Words by Jill Eckersley

A glance at groom-focussed wedding websites and blogs shows that when it comes to the big day, guys want to look stylish, but also to feel comfortable and ‘be themselves’. So what does the trade think will be popular for the year ahead?

Chris Williams from Midlands dress hire company Peter Posh had this to say: “Slim jackets and trousers worn with tweed waistcoats are still a number one choice. This year we think we will be seeing many more traditionally-styled, essentially British weddings. The Royal wedding will make the look more popular. We have introduced a new 100% wool three-piece suit with fabric by Moon. Young grooms who, perhaps, have never worn traditional morning tails are liking the look. Our New Melton wool double-breasted waistcoats in silver, camel and blue are great with classic tails and lounge suits.”

There is plenty of choice for 2018 grooms in both style and colour, adds the spokeswoman for Colin Ross Dresswear of South Molton in Devon: “Slimmer-fitting suits are still the most popular cut, and we are able to offer slimmer-fi t shirts across all our ranges. The vast majority of wedding suits are still grey or blue, in all shades. Fun electric blues can be mixed-and matched with a waistcoat in a different colour and fabric. Many menswear designers are beginning to interpret catwalk trends in more vibrant hues of ink blue, burgundy and even deep purple for that all important extra wow factor.”

“Tuxedo weddings are still popular. We have added a Mock Marcella shirt with removable studs. All of these colours look smart with a crisp white or ivory shirt. We are continuing to run our fast-selling Regular Collar alongside our three other core styles, Victorian Wing, Classic Wing and Edwardian Wing – and the Penny Round collar (think Peaky Blinders!) is now an established design.”

Peaky Blinders was mentioned again by Darren from North Yorkshire-based accessories company Knightsbridge Neckwear: “I see more tweed influence coming into the wedding market from Peaky Blinders attire and 1920s styling,” he says “with rose gold, tonal greys and browns coming through to complement the pastel pinks, blues, greens and lemons. Gentlemen will certainly accessorise to the max with pocket squares, bow ties, caps, pocket watches and braces. We offer 24 new pastel shades in ties and pocket squares across both satin and woven silk fabrics as well as 17 pure new wool designs.”

John Harrison is the Creative Director at Gieves and Hawkes, the bespoke men’s tailor which has been based in London’s Savile Row since 1771. He says that among his clients, classic looks remain favourites. “Grooms can always incorporate a flourish for a special event, such as a three-piece or an interesting lining,” says Harrison. ‘Dressy, shawl-collar waistcoats are also returning. We’re seeing lovely silk jacquards in paisley patterns and linen/silk blend suits. Colours vary, but generally fall between blues and the softer shades. As more and more wedding ceremonies take place abroad, we are also seeing materials moving towards lightweight wool and silk blends. SB2 suits with peak lapels are popular, especially in made-to-measure.”

Sharp tailored suits at the cutting edge of design have always characterised Marc Wallace groomswear. “Get ready for your close-up this season,” Marc advises. “Tailored silhouettes and unstructured, soft lines lend themselves to a fun and colourful palette. Look out for the trend for creative personal detailing, from hand prints to personally designed fabrics. Urban street art inspires a creative vibe of contrasting hues with bold colours and embellishments. Textured and matt fabrics are certainly in vogue along with a layering of statement colours. Grooms in 2018 are harking back to a vintage era of evening wear with a fashion twist, sharp tailoring and luxury fabrics ranging from silks to velvets, creating the look of a very dapper gentleman!”

And, to give the retailer’s point of view, we heard from Robert Neill from the award-winning The Groom’s Room, who says: “Tweed is still very big news, and there’s no sign of that slowing down any time soon.

Our grooms have loved our tweed waistcoats, including double-breasted, scoop and single-breasted styles. Matching bow ties are really popular, too.”

“Colour-wise, the vintage pink palette is on-trend, in line with our most popular bridesmaids’ colour. We are also seeing some champagne, oysters and nudes come through, too. Our grooms are mainly opting for a single-breasted, one-button, peak lapel jacket and are combining it with a slim-fit trouser, often with a contrasting waistcoat. Navy blue is the most popular suit colour by a country mile. Everything has become skinnier in our menswear world, from smaller collars to thinner ties and slim fit trousers.”