What to send when you book
- The dress code as the invitation words it
- A photograph of what you are wearing, if you want the two to sit well together
- Anything specific: no white, no black, a colour the wedding party is using
- The venue and time of day — a garden ceremony at noon is not an evening reception
How far ahead
As early as you can. A standard suit is not a problem at short notice; black tie, morning dress or a specific colour may be. Sending it with the booking rather than the day before is the difference between a request and a scramble.
Who pays for anything unusual
Ordinary formalwear is his own. Anything the occasion specifically requires that he would not otherwise own is an expense, and expenses are confirmed with you before the booking rather than raised afterwards.
If a requirement would push the cost up, you will know while you can still change your mind about it.
Small things that matter more than the suit
Whether he knows the names of the people he will be introduced to, whether he knows where to stand for photographs, and whether he knows what you would like him to do during the speeches. Guests remember someone who was easy to have there far longer than they remember a tie.
Frequently asked questions
Can he match my outfit?
Yes — send a photograph when you book and he will coordinate rather than clash.
What if the dress code is black tie?
Say so at booking. It is straightforward with notice and awkward without it.
Is formalwear an extra cost?
Ordinary formalwear is his own. Anything the occasion specifically requires is an expense, confirmed with you before the booking.