Just as the bride’s outfit is about more than the dress, the groom’s attire goes beyond a suit, extending through a plethora of accessories that help make the man and occasion complete. One such accessory is the shirt. He probably wears one every day, but don’t let him fall in to the trap of thinking it’s as simple as picking one off the peg just as he would for a day in the office, the big day is far more important than that.

Fit is important. Even if you find your husband-to-be trying to tug away at the collar, remember there shouldn’t be any more than two fingers gap between his neck and the collar. If he thinks this is too tight tell him if he wants to feel uncomfortable he should try on your wedding dress. If he accepts, you might want to have a bit of a chat!

Your groom’s choice of fabric will be largely dictated by the time of year you’re getting married. Linen and silk are obvious choices for casual and summer weddings where you plan to spend a lot of time outside. Two-fold Egyptian cotton on the other hand is more befitting a formal wedding and looks great under a jacket or waistcoat.

I suggest a two–piece cut-away collar, split yoke with darts in the back (to enhance his waist) with double cuffs mitred at the edge with his, or even your initials embroidered on the left cuff. With regards to cuffs, the left cuff (if right handed) should cover his watch to show ¼” to 3/8” cuff when worn under the jacket.

I would always suggest a crisp white shirt be worn with the colour theme of the wedding and more often than not the bridesmaid’s outfits being subtly used in the lining of the jacket or the waistcoat or in the tie, cravat or handkerchief. If you have spare swatches of fabric for the dresses there is nothing wrong with giving these to him to show his tailor or outfitter as guidance.

Your preference between a traditional and a modern look will influence your groom’s choice of collar. Traditionalists claim that a wing collar is only fit for barristers but many men opt for this style if wearing a cravat. Of course there is nothing wrong with a conventional fold-down collar and aside from the cravat it will cater for bowties and ties.    

Last but certainly not least, make sure he is aware of the importance of ironing and pressing the shirt. If it has come straight from the shop there is a good chance it will still have fold marks and take a while to get perfect. As he will be on his own for this one maybe arm him with some starch and a link to this website ehow.com. After all, if he isn’t used to ironing his own shirts to perfection, the day of the wedding isn’t a great time to learn.

Hopefully this should answer some of the questions you or your groom may have on his shirt - but this doesn’t mean he should be limited to one. There is no reason why he shouldn’t be able to change in to a second shirt for the reception; in some cases such as in hot weather it’s advisable.