Getting Your Groom Ready

While much of the wedding spotlight naturally falls on the bride, the groom's preparation is just as important. From finding the perfect suit to grooming, skincare, and final wedding-day details, a well-prepared groom helps create a polished, confident, and memorable celebration.

After all, the wedding photos will last forever.

Here's everything every groom should prepare before walking down the aisle.

1. Find The Perfect Suit Early

One of the biggest mistakes grooms make is leaving suit shopping until the last minute. Whether you're choosing a classic black tuxedo, a modern cream suit, or a relaxed coastal look, tailoring takes time.

Photography by Z Studios

Experts recommend starting the process at least two to three months before the wedding, especially for custom or made-to-measure suits. Bespoke tailoring allows adjustments to the fit, fabric, lapels, buttons, and personal details that make the look uniquely yours.

For Melbourne grooms, some highly regarded options include:

• Oscar Hunt — Made-to-measure tailoring with dedicated wedding suit services and Melbourne CBD showroom.

• The Suit Concierge — Bespoke tailoring and custom wedding suits located in Richmond, Melbourne.

• P. Johnson Mens — Luxury tailoring brand with a Melbourne CBD showroom focused on made-to-measure and bespoke suiting.

• Suitably — Melbourne-based made-to-measure tailoring service known for wedding and corporate suiting.

• 105 Shades of Black Melbourne — Melbourne menswear specialist offering formalwear, wedding suits, tuxedos, and black-tie styling.

These stores specialise in tailored and wedding-specific menswear, helping grooms achieve a polished and personalised look.

2. Coordinate With The Wedding Style

The groom's outfit should complement the overall wedding aesthetic.

For example:

• Black tuxedos suit formal city weddings.

• Beige and linen suits work beautifully for coastal celebrations.

• Dark green, chocolate brown, and navy remain popular choices for modern weddings.

• Textured fabrics can add depth for winter ceremonies.

The goal isn't to match the bride—it's to create a cohesive visual story together.

3. Schedule Grooming Appointments

Great wedding photos start with preparation.

A week before the wedding, consider:

• Haircut and styling

• Beard trim or clean shave

• Eyebrow tidy-up

• Facial treatment if needed

• Nail grooming

Avoid trying new skincare treatments immediately before the wedding to reduce the risk of irritation or breakouts.

Photography by Anastasia Nagibina

4. Prepare The Wedding-Day Essentials

Create a simple groom's emergency kit containing:

• Cologne

• Breath mints

• Handkerchief

• Phone charger

• Deodorant

• Hair product

• Cufflinks

• Spare shirt buttons

• Lint roller

Small details can save major stress on the day.

5. Choose The Right Shoes

Your shoes should be selected early enough to allow time for breaking them in.

Popular wedding options include:

• Classic black Oxfords

• Brown leather Derbies

• Loafers for relaxed celebrations

• Velvet loafers for black-tie weddings

Comfort matters just as much as style, especially for a long day of standing, walking, dancing, and photos.

6. Plan The Morning Timeline

The groom's preparation is often overlooked when planning wedding timelines.

Allow time for:

• Groom and groomsmen photos

• Suit details

• Getting-ready moments

• Gift exchanges

• Family photos

These moments often become some of the most emotional and meaningful images from the wedding day.

7. Don't Forget The Fragrance

A wedding day scent becomes a memory.

Many couples remember the fragrance they wore years later because it becomes associated with one of the most important days of their lives.

Choose something timeless and avoid overpowering scents.

8. Focus On More Than The Suit

The best-dressed groom isn't necessarily wearing the most expensive suit.

Confidence, comfort, and preparation matter more.

When a groom feels relaxed, organised, and genuinely present, it shows in every photo, every interaction, and every moment shared throughout the day.

Photography by Anastasia Nagibina

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a wedding isn't only about looking good—it's about feeling ready.

From tailoring appointments and grooming to personal details and thoughtful planning, investing time into preparation allows the groom to enjoy the day with confidence and ease.

Because while everyone waits to see the bride, someone special is waiting at the altar too.

And he deserves to look and feel his absolute best.

She's A Bride Magazine — Celebrating modern love, beautiful weddings, and the stories behind them.