shirt to stay fresh on a hot day or if you're prone to working up a sweat on the dancefloor!

Blazers

Photo by Catherine Hall Studios via Style Me Pretty

Whether you're planning on wearing a suit or a separate blazer, there are a few guidelines to consider.

- Think about your vents (the opening at the back of your blazer), if you want to have a slimmer look, opt for a ventless jacket, but if you want to bust a move on the dancefloor, opt for double side vents to give you more room.

- Three button jackets look great on taller men.

- Short men should opt for a deeper V in their jacket to elongate their torso.

- Research various jacket cuts to choose your style, Drape Cut works great for sharp, modern grooms, Continental is a little more classic.

- As for your sleeves, opt for shorter and more fitted, showing a little cuff is a stylish, dapper and modern look.

- Your jacket should never hang so long as it puckers when you put your hands in your trouser pockets. Keeping it short makes you look taller.

- The waist is one of the most important parts of the fit, nip it in for strong shoulders and a lean look.

- It doesn't have to be black, think a white suit with a black lapel, a sharp check sports coat, or a sky blue with navy pants.

Pants

Photo by Jean Laurent Gaudy via Bright Bazaar

When it comes to picking your pants, here are our top tips for stepping up your style...

- As with blazers, slim fitted slacks, are the most current, and flattering. You don't need to opt for a tight skinny fit, but do choose trousers with as little excess fabric as possible.

- While pleated pants offer more room for a larger gent, opting for a flat front trouser is a modern, slimming cut.

- Showing a little ankle action is really cool right now but not everyone can pull it off. Generally speaking, your trousers should sit nicely just above your shoes, rather than bunch up around your ankles.

- Bring the shoes you're planning to wear to your fitting, to make sure your pants are the correct length. Especially if you're opting for a cuffed trouser.

Ties

Photo by Anushé Low via London Bride

When it comes to ties, the options are endless, you can go for silk, wool or tweed, opt for a bright hue, a pin stripe or a co-ordinating colour to your shirt, your jacket, or even the bridesmaids.

We love a skinny tie for a cool, modern look.

Top tip: Add a sharp tie pin to a skinny tie for the Don Draper levels of dapper!

Bow Ties

Photo by David Newkirk via Trendy Bride

Bow ties used to be reserved for geeky grooms but now they're all kinds of cool.

When it comes to bow ties, there are three ways to buy them, pre-tied, self-tie or clip on. While pre-tied can look neater, we love a guy who can tie his own bow, and it also looks great hanging open at the end of the night.

As for styles, the Butterfly is the big blousy kind you see most often, the Batwing is neater with straight sides, the Club Round is a retro style more common among old school waiters, and the Diamond Point is a sharper, more unusual style that's increasingly stylish.

Cravats

Photo by Rebecca Goddard Photography via Love My Dress

Cravats, or Ascots as they're also known, are perfect for grooms going for a suave, gentrified look for their wedding day.

Opt for a silk scarf in a rich, luxurious tone with a classic pattern like paisley. There are a number of ways to tie a cravat but go for an under the shirt look for a cooler take on the formal neckerchief.

Waistcoats

Photo by Mark Tattersall via Boho Weddings

Waistcoats (or vests) can look great on grooms, either as part of a three piece suit, or as an alternative to a jacket for a casual wedding or a hot weather destination.

- As with the blazer or trousers, you can choose to match your suit, or opt for a contrasting fabric, colour or pattern.

- Your waistcoat should be long enough to cover your shirt at the front and sit just over your belt. It can be a little shorter at the sides and back, showing a little shirt.

- Choose a waistcoat with a smooth fit and a tapered waist, if you need a little more breathing space (after your third slice of wedding cake), open the bottom button of your waistcoat.

- If opting for a three-piece suit, the V of your waistcoat should be small enough so it can be seen under your jacket.

Kilts

Photo by Ria Mishaal Photography via Bridal Musings

Okay, so chances are, if you're wearing a kilt, you're either Scottish, or of Scottish descent, so you probably know all the traditions behind them, but just in case, here are a few key points.

- Your kilt should sit on your waist at, or above, your navel, with the pleasts at the back, and aprons at the front. Traditionally, it's paired with an open jacket, closed waitcoat, winged collar shirt and cravat tie.

- There are some accessories that every gent in a kilt should be sporting. Most important is the Sporran, a fur pouch worn on a chain or leather strap which hangs down below your waist. A kilt pin is used for decorative purposes towards the bottom of your kilt.

- Long socks called Kilt Hose should also be worn just below the bottom of your knee, folded down at the top, with kilt flashes at the sides.

- Ghille Brogues are the traditional shoes worn with a kilt, tied up your foot and around your calves.

Optional extra: Traditionally, real Scotsmen don't wear underwear beneath their kilts. Do be prepared for your guests to check though!

Casuals

Photo by Die Hochzeitsfotografen via Bridal Musings

Casual threads are becoming increasingly popular for grooms as couples plan rustic, informal weddings.

While jeans, chinos, plaid shirts, or Converse trainers all look cool, pair them with more formal touches like blazers, suspenders, or bow ties, for a contrasted casual look.

