Though Rob is now a very happily married man, the Basement is not yet awash with morning suits, cravates (as if) and buttonholes. But if we can't outfit the groom for the big day, we can most certainly help with all other wardrobe wedding requirements, great gifts and some typically Hambledon handy hints.
1. Keep speeches funny/heartfelt/short (not so short it appears you have no interest in subject, not too long that guests are poking eyes out with sticks). The absolute non-negotiable is a degree of preparation. Winging it on a wedding day is not amusing for anyone.
2. Formal photography takes a flippin' age. Make sure your guests are well lubricated, have snacks and at least some idea of when the fun times are going to start. Watching a photographer is not a spectator sport.
3. Your mum is right. Your mum is always right. Timely thank you letters are a requirement. Don't send them from the honeymoon though. That's too soon and don't you have better things to do?
4. Remember on this day you are the A lister. You need to greet each and every one of your devoted fans. No receiving line? You have to work the room.
5. Don't fret about the weather. It may seem that sunshine is essential to the perfect day but, and excuse the cheesiness, it really is just about you and all your loved ones. Thunder and lightning be damned.
1. Keep speeches funny/heartfelt/short (not so short it appears you have no interest in subject, not too long that guests are poking eyes out with sticks). The absolute non-negotiable is a degree of preparation. Winging it on a wedding day is not amusing for anyone.
2. Formal photography takes a flippin' age. Make sure your guests are well lubricated, have snacks and at least some idea of when the fun times are going to start. Watching a photographer is not a spectator sport.
3. Your mum is right. Your mum is always right. Timely thank you letters are a requirement. Don't send them from the honeymoon though. That's too soon and don't you have better things to do?
4. Remember on this day you are the A lister. You need to greet each and every one of your devoted fans. No receiving line? You have to work the room.
5. Don't fret about the weather. It may seem that sunshine is essential to the perfect day but, and excuse the cheesiness, it really is just about you and all your loved ones. Thunder and lightning be damned.
Because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Should you need sartorial inspiration, these are our favourite grooms for you to channel.
ELVIS PRESLEY
MICHAEL CORLEONE
AARON AUJLA
JOHN F. KENNEDY JR.
MICK JAGGER
DAVID ROSE
ELVIS PRESLEY
MICHAEL CORLEONE
AARON AUJLA
JOHN F. KENNEDY JR.
MICK JAGGER
DAVID ROSE
1. Keep it classic. A Thom Browne short suit might be right for some occasions (first day at Dotheboy's or a formal dance with the girls at St Trinians perhaps) but stick with long trousers. You're a grown up.
2. Wedding photos last a long old time. They're going to be hanging on the wall in your in-laws' sitting room and clogging up family photo albums for decades to come. Do you look good? Do you feel good?
3. Dress for the season. A beach wedding is hot. A church wedding in February is chilly.
4. Morning suit, black tie or classic suit? Morning suit (the clue is in the name) is traditionally for day time. Black tie for an evening event. Regular suit for a more casual event. It's your day. You choose. Maybe consult with the bride/groom and make sure your guests know the dress code too.
5. Your bride/groom might not want to reveal everything about their outfit but it's a good idea to have some sense of the overall vibe. If s/he's wearing flip flops and a sundress, maybe top hat and tails is too much.
6. Much as we love and adore Spencer Tracy this is probably not the time for making do and mending. Keep it sharp and well fitting.
7. Dial down on the colour. A navy or grey suit works. If you must embrace your fun side, a colourful lining or an interesting pocket square signals the laughs.
1. Keep it classic. A Thom Browne short suit might be right for some occasions (first day at Dotheboy's or a formal dance with the girls at St Trinians perhaps) but stick with long trousers. You're a grown up.
2. Wedding photos last a long old time. They're going to be hanging on the wall in your in-laws' sitting room and clogging up family photo albums for decades to come. Do you look good? Do you feel good?
3. Dress for the season. A beach wedding is hot. A church wedding in February is chilly.
4. Morning suit, black tie or classic suit? Morning suit (the clue is in the name) is traditionally for day time. Black tie for an evening event. Regular suit for a more casual event. It's your day. You choose. Maybe consult with the bride/groom and make sure your guests know the dress code too.
5. Your bride/groom might not want to reveal everything about their outfit but it's a good idea to have some sense of the overall vibe. If s/he's wearing flip flops and a sundress, maybe top hat and tails is too much.
6. Much as we love and adore Spencer Tracy this is probably not the time for making do and mending. Keep it sharp and well fitting.
7. Dial down on the colour. A navy or grey suit works. If you must embrace your fun side, a colourful lining or an interesting pocket square signals the laughs.
We’ve selected the very best shirts for the very best weddings whatever and wherever they may be.
The Belavista is Portuguese Flannel's take on the Oxford shirt. Cut from a soft lightweight cotton, this off-white colourway is great for traditional Spring/Summer weddings. Pair it with a smart suit, a pair of formal shoes and a tie. Job done.
The Paul shirt from Hartford features a simple spread collar and regular fit, making it easy to dress up (with any of the basic tie knots) or down (sans neckwear) for a city/civil affair. This season’s offering in sky blue is timeless and will serve you well for years to come.
For a barn/farm wedding, you can take a more relaxed approach. Swap out a dress shirt for the Arne BD shirt from NN07. Crafted from 100% linen, it’s incredibly lightweight and breathable with five perfectly appropriate colourways to choose from. Style it with a pair of chinos, a smart blazer and louche loafers and prepare to dance the night away.
Does your invitation see you off to the beach/abroad? We suggest trading in long sleeves for the NN07 Ole short sleeve shirt, because we all know sweat patches are not a good look. Crafted from a classic Oxford cotton, this one’s perfect for sunnier climes. Pair it with a linen suit (all the rage RN), high-end accessories (a pair of Oscar Deen sunglasses will do nicely) and stick to pale colours for an effortless-yet-refined beachy vibe.
There are just three numbers to have on speed-dial ahead of your nuptials: the dry cleaner, the tailor and the pub for drinks the night before. These are our local heroes of choice.
Because things are going to get messy.
The masters of alterations.
Our favourite place to take the edge off.
Because things are going to get messy.
The masters of alterations.
Our favourite place to take the edge off.
These boys are the Sammy Davis and Dean Martin to your Frank Sinatra; the Emilio Estevez and Judd Nelson to your Rob Lowe. Get them the gift they deserve.
