Garden Weddings: A Tuxedo That Breathes and Won't Sink

An outdoor wedding calls for a lighter tuxedo than a ballroom does: thin cloth, minimal lining, a pale colour, a cummerbund rather than a waistcoat and shoes that do not sink into the grass. The aim is that after an hour in the late-afternoon sun you can still stand tall and smile comfortably, with a suit that is neither soaked nor crumpled. The four choices below solve most of the problem.

Light cloth, thin lining

The feeling of stuffiness comes less from colour than from cloth and lining. For a garden, consider:

• Tropical wool: a tightly twisted, openly woven yarn that drapes well and creases less than heavy wool. Our piece on tropical wool explains the cloth.
• Wool-mohair or wool-silk blends: airy, with a slight sheen that suits the afternoon.
• Half-lined or thinly lined: drop the back lining so air can move; keep the shoulder and sleeve lining so the jacket slips on and off easily.
• Avoid heavy velvet, thick barathea or high polyester blends, which trap heat.

A light suit still holds its shape if cut properly to measure; light does not mean limp.

Pale colours: ivory, light grey

Pale colours reflect heat better than dark ones and suit outdoor afternoon light.

• Ivory dinner jacket: elegant, with a garden feel. See TUX-106, ivory with a shawl lapel, cummerbund and black trousers or TUX-073, ivory with a silk sash. Bright white or ivory helps you pick the tone.
• Light grey: a little less formal, good for groomsmen in the same family.
• Lightweight midnight: if the ceremony runs to dusk, it remains a correct choice.

Note that pale colours show grass stains and perspiration more, so choose a cloth thick enough not to reveal what lies beneath.

A cummerbund instead of a waistcoat

A waistcoat adds a layer of cloth around the torso, so it is hotter. A cummerbund covers only the waist, hiding the join between shirt and trousers while staying airy. For a garden:

• Use a satin or silk cummerbund matching the bow tie.
• Keep the pleats facing upward, following tradition.
• If you still want a waistcoat for the photographs, choose a low U-cut one with a thin silk back.

Taking off the jacket after the ceremony is the coolest option, and the cummerbund keeps you tidy in shirtsleeves.

Shoes that do not sink

Damp grass, soft ground and gravel are enemies of thin-soled patent shoes.

• Choose a broad sole and a low or block heel; avoid small high heels.
• A lace-up that holds the foot is still correct with formal dress, but a thin rubber layer helps grip.
• Patent leather shows grass and mud; keep a soft cloth for a quick wipe.
• Walk on grass before the wedding to be sure you do not slip.

Small outdoor details

Wind shifts bow ties and pocket squares, so fix the pocket square firmly. A thin handkerchief for perspiration, a bottle of water and a patch of shade while waiting for photographs are worth planning. Ask about the wedding's backup plan too: if there is an indoor hall in case of rain, the suit needs to work in both settings. See also our wedding tuxedo page.

How Mon Amie can help

When we make a suit for a garden wedding, tell us the ceremony time and place so the consultant can recommend cloth and lining. Order early before the wedding; making time depends on the style and fitting schedule, and your consultant will confirm it at measurement. Book at a Mon Amie showroom.