Fetching the bride: tuxedo or suit, and long drives

The bride-fetching procession is where a groom's outfit is tested hardest: hours in a car, stepping out, getting back in, waiting in line, then entering the bride's home. A tuxedo or a suit can both do the job; what matters is whether the garment can survive all that, not what it is called.

Tuxedo or suit for the procession

The procession usually takes place in daytime, so a smart dark suit is a very fitting choice: black, navy or charcoal, notch lapel, white shirt, necktie or bow tie. It is light, has few shiny details, and sits well in daylight.

A tuxedo is equally usable if you want to wear one outfit from the procession through to the evening reception, for a continuous look in the photographs. In that case choose:

• A black or midnight blue tuxedo with a shawl or peak lapel, neatly faced in satin.
• A matte cloth with a modest surface sheen, since daytime sun makes satin glare harder than party lighting does.
• Clean leather shoes; if you do not wear patent, plain black calf is enough.

TUX-040, a pared-back black peak-lapel tuxedo or TUX-078, a classic single-button black suit this approach.

Long rides, many stops

The two main sources of creasing are bending at the waist when seated and tugging the skirts of the jacket while getting in and out of the car.

• Unbutton the jacket when you sit: a closed jacket folds across the stomach and the crease sets at once. Button again as you stand.
• Sit well back, spine straight: avoid leaning in a way that pushes the jacket up over the shoulders.
• Trousers: before sitting, give the legs a light tug at the knee so the cloth is not strained; avoid crossing your legs for long.
• Care when stepping out: hold the skirt of the jacket and pull it down straight before buttoning.

If the journey is long, consider travelling in comfortable clothes and changing just before reaching the bride's home, provided there is a clean place to change and someone to mind your things.

Creaseproof cloth

No cloth is entirely free of creases, but some recover better.

• Tightly twisted worsted wool: springy, light creases fall out after hanging.
• Wool with a small proportion of synthetic fibre: adds crease resistance, but check breathability.
• Avoid linen and pure cotton for an outfit that must sit through a long drive, since both crease at once.

Velvet marks differently: it holds pressed marks along the pile, so if you wear velvet avoid long periods leaning back. The article on creaseproof tuxedo cloth compares fabrics in detail.

Carry the jacket hung separately

The simplest and most effective method is not to wear the jacket in the car.

• Hang the jacket on the hook above the rear door, if the car has one, so it hangs straight and the shoulders are not crushed.
• Ride in the shirt alone (and waistcoat if you have one), with moderate air conditioning.
• Near the bride's home, put the jacket on before opening the door.
• If there is no hook, ask a relative to keep it in a garment bag laid flat on a seat with nothing on top.

The same principle applies to the whole day; see keeping your tuxedo polished all day.

Tidy up before stepping out

The moment you step out is when both families' cameras are pointing at you. Spend half a minute in the car:

1. Put on the jacket and button it (just the top button on a two-button jacket).
2. Straighten the collar and check the shirt collar is not rolled.
3. Adjust the bow tie or necktie, glancing in a small mirror or phone.
4. Pull the trouser legs straight along the crease and wipe shoes with a soft cloth.
5. Pin the boutonniere and check the pocket square.
6. Step out one foot at a time, pull the jacket straight, then stand.

Whoever travels with you should carry a clothes brush and a small damp cloth.

A tip from the Mon Amie workroom

Tell the consultant how long you will be in the car and whether you wear the same outfit through to the reception; they can suggest cloth, lining and how to set the shoulder and armhole for a comfortable seat. Browse more models on the wedding tuxedo page. Book a fitting at a showroom.