Top Tip: Check with your other half if you're going casual, you don't want them to feel over-dressed on their own wedding day!

Shoes

Photo by Mastin Studio via Well-Groomed

The sky is the limit when it comes to what to wear on your feet for your wedding day, and there aren't many rules.

As we said, casual shoes are becoming more popular, with Converse, Keds or Toms all pretty popular, as are cowboy and Chelsea boots for a more polished, yet personal finish.

As for colours, let your clothes guide you, keep black shoes for black suits, and brown shoes for navy. Grey suits will go with both, though lighter shades call for a lighter shoe.

Pointy toes look cooler and more modern than round and chunky styles, laced up looks more sharp, and think of retro styles like spats and tasseled loafers for something a little more fashion forward.

Top tip: Avoid cuts, blisters and slipping, and make sure your shoes are broken in and scuffed on the soles BEFORE your wedding day.

Buttonholes

Photo by Wai Reyes via Style Me Pretty

Buttonholes and boutonnieres are the classic lapel adornment for your wedding day, and lets everyone know you're the most important guy at the party!

Match your boutonniere to the rest of the day, whether it's the bouquets or centrepieces. While flowers are most popular, we've seen lots of succulents, feathers, and foliage of late.

Don't put on your buttonhole until the last moment to keep it looking as fresh as possible for the photographs.

Pocket Squares

Photo by D'Arcy Benincosa Photography via 100 Layer Cake

Pocket squares are a really slick and effortless way to add a pop of colour and a stylish finish to your suit. You can choose a pattern to match your tie or a contrasting colour for your handkerchief.

The only think you need to master with your pocket square is how to fold it.

Choose a precise Presidential Fold for a sleek sixties look, a Puffed Fold for a flamboyant finish, or a Pointed fold to show off your pocket square expertise.

Cufflinks

Photo by Wendy Laurel via Style Me Pretty

Cufflinks are an essential part of formal dressing, and a great opportunity to show off your personality with your wedding day look.

Choose between fun looks or dapper styles, or opt for something vintage with added meaning behind it.

Whether you choose blue Lego blocks, simple silver pins, or the brass monogrammed pair passed down from your grandfather, make sure your cufflinks reflect you and your style.

Socks

Photo by Paper Antler via Style Me Pretty

Grooms love socks! We rarely receive a real wedding that doesn't feature a groom and his guys flaunting their socks.

Personalised initials, bright colours, or bold prints, socks are another aspect of your attire where you can have a little fun.

Think about your groomsmen, and come up with something meaningful, whether it's your favourite football team or your favourite super heroes, to sport on your socks as a team for your wedding day.

Top Tip: We probably don't need to say this, but just in case: NEVER wear white socks, with a black suit. Thanks.

Suspenders

Photo by Smitten Photography via Style Me Pretty

We love a belt as much as the next guy, but there's something a little more special about wearing braces (or suspenders) on your wedding day.

Not only to they keep your pants up, but they look really elegant and handsome too.

Wear suspenders, and you'll look sharp all day long, even when your tie is lost, your jacket abandoned, and you're busting a move on the dancefloor at the end of the night.

5 Expert Tips For Looking Sharp on Your Wedding Day

We asked Hendrik Pohl, founder of Bows 'N' Ties (watch out for an amazing giveaway for grooms from them later this week!) to give us his top tips for dressing dapper on your wedding day.

1. Prep your Bow Tie

Photo by Martin Ellard My Big Day Photos via Rock My Wedding

In a recent survey we found that only 1% of adult men actually know how to tie their own bow ties. While it is a skill that is easily learned, don't wait until the day of the wedding. You will probably be nervous, already had a drink to two with the boys, and there simply isn't a enough time to search YouTube for the perfect bow tie tutorial. That being said, learn this skill ahead of time. Even better, your bow tie the day before.

2. Polish Your Shoes

Photo by Matthew Mead via Nouba

Nothing looks more out of place on a formal ensemble than dirty dress shoes. Give your shoes the extra shine for your big day, and in case you aren't wearing new shoes, use shoe trees a few weeks prior to remove those cracks.

3. Wear a Boutonniere

Photo by When He Found Her via Ruffled

The boutonniere is a perfect accessory to set yourself apart from your groomsmen and your guests. This is especially important if you are having a black tie event with everyone dressed in a black tux, white shirt, and black bow tie.

4. Light on Starch

Photo by CJ Williams Photography via Bridal Musings

Starch will add stiffness to your shirt's collar and cuffs. While a nicely shaped collar will give you sartorial style points, don't overdo it. Tell your dry-cleaner to go "light" on the starch. Too much starch can cause skin irritations.

5. Tie Your Tie To The Right Length

Photo by Alixann Loosle Photography via Style Me Pretty

Tie your necktie so that the tip ends near the center of your belt buckle. A tie that is tied well past your belt will make you look like Milton from Office Space!

Photo via Bows 'N' Ties

So there you have it, our ultimate groom's guide to dressing! Thanks so much to Hendrik Pohl, founder of Bows 'N'Ties for lending his expert tips too.

Do let us know in the comments below if you have any more tips for sharp suiting and booting for grooms.

For more inspiration on gorgeous groom style, visit our Grooms' board on Pinterest.