When Should The Groomsmen Order Their Suits? [The Right Time Is…]

Getting everything organized for a wedding day can be overwhelming and stressful. Getting wedding suits sorted is usually a huge part of this. The truth is, getting on the ball early can reduce stress levels and make the run-up to your wedding far more enjoyable. But when I say early, what do I mean exactly? What’s a good timeline to follow? Well, here is what you need to know.

So, when should groomsmen order their suits? Groomsmen should order their suits anywhere from six to four months before the wedding. It might seem early, but this extra time gives you plenty of room to find the perfect suits, decide on colors and fabrics, accommodate any alterations that might be needed, and factor in any delays that may arise along the way.

Schedules can be tight when you need to get many people fitted for wedding day suits. So, starting early is key to making this part of your wedding organization run as smoothly as possible. 

Keep reading this quick guide to finding out all you need to know about when to order suits for your groomsmen.

Factors That Impact When Groomsmen Should Order Their Suits

Even though it takes, on average, a good six weeks to complete one suit, there are a few things that can affect when you should order your suits and how long they are going to take to be made.

Number Of Groomsmen

The number of people in a groom’s party can dramatically alter how long it takes for their suits to be made, especially if you are going a small business tailor. 

If you only have one or two people that will be by your side as you marry the love of your life, you can get away with ordering your suits six months, or maybe even a little less, before the wedding.

However, if you have a lot of people in your groom’s party and you are ordering all of your suits at the same time in the same place, you will want to be placing your order around eight months before the big day.

It can take around six to eight weeks to have a custom suit finished and ready to go.

Imagine if you needed ten suits and your chosen tailor only has three tailors or seamstresses working. This will naturally take a lot longer. 

So, if you are planning a large groom’s party, you will need to be really on the ball with your suit ordering to ensure everyone has an outfit ready on time. 

Different Designs/Styles

Your tailor can save a lot of time if all of your groomsmen are ordering the same suit with slightly different fit needs.

However, if you are choosing different suits, colors, designs, or styles, this can complicate things a little bit. 

If you are not going for matching suits, you will need to order them quite early – even ten months in these instances beforehand is reasonable enough.

Do not be caught out thinking six months is plenty of time, only to find out that your ten groomsmen all want to wear a different suit and none of them could be ready in time.

Renting Or Custom Made?

If you choose to rent your groomsmen suit, you won’t have quite as strict time limits. In fact, a rental can be picked a mere couple of weeks before a wedding day.

Plus, rental companies can have a massive variety of designer suits, so you won’t be stuck for choice. However, they won’t fit as well as a custom-made suit.

By choosing to go for custom-made suits, your groomsmen will have a tailor-made suit that fits them perfectly and looks sleek and stylish.

However, custom suits take time.

Not only will you have an initial fitting appointment, but you may also need one or two more to ensure that the suit still fits during the crafting process.

Custom suits take time, and you need a minimum of six months to allow plenty of time for the whole custom suit process. 

Everyone’s Schedules

Life is busy, and just because your wedding is your top priority, it does not mean it is anyone else’s.

It can be tough bringing everyone together for fittings and alterations, and the more time you have for this, the better.

Giving yourself four to six months for ordering and fitting suits means you are bound to find a day here or there that everyone can squeeze in.

However, if you cut time really fine, you may not be able to get everyone together and fitted on time.

This could result in having to cut people from your groom’s party or risking suits looking odd next to each other or not fitting properly at all. 

If you have a specific look in mind for everyone, you need to start your outfit planning as early as possible. 

Do Groomsmen Go Together To Order Suits?

It is definitely helpful if all of the groomsmen go together at the same time to order suits, but there are ways around this if it is not possible. 

Getting everyone together to order their suits is the perfect option; this way, you can make sure you all match, that everyone is happy with the choices, and get your tailor’s opinion on the different styles that will suit every body type.

However, it is not always feasible to get everyone in one place.

If you are unable to organize this, you can make different appointments for the other groomsmen so they can still have their first fitting, even if it is not with the rest of you.

You could even zoom call them in to get their opinions on what choices you have all made. 

But, if you can get everyone together for the first fitting appointment before you order, you will save yourself a lot of time and stress.

Plus, part of being in a groom’s party is experiencing these bonding events – it is not just the bachelor party that can be full of fun and laughs. 

Suggestions When Ordering Suits For Groomsmen

However you choose to order your groomsmen suits – online, at a custom tailor, or through a rental company – you want to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Here are a few tips that can help to order those suits a little easier and reduce some of that inevitable organizing stress. 

Get All Measurements

If you are visiting a tailor for your suits, you won’t have to worry too much about getting measurements; that is what your tailor is being paid to do.

Although, if you have a person or two who can’t be there, having their measurements on hand can speed the process up a little bit.

Just make sure you ask your tailor exactly what measurements they need to get started. 

However, if you are ordering the groomsmen suits online or through a rental company, you will need everyone’s measurements so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of sending suits back because they are a size too small or a couple of sizes too big.

Most online suppliers or rental companies will have a list of measurements you need and if you can’t find this on their website, give them a quick email, and they will be more than happy to help.

By having all these measurements to hand, you will save a tonne of time having to run around everyone like Cinderella with a tape measure, and it will feel far less stressful.

Consider Going Together

I know, I have said it before, but I will say it again. If you are going to try on suits or get measured by a tailor, it is always going be much easier if you all go together.

Not only does this mean all of your measurements will be taken at the same time, but everyone will be able to have their own input on the choices of suits, colors, and fabrics.

Above all else, you really do want every one of your groomsmen to be as comfortable as possible on your big day.

Coordinating Or Complimentary?

Before your first suit appointment, decide whether you want your groomsmen to wear coordinating outfits, where they all have the same style and color, or if you would rather have something a little modern and complimentary.

Be aware that if you choose different yet complimentary suits for your groomsmen, they could take longer to make.

Likely, you have never had to shop for a suit, let alone a multitude of suits, before, and it can get overwhelming.

Having this decision locked in before you even step through your tailor’s door can save time and indecision. 

Ordering Your Groomsmen’s Suits

Organizing multiple wedding day suits can be really overwhelming, so you must be on the ball and start the ordering process as soon as possible.

I know it is not always possible, with budgets, schedules, and people living all over the world affecting how you organize this.

However, by ordering your groomsmen suits at least six months before your wedding, you will have plenty of time to ensure that everyone in your wedding party has a beautifully fitting suit and can enjoy the best day of your life with you.

Related guides you may want to check out:

• When Should Groomsmen Get Their Suits? [The Ideal Time Is…]
• Does The Groom Pay For The Groomsmens Suits?
• Do Groomsmen Have To Wear Matching Shoes?