The Complete Guide
to Wedding Types.
From intimate elopements to grand ballroom galas, every wedding has a character all its own. Discover the style that speaks to you — and how to dress the occasion with the precision it deserves.
By JWS Bespoke · Toronto & Woodbridge · Est. 1994
Every Wedding Has a Story.
Yours Deserves the Right Suit.
The wedding you choose reflects who you are as a couple. Whether you envision a candlelit ballroom in downtown Toronto, a sun-drenched vineyard in Tuscany, or an intimate ceremony on a cliffside, the attire must rise to the occasion. At JWS Bespoke, we have dressed grooms across every wedding style for over three decades. This guide is your starting point.
Featured Wedding Styles
Six signature styles explored in depth — with attire guidance for every member of the wedding party.
Formal & Black-Tie
The formal wedding is the pinnacle of elegance — a celebration where every detail, from the centrepieces to the cufflinks, is considered with care. In Toronto, venues such as the Fairmont Royal York, the Four Seasons, and the Ritz-Carlton provide the grand backdrops that make black-tie weddings truly unforgettable.
The dress code demands a black tuxedo or a bespoke evening suit with a white dress shirt, black bow tie, and patent leather shoes. At JWS Bespoke, our full-canvas tuxedos are crafted with surgeon cuffs, barchetta breast pockets, and Ascolite-wrapped buttons — details that distinguish a made-to-measure garment from anything off the rack.
Recommended: Full-Canvas Tuxedo
Cultural & South Asian
Toronto is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, and its wedding scene reflects that richness. South Asian, Caribbean, West African, Persian, and East Asian weddings each carry their own ceremonial traditions, colour palettes, and attire expectations — often spanning multiple days and multiple outfit changes.
For the groom navigating a multi-event celebration, JWS Bespoke offers bespoke sherwanis, embroidered bandhgalas, and custom Nehru jackets alongside Western suits — all crafted to the same exacting standard. The result is a wardrobe that honours tradition while expressing individual character.
Recommended: Bespoke Sherwani or Bandhgala
Glamorous & Luxury
The luxury wedding is defined not by a single aesthetic but by an uncompromising commitment to quality in every element. Floral installations that reach the ceiling. Custom stationery. A live orchestra. A menu curated by a Michelin-starred chef. In Toronto, venues like Malaparte at TIFF Bell Lightbox and the Arcadian Court set the stage for weddings of this calibre.
The groom at a luxury wedding must match the occasion. A bespoke three-piece suit in a premium Italian fabric — Loro Piana, Dormeuil, or Scabal — with a hand-finished lapel and personalised lining is the standard. JWS Bespoke sources fabrics directly from the finest mills in Biella and Bradford.
Recommended: Three-Piece Bespoke Suit in Italian Fabric
Garden & Outdoor
The garden wedding is a celebration of natural beauty — ceremonies held beneath flowering arches, receptions on manicured lawns, and the soft golden light of a late afternoon sun as the backdrop for every photograph. In the Greater Toronto Area, venues such as Nestleton Waters Inn, Estates of Sunnybrook, and Paletta Mansion offer spectacular outdoor settings.
Attire for a garden wedding should be elegant but relaxed — a lightweight linen or cotton-blend suit in a soft neutral (ivory, stone, sage, or dusty blue) pairs beautifully with the natural surroundings. JWS Bespoke can craft a suit in breathable Italian linen that looks impeccable from the ceremony to the last dance.
Recommended: Linen or Cotton-Blend Suit
Destination Weddings
The destination wedding transforms the celebration into an experience — a journey that guests will speak about for years. Whether the setting is a Tuscan villa, an Amalfi Coast terrace, a Caribbean beach resort, or a Scottish castle, the destination wedding demands attire that travels beautifully and photographs even better.
A well-constructed bespoke suit in a wrinkle-resistant Super 130s or Super 150s wool will arrive at your destination looking as sharp as when it left Toronto. JWS Bespoke also offers travel-ready suit bags and garment care guidance as part of every consultation. The suit is not just clothing — it is part of the destination experience.
Recommended: Super 130s Wool Bespoke Suit
Micro Weddings & Elopements
The micro wedding — typically fewer than 20 guests — has emerged as one of the most meaningful and intentional ways to celebrate a marriage. With a smaller guest list, every detail receives greater attention, and the intimacy of the occasion creates a depth of emotion that larger weddings sometimes cannot match.
For the groom who chooses a micro wedding or elopement, the suit becomes even more significant. There is no crowd to blend into — only the two of you, your closest people, and the photographs that will last a lifetime. JWS Bespoke recommends a slim-fit bespoke suit in a rich navy, charcoal, or deep burgundy, finished with a personalised monogram inside the jacket.
Recommended: Slim-Fit Bespoke Suit with MonogramSix More Ways to Celebrate
Every couple is different. Here are six additional wedding styles — each with its own character, setting, and attire philosophy.
Free-spirited and nature-inspired, the bohemian wedding celebrates individuality. Think wildflower arrangements, macrame backdrops, and a relaxed dress code that still rewards thoughtful styling. A linen suit in an earthy tone — terracotta, sage, or warm ivory — is the ideal choice for the bohemian groom.
The cocktail wedding sits between formal and casual — elegant enough to feel special, relaxed enough to encourage dancing. Guests are typically asked to wear cocktail attire, and the groom has the freedom to experiment with colour, texture, and pattern. A velvet dinner jacket or a bold check suit makes a statement without demanding a black tie.
Inspired by the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s, the vintage wedding is a love letter to a more opulent era. Geometric patterns, gold accents, feathers, and crystal chandeliers define the aesthetic. The groom should lean into the period with a double-breasted suit, a waistcoat, and a pocket square in a complementary print.
The rustic wedding embraces the warmth of natural materials — reclaimed wood, mason jars, string lights, and wildflowers. Ontario's farm country, from Prince Edward County to the Niagara Escarpment, offers stunning venues for this style. A tweed or herringbone suit in a warm brown or forest green is the perfect complement.
The beach wedding is defined by its setting — the sound of waves, the warmth of the sun, and the freedom of open sky. In Ontario, waterfront venues along Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay provide breathtaking backdrops. A lightweight linen suit in white, cream, or pale blue keeps the groom comfortable and camera-ready.
The wedding weekend extends the celebration across multiple days — a welcome dinner, the ceremony, a morning-after brunch. Each event calls for a different level of formality, and the groom who plans ahead will have a bespoke suit for the ceremony, a smart-casual option for the rehearsal dinner, and a relaxed look for the farewell brunch.
Your Wedding Suit,
Made for You.
Every groom deserves a suit that fits the occasion perfectly — and fits his body even better. Book a private consultation at either of our Toronto locations and let us craft something extraordinary.