As Auckland wedding photographers, we spend a lot of time photographing grooms on their wedding day — and we've seen first-hand how much the right suit can contribute to a polished look.
Fit, fabric, colour and the way a suit moves in natural light can all make a difference in photographs. If you're getting married in Auckland and starting your search for a wedding suit, here are five places and options worth exploring before the big day.
1. Working Style, Parnell
Working Style's Parnell store is one of Auckland's established destinations for men's tailoring and wedding suits. The store offers ready-to-wear clothing as well as made-to-measure suiting, giving grooms the option of purchasing off the rack or creating something more personalised. (workingstyle.co.nz)
Their made-to-measure service allows you to select fabrics and styling details while having the suit adjusted to your measurements. Working Style currently recommends allowing at least eight weeks before a wedding for made-to-measure garments, so it's worth starting the process early. (workingstyle.co.nz)
Location: 523 Parnell Road, Auckland.
For grooms looking for a combination of contemporary menswear, tailoring and a dedicated wedding-suit service, Working Style is a convenient place to start.
2. Dorset Suits
Dorset Suits has locations in Auckland and Hamilton and offers suits for purchase, hire and custom-made options. The company says it has more than 35 years of experience and has outfitted more than 10,000 weddings. (dorsetsuits.co.nz)
Dorset Suits has also received recognition from the New Zealand Wedding Industry Awards. It was named Outstanding Groom & Groomsmen Attire in both 2022 and 2023. (weddingindustryawards.nz)
The combination of suit hire, ready-to-purchase options and custom-made suiting can make it particularly useful when you're organising suits for a groom and several groomsmen.
3. Crane Brothers
For grooms looking for a more considered tailoring experience, Crane Brothers is an Auckland option worth investigating.
The brand has a long-established presence in Auckland menswear and is associated with sophisticated contemporary tailoring. For a wedding suit, the appeal is the opportunity to work through the details of the garment rather than simply selecting a standard suit from a rack.
If you're considering a more personalised or bespoke-style experience, allow plenty of time before the wedding. Tailoring involves fittings, fabric selection and adjustments, so leaving your suit until the last minute can unnecessarily limit your options.
4. Munns the Man's Store
Munns the Man's Store is another Auckland option, particularly if you're looking for a combination of suit hire and purchase.
Munns currently operates an Auckland store at 1/15 Rawene Road in Birkenhead, as well as stores in Christchurch and Rangiora. The company offers suits for both hire and purchase and specifically caters for weddings, black-tie events and other formal occasions. (Munns the Man's Store)
The business has a long history, having originally opened in 1919 before being revived by new owners in 2020. Its Birkenhead Auckland store opened in November 2022. (Munns the Man's Store)
For couples looking for a practical option for coordinating multiple suits, particularly where some members of the wedding party prefer to hire rather than buy, Munns is worth considering.
5. Go Fully Bespoke with an Independent Tailor
If you want your wedding suit to be genuinely individual, consider working with an independent tailor rather than choosing from a standard collection.
Doran & Doran in Parnell is one Auckland example. The business is known for bespoke menswear and a clean, minimalist approach to tailoring. Its Parnell studio has been associated with both made-to-measure and bespoke suiting, with bespoke garments produced through its own workroom. (HOME Magazine)
A bespoke suit generally involves a more involved process than buying ready-to-wear or ordering a conventional made-to-measure suit. The pattern, construction, fittings and styling can be developed specifically around the individual wearer.
The result can be a suit designed not just for the wedding day, but as a long-term addition to your wardrobe.
A Photographer's Tip: Think About How Your Suit Will Photograph
One thing grooms don't always consider is how their suit will look in photographs.
Colour, texture and fit can all affect the way a suit photographs, particularly during outdoor ceremonies and portraits in natural light. Very shiny fabrics can create strong highlights, while subtle textures can add depth and interest without becoming distracting.
Mid-tone colours can also be versatile for photography. Navy, charcoal and softer neutral tones tend to work across a variety of locations and lighting conditions.
Most importantly, make sure the suit fits properly. A well-fitted jacket, clean trouser break and correctly positioned shoulders can make a noticeable difference when you're standing, walking or sitting during the wedding day.
When Should You Order Your Wedding Suit?
Don't leave it until the final few weeks.
If you're choosing made-to-measure or bespoke tailoring, allow several weeks for fabric selection, measurements, production and fittings. Working Style, for example, recommends allowing at least eight weeks before a wedding for its made-to-measure service. (workingstyle.co.nz)
For a wedding party with multiple groomsmen, starting even earlier gives everyone more time to be measured, fitted and organised.
Final Thoughts
Auckland has a wide range of options for wedding suits, from ready-to-wear and suit hire through to made-to-measure and bespoke tailoring.
The right choice will depend on your wedding style, budget, timeline and whether you want a suit specifically designed for your wedding or something you can continue wearing for years afterwards.
Once the suit is sorted, the next step is making sure the rest of the wedding day is captured properly.
Ready to book your Auckland wedding photography? Get in touch for a free consultation or explore more from our wedding photography blog.