It can be a little confusing to know what to wear for a particular formal occasion. We hope this brief guide will help you. For some occasions such as formal evening functions or investitures, strict rules apply. Other occasions such as weddings or proms the rules can be changed according to your own ideas.

• Weddings

You may wish the Groom and Best Man to be dressed distinctly from others, or you may wish these two and all the immediate family to be dressed the same. Whatever you decide, make the dress code clear on your invitation and for our part we will ensure that everyone in your party has your chosen outfit.

Traditional weddings would have classic morning suits which are available in a range of colours, and usually all the close guests would wear morning suits.

Very popular now are the ¾ jacket suits which can range from a variation on classic morning suits to suits in a choice of interesting materials and colours.

An alternative is a contemporary suit which would be of slightly unusual cut and fabric to make it distinctive from a normal day suit, some of these would be available to hire while others would be to buy only. To buy is a more expensive option, but maybe just the groom and best man would invest in these suits, leaving the others to be a little more traditional.

The accessories such as waistcoats and cravats add the touch of colour, often reflecting the wedding colour scheme such as bridesmaid's dresses.


• Evening Functions "black tie"
The three basic items are an evening suit usually black, evening shirt with wing or classic collar, and a bow tie which unless the occasion is very formal can actually be any colour. Accessories such as cummerbunds and patent dress shoes can be added.


• Formal Evening Function "white tie"
The dress code here has to be strictly adhered to. This consists of an evening tail suit, white marcella shirt, waistcoat and bow.


• Prom
The school or college prom is a fairly recent phenomenon, and basically anything goes. You can play it safe with an evening suit, or climb into your stretch limo in a white contemporary suit.


• Cruise
On most cruises there is a chance to dress up once or twice. A white tuxedo outfit or
black evening suit would be ideal. Special rates are available for an extended hire, although it might pay to buy.


• Investiture
Your invitation will advise you of the dress code, which is usually a traditional morning suit with top hat.


• Interview
A classic lounge suit with suitable shirt and tie of you choice.


• Funeral
A dark lounge suit often black, with white shirt and black tie.


• Highland
If you have a little Scottish blood, a Highland outfit could be worn to a wedding or evening function.