How special is it when you see your beloved at the end of the aisle looking so handsome in a well fitted suit or outfit? Not to mention the sparkle he feels knowing he looks his fabulous best too! Briggins offers a travelling tailoring service – enabling your fiancé to be fitted for a suit at his workplace or at home. What could be more convenient than that – there’s no excuse for an ill fitting suit that will only stand out in the wedding photos as a regretful decision! And you’ve got to admit every one of the fellas below, look just a bit cool and a lot special dressed in their Briggins attire!!
How did the BRIGGINS story begin?
Essentially it started like all small businesses…with an idea. My business partner Matt Higgins and myself saw a gap in the market after realizing (at that stage back in 2006) that there were not many Australian based travelling tailor services. We took a chance and started Briggins. Now we have 35 staff and 3 locations throughout Australia and still obviously offer our travelling tailor service.
Where are you located?
In Melbourne, we have locations in Cremorne and Nunawading and in Sydney we’re based in Surry Hills (and a travelling tailor service in Perth).
Image by Lauren Murphy Photography
We often concentrate on the bridal gown. Why is it important for the groom to also have something special to wear?
Well it’s their day too! We have seen way too many bridal pictures with unflattering and unfitted suits. We offer ready-to-wear and also made-to-measure suits and every ready-to-wear is tailored to fit our client. Like the wedding dress, we see our clients 3 or 4 times before the big day. That way if there are any fluctuations with weight we can alter the suit for a perfect fit on their big day.
What are the pros and cons of hiring a suit versus buying a tailored suit?
It’s really up to the individual. Everyone needs at least one good suit in their wardrobe for a wide variety of occasions – this way you have a fitted suit and you also create a look that you love.
You offer a travelling tailoring service. How does this benefit the groom and groomsmen?
Well in today’s society convenience is the new black. The convenience and ease of staying in the comfort of your own home or office while receiving the same service and options as if you came into one of our studios.
Image by MacDougall Photography
What happens at the initial appointment?
This is when we would discuss looks that you want to achieve, what you love and hate about certain looks, fabrics and recommendations according to the time of year you’re getting married and of course we may looks at taking measurements depending on when the wedding will be taking place (which we don’t like to do too far in advance due to weight fluctuations!)
When choosing fabric for a wedding suit, what should we consider?
What time of year you’re getting married – for example if you’re getting married in high Summer, chances are you will need something more light weight and breathable. We also need to know the theme of the wedding, if it’s going to be a little more classic then we may suggest a classic black or navy tux, if it’s a beach style then potentially we would look at lighter colours such as blue or beige. We also need to discuss the groom’s colouring – we want our grooms to feel comfortable so we would suggest colours that suit their look.
Should the groom’s suit match the groomsmen in colour and style to look cohesive?
Not necessarily, we have a lot of clients where the groom will choose to wear a three-piece and the groomsmen may just wear a jacket and pant. We try and cater for everyone’s styles but will add some directional style when required.
Image by Kylee Yee Photographer
Do you see colour trends come and go in wedding suiting? What colour/s do you see being popular in 2016?
In the Australian market every shade of blue has been really popular. Now we are seeing more fitted three-piece suits with tweeds, houndstooth and Prince of Wales fabrics being used for the vest.
What are the extra style choices to be made when a groom chooses a bespoke suit?
Well you basically build your suit so it could be buttons, lining, fabric, type of lapels, shape of suit, full or half canvas, pockets, vents, trouser – pleated or flat front, basically there is a plethora of choice.
Image by MacDougall Photography
What are the special touches you can provide with a tailored ready-to-wear suit?
Monogrammed name and or date of the wedding on the inside pocket and also coloured button thread.
What is the time frame from initial measurement to delivery of the suit?
It varies on the style and choices of the suit. We could have a suit to the client within a day – each scenario is different, however with weddings we like to allow a minimum of 3 months.
What other items can you provide to complete the outfit?
Shoes, cufflinks, hanks, braces, toes, bowties.
Image by Kylee Yee Photographer
How do you look after a suit so that it will last for many years?
- Dry-clean your suit a maximum of twice a year to avoid fabric damage
- Ensure you empty your pockets – do not keep keys, mobile phones in the pant pocket, this will out strain on the material and cause pockets to split.
- Ensure you have your suit pressed every 4-6 weeks to freshen up your suit and restore the natural fibre.
How do ensure that you achieve work/life balance?
Unfortunately when you own your own business there is no such thing as ‘work/life balance’.
Thank you Daniel for sharing your story. I love it when the groom and his groomsmen look well put together – and with Briggins to help, there is no excuse for a less than perfect look! To find out more about Briggins visit the website.
Headshot courtesy of Briggins.
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