A wedding suit doesn't have to be bespoke to feel bespoke. The difference between a good off-the-peg suit and a great one is almost always the alterations. At our Richmond workshop we fit dozens of grooms every year for weddings across London, Surrey and the Home Counties.
Here's the timeline we recommend, and the specific alterations that make the biggest difference to how a suit looks in photographs.
On this page
When to book your fittings
We recommend booking your first fitting 6–8 weeks before the wedding. That gives us enough time for two fittings if needed and a final press before the big day.
If you've bought your suit further ahead, don't wait — body shape can change in the months leading up to a wedding, so a fitting 4–6 weeks out is usually the sweet spot.
Key jacket alterations
Sleeve length is the most-missed detail. As a rule of thumb, roughly 1cm of shirt cuff should show below the jacket sleeve.
Taking in the sides gives the jacket a cleaner line through the waist without making it feel tight. Shoulder alterations are more involved but occasionally necessary if the shoulders are slightly too wide.
Trousers and waistcoat
For trousers, the key decisions are the break (how much the hem sits on the shoe), the taper and the waist.
For three-piece suits, small adjustments to the waistcoat length and back-strap tension make a surprising difference in the standing photographs.
The day before the wedding
We offer a complimentary pre-wedding press for suits altered at our workshop — collect the day before, hang it up overnight and it's ready to wear.
Related at StitchNFix
Browse our full range on the Services page, or get in touch via the Contact page for a free, no-obligation quote at our Richmond workshop.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do wedding suit alterations take?
- Most wedding-suit alterations are completed within 1–2 weeks. Book your first fitting 6–8 weeks before the wedding to give yourself room for a second fitting if needed.
- What should I bring to the fitting?
- Bring the shirt and shoes you plan to wear on the day. The shoe height affects the trouser break, and the shirt collar affects how the jacket sits at the neck.
- Do you alter groomsmen's suits too?
- Yes — we regularly alter suits for full wedding parties. Book fittings on the same day where possible so we can coordinate turnaround.
Need this done in Richmond?
Pop in to our Red Lion Street workshop for a free 5-minute quote, or send a photo on WhatsApp.
