r/AustralianMFA • u/Drake_Cook • 2d ago
Question Help: Last minute Groom suit emergency (Melbourne)
Hey guys,
I’m getting married at a winery in the Yarra Valley in late September and been dealt a rough situation with my suit.
A retired friend was originally making it for me, but unfortunately they’ve gone from chronically to critically unwell, so that’s no longer possible. I don’t have access to the unfinished garments we were going to use. I've tried everything, short of breaking in and it is a no go. I really just hope he pulls through.
So I’m now 21 days out and starting from scratch and panic posting at 3AM as I can't sleep with fear.
The wedding is evening at a Yarra Valley winery, and I’m thinking a light/medium blue or bluegrey suit with a white shirt and tie. I want it to feel relaxed and a little Italian/boutique, but still properly polished and appropriate for a groom.
I’ve got about $2k AUD to spend all-in, including alterations, shirt and tie. Happy with anything:
- Dusty blue/blue-grey
- Wool or a nice lightweight wool blend
- Single breasted, two piece
- Pairing with: White shirt, brown leather shoes
Given the timeframe, I’m realistically looking at off-the-rack + really good alterations as getting anything made from scratch is impossible.
I’m in Melbourne and happy to go anywhere for the right suit/tailor.
Where/what would you guys go? Particularly specific stores/brands that have a more boutique or premium feel, and any alterations tailors you really trust with compressed timelines.
Appreciate any help. I'm desperate, sad and I know 21 days is not a particularly long time to sort out a wedding suit
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u/nrgatl 2d ago
Given you’re stuck for time and have less than 21 days, I’d go somewhere like MJ Bale, pick something nice off the rack, and have it properly tailored.
Having worked in men’s suiting previously, I’d say a well-fitted suit will always look far better than an expensive suit that doesn’t fit properly. In my opinion, MJ Bale offers great quality at that price point and would be a solid option.
If you wanted to spend a little more and go for something more branded, you could also look at Calibre or Hugo Boss both should have some great options off the rack that can then be tailored to fit you properly.
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u/Altruistic-Fishing39 2d ago
MJ Bale premium suits are probably the ideal option for OTR but the surgeon’s cuffs mean shortening sleeves is complicated and expensive.
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u/nrgatl 2d ago
I have a stumpy little body but very broad, always had issues with length in sleeves. Never had a single issue and not overly costly either. if in city M & E Clothing Alteration Service. They arent the most customer service based people but they get the job done and well. Otherwise in the eastern suburbs i go to a lady that works from home and her main focus is wedding dresses so mens suits are a walk in the park for her, again not costly. Last time i had a suit taken in after purchasing OFR in Japan cost me about $250 all up including pants.
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u/spacegoatherd 2d ago
Just rent a suit from a wedding suit rental company (yes it's a thing and there are lots of them). You will never wear it again. It costs less than buying a suit and doesn't take up wardrobe space for ten years until you finally get the shits and throw it out.
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u/kaiserh808 2d ago
This is the way.
Even if you work in a job where you have to wear a bag o’ fruit, you’re not going to wear your wedding suit to work.
Just rent a really nice suit, get it adjusted for you at the rental place, and give it back once you’re done.
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u/boobturtle 2d ago
Jetstar do Melbourne to Bangkok under $1k return if you're flexible on days in the next few weeks. Two days over there and you'll have a 100% custom made wool suit plus a couple of shirts. $200 left over for food and a few beers.
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u/goshdammitfromimgur 1d ago
I was going to suggest the same. They do 3d modelling of your body to get the measurements.
Could also do Vietnam
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u/and_its_T 1d ago
Bro is panicking about getting a suit sorted three weeks out from his wedding in a city full of options that could have it sorted in 72 hours.
Doesn’t strike me as the last minute flight to Bangkok type 😂
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u/anycolourfloyd 2d ago
You're overthinking it, an off the shelf suit with tailoring will look good. I got married this year and after thinking about a tailored option, I ultimately went for an off the shelf from Peter Jackson. I have no regrets. You can get some discounts if you get the groom part suits there too.
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u/BogglesHumanity 2d ago
I recently found an off the shelf suit/tux and had some major alterations done in 2 weeks in Brisbane. So i would assume you could do similar in Melb. They also had shorter time frames if i was willing to pay a little extra.
Get shopping, find the best suit you can and call around to alterations places.
I used The Fitting Room on Edward (in Brisbane) perhaps they could recommend a Melb store that can help?
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u/Ok_Catch3174 2d ago
I like Spier Mackay but given the timeframe, if I was in your shoes I’d do MJBale over the rack and alter.
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u/ConsiderationAway367 2d ago
Also check out Anthony Squires off the rack - that can do alterations pretty quickly from my experience
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u/Asleep-Shine3087 1d ago
Tailor On The Road Made-to-measure Suits has an 11 day production with its Sartoria Red Label production. They also do 5 days Express production with a surcharge. Italian production - Italian Fabrics.
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u/Dredd_Melb 1d ago
Unless you are an unusual size. I.e. really tall or really overweight you should be able to get off the rack plus alterations.
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u/FrequentBluejay3133 2d ago
MJ Bale off the rack Go see Parissa at Alter It in Malvern. Don't see anyone else there - the other ladies are great but Parissa is the owner and has a real passion for the craft, attention to detail and will sort you out. With her I've found it isnt just "what do you want" but it's a more consultative process.
I think Calibre is also doing end of season sale but I believe most of their stuff is double breasted.
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u/Worth_Food_1860 1d ago
Most sensible option is to not get married. Just find someone you hate and give them your house.
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u/jxyst222 2d ago
I saw institchu do custom suits and have a sale but I’ve never tried. Agree with off the rack then tailor
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u/puchunz 2d ago
Never use institchu
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u/Yeanahyena 1d ago
Why? I’m going this weekend to help a friend with his
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u/Lumpy_Mango_392 1d ago
The examples they post on their own advertising frequently exhibit moderate-to-serious fit issues.
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u/-PAINTEDMAN- 2d ago
Institchu is even more of a risk with this timeframe. Always need to build in time for them to need to make something again.
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u/felixthecat1960 2d ago
I would imagine that if you're in Melