How Far in Advance Should a Groom Get His Suit?

Getting the perfect suit for your wedding isn’t just about style-it’s about timing. Too early, and you might end up with a suit that doesn’t fit right. Too late, and you risk showing up on your big day in something that’s either out of stock, poorly tailored, or just plain wrong. So how far out should a groom get his suit? The short answer: 6 to 8 months before the wedding.

Why Timing Matters More Than You Think

Most guys assume they can wait until a month before the wedding to pick out their suit. That’s a mistake. Wedding suits aren’t like buying jeans off the rack. Even if you buy off-the-rack, they need tailoring. Custom suits take weeks to make. Fabric orders can be delayed. Alterations take time. And if something goes wrong-like a button falls off or the jacket’s too tight-you’re stuck.

Real-world example: A groom in Melbourne ordered his suit three weeks before his June wedding. The tailor said they couldn’t fit him in until two days before the ceremony. He showed up with a suit that was two sizes too big. He spent the entire reception tugging at his sleeves. Don’t be that guy.

The Ideal Timeline Breakdown

Here’s what a smart groom does, month by month:

• 8 months out: Start researching styles, colors, and fabrics. Look at photos from real weddings-not just magazine spreads. Notice what works for different body types. Talk to other grooms. Check out local tailors or suit shops with good reviews.
• 6-7 months out: Book your first fitting appointment. If you’re buying custom, this is when you pick fabric, lining, buttons, and lapel style. If you’re buying ready-to-wear, go to the store and try on at least 3 different brands. Don’t just grab the first one that fits.
• 5 months out: Place your order. If it’s custom, the tailor will take measurements and give you a timeline. If it’s off-the-rack, confirm the delivery date. Ask about return policies. Some stores won’t accept returns on wedding suits after a certain date.
• 3 months out: Schedule your first fitting. This is where you’ll see how the suit hangs. The tailor will mark where it needs to be taken in, shortened, or adjusted. Bring your shoes and shirt to this fitting. The fit changes when you’re wearing the full outfit.
• 1-2 months out: Second fitting. Make sure everything’s perfect. If you’ve lost or gained weight, tell your tailor. It’s easier to adjust a suit now than to panic on the wedding day.
• 2 weeks out: Pick up your suit. Try it on again at home. Check the pockets, buttons, and hem. Make sure your shoes don’t rub against the cuffs. If anything feels off, call your tailor immediately.

What If You’re on a Tight Schedule?

Life happens. Maybe you got engaged last minute. Maybe your wedding’s in 3 months. Don’t panic. You still have options.

• Buy off-the-rack now. Look for stores with in-house tailoring. Big chains like MR PORTER, Indochino, or even local menswear shops in Sydney often offer 2-3 week turnaround for alterations.
• Choose a simpler style. A solid navy or charcoal suit with a slim fit needs less customization. Avoid patterns, double-breasted cuts, or velvet lapels-they take longer to source and alter.
• Don’t wait for the perfect fit. A well-tailored off-the-rack suit looks better than a poorly fitting custom one. Focus on shoulder fit first-that’s the hardest thing to fix. Then the sleeve length. The rest can be adjusted.

What to Avoid

There are common traps every groom falls into. Don’t make these mistakes:

• Buying the suit too early. If you buy it 12+ months out, you might lose weight, gain muscle, or change your mind about the style. A suit you bought in January might not suit you in June.
• Trying on suits in casual clothes. Don’t wear a t-shirt and jeans to your fitting. Wear the shirt and tie you plan to wear on the wedding day. The fit changes with layering.
• Ignoring the shoes. Your suit hem should just kiss the top of your shoe. If you’re wearing dress shoes with a 1cm heel, your tailor needs to know that.
• Thinking one size fits all. Suit sizes are inconsistent. A size 40 in one brand might be a 38 in another. Always try on.

What About Accessories?

Your suit isn’t the only thing that needs planning. Ties, pocket squares, cufflinks, and shoes should be picked out at the same time as the suit. Why? Because color and texture need to match.

• Choose your tie after your suit. That way, you can match the exact shade of blue or burgundy.
• Don’t buy a pocket square that’s too flashy. A simple white linen fold looks more elegant than a patterned one.
• Wear your shoes during the final fitting. The hem length changes depending on the heel height.

What If You’re Getting Married in a Different Climate?

If you’re having a beach wedding in Queensland or a winter ceremony in the Blue Mountains, your suit fabric matters.

• Warm weather: Go for lightweight wool, linen blends, or seersucker. Avoid heavy tweed or thick wool. A light grey or beige suit works better than black.
• Cold weather: Opt for wool with a higher thread count. A charcoal or navy suit with a wool overcoat looks sharp and keeps you warm.

What About Rental Suits?

Rental suits are cheaper and faster-but they come with risks. You won’t know how well they fit until you try them on. Many rental suits are worn by multiple grooms. The fabric can look shiny or worn. The lapels might be outdated.

If you do rent:

• Book at least 4 months out.
• Try it on in person before paying.
• Ask if alterations are included. Most rental places charge extra.
• Check for stains, missing buttons, or frayed seams.

Final Tip: Trust Your Tailor

A good tailor will tell you what works-not what you want to hear. If your shoulders are too broad, they’ll say so. If the jacket’s too long, they’ll cut it. Don’t argue. They’ve done this hundreds of times.

And if you’re unsure? Take a photo of yourself in the suit. Look at it on your phone. Does it look like you? Does it look like the groom you imagined? If not, go back.

Your wedding suit isn’t just clothing. It’s part of your story. Get it right, and you’ll feel confident walking down the aisle. Get it wrong, and you’ll spend your reception adjusting your sleeves instead of dancing with your bride.