Wedding menswear has a serious image problem. If you want anything beyond a navy, grey or maybe – shock horror – burgundy (!) suit, the options are extremely limited. Most mainstream wedding inspiration assumes men are happy to blend into the background, play it safe, and call it a day. Retailers push the same silhouettes on repeat, and tailoring can feel intimidating if you don’t already speak the language.

So where do you go if you actually want something personal? Something that reflects your taste, your body, your relationship, or the mood of the day you’re planning? Enter King & Allen.

When Richard (pictured) started planning his July 2025 wedding to Becky, he had a vision: a vibrant orange, double-breasted suit that matched their colourful, joyful celebration. The problem? He assumed no tailor would take him seriously.

Like so many, Richard had a lot of preconceived ideas about what working with a tailor would be like, specifically that it would be super stuffy and rigid. He had something special in mind but it felt unachievable given the “rules” of what would – and what wouldn’t – be allowed especially for a wedding.

But here’s what Richard discovered: bespoke tailoring isn’t always about following rules. It can often be about breaking them.

What to ask for at your tailoring consultation

If you’re worried about walking into a tailoring appointment and being told your ideas are beyond what they are able to deliver here are some tips:

Lead with your wedding vibe, not suit terminology. Instead of trying to describe specific cuts or styles, talk about your venue, your colour scheme, what feeling you’re going for. A good tailor will translate that into fabric and design.

Bring your partner (or a trusted friend) to the consultation. Richard brought his bride-to-be Becky, having her there meant they could bounce ideas around and feel confident in their choices. 

Ask what’s actually possible. Want a printed lining featuring your dog? Colourful buttonholes? Words sewn into your lapel? Just ask. The worst that will happen is you will find out it’s not technically feasible (rare), but you might discover options you hadn’t even considered.

Think beyond the wedding day. A well-made suit can last decades and be worn repeatedly if you plan for versatility. Ask your tailor about creating something that works for your wedding and future occasions – maybe pairing a statement jacket with more neutral trousers, or vice versa.

How to find the right fit. Look for tailors who showcase more diverse couples and body types on their website and social media. They are sending the very clear message that they see you. They understand that showcasing real people – not just models – wearing creative, personality-filled suits gives others the confidence to want the same thing.

Remember you hold all the cards. This is your day, asking for what you want is not an inconvenience. It’s the tailor’s job to work around you – not the other way around. And if they can’t? Try another tailor. You’re not bothering anyone – you’re making sure you get something you’ll love.

Creative freedom for all 

There’s this myth that creative freedom is at odds with tradition, and only those who are “alternative” in some way want to wear something that actually reflects who they are – clearly this is rubbish.

Whether you’re a bride in a suit, a groom resplendent in orange – or any other colour for that matter – or anyone in between looking for something that feels authentically you, the principle is the same: rigid wedding “rules” serve the industry’s convenience, not you, or your actual life.

A properly crafted suit can be ‘taken in’ or ‘let out’ if your shape or taste changes, meaning you can maintain the connection to your special day while ensuring it still fits you like a glove for years to come. Make sure you ask your tailor about fabric quality, care instructions, and how the suit can be styled differently for future events as the better you look after it the longer it will last. 

Richard’s orange suit isn’t gathering dust in a wardrobe – it’s a piece he can rewear, restyle, and remember. And that’s ultimately what breaks the biggest wedding rule of all: the idea that your wedding outfit is a one-day affair rather than something that can live on way beyond the ceremony. 

If you’ve been hesitating to ask for what you really want because you think tailors won’t take you seriously, you’re probably speaking to the wrong tailors. The stuffy gatekeepers exist, sure – but so do the ones who’ll help you walk down the aisle in whatever colour, shape or style, makes you feel most authentically you.