Fix up, look sharp
How to dress for your big day
Ok, this one if mainly aimed at the chaps in the room. Most of us guys struggle to dress ourselves at the best of times, but on the biggest day of our lives it all gets a bit much. If this is you then fear not, you’re not alone. At nearly every wedding I shoot I have guys asking me the same things, so this guide is here to help you out. But ladies, don’t think you’re getting off the hook either as there’s a few tips for you also. Let’s do this.
To the left, to the left
Buttonholes, you know, those flowers you see stuck to the guys suit jackets? These are top of the list of “what the f*** do we do with these??” questions I get asked. When it comes to buttonholes refer to Beyonce - they should go on the left lapel. However, even though they are literally called buttonholes, they do NOT go through the button hole on the lapel of the jacket. I know, it can be confusing. Instead, your flower provider should supply them with pins, or sometimes magnets. That way they can be pinned to the lapel, as you can see below.
How to pin??
Yep, this can be right pain. Pinning your flower to your lapel is far easier done with the jacket off, but you can get a pal to do it for you while you’re wearing it. In short, hold the buttonhole in position on the lapel, lift the lapel, insert a pin diagonally downward through the lapel into the flower stem, then as if making a stitch, pass the the pin end back through the lapel. Ideally you’d use two pins to secure it. Give it a wiggle to make sure it’s secure. Sorted.
Look after the jacket!
We’ve probably chatted a bit about the running order of the day, and when I’d like to get you outside for some portraits and how usually I’d like to do one shoot as we approach sunset. Now, in summer weddings sunset often happens after dinner, and what do you guys do at dinner? You put your jacket on the back of your chair and sit on it - often mangling the buttonhole and creasing the suit.
With that in mind if you can remember to hang it up somewhere so it still looks fresh for our shoot (even if you’re looking 7 glasses of wine deep) that would be fab.
The buttons rule
Talking of buttons and holes, what about the buttons on your suit and waistcoat? Believe it or not, there’s rules here too (I am so glad I don’t have to wear suits because my head would explode trying to stick to the etiquette).
Anyway, here goes:
Single breasted jacket with 2 buttons - only button the top button
Single breasted jacket with 3 buttons - button the top two
Double breasted jacket - Far more flexible. Button all, or leave bottom open, just never only button the bottom.
Waistcoats - leave the bottom button undone.
Another tip, if you have a matching jacket and waistcoat, the jacket should be buttoned at all times (except when sitting), whereas if your jacket and waistcoat are mixed, then the jacket can be left undone if you wish.
Hips, not t**s
Girls, this one’s for you. You’re set for your wedding, you’ve got the frock, you’ve got the killer hair, the make-up is divine, and now you’ve got to work out what to do with this massive lump of foliage you’ve been handed. The bouquet! What do you do with the bouquet?? This is where the headline above comes in handy.
If you’re carrying your bouquet in two hands, then just resting it gently at your hips is perfect. If you bring it up to your stomach, or even your chest, that automatically makes you hunch and tighten up a bit which will show in the photos. Keep it loose and relaxed.
If on the other hand we’re doing some portraits, then you’ll more than likely have it in just one hand. If that’s the case then I always prefer it just left dangling at your side. Don’t try to over-pose it, just drop your hand to the side and relax your arm and hand. It looks WAY more natural like this rather than trying to style it out in any way, and again that just makes you think about posing it, which again makes you tense up. I’m all about keeping things loose and natural, so don’t overthink it.
Of course, you can always just grip it and thrust it at the camera for full effect, or just wave it around like a madman.
That’s all for now. I hope this has been at least a little useful. When it comes to the big day, the more these small nagging things aren’t at the forefront of your mind, the more you’ll be able to enjoy the day. It’s the little things,
See you soon!
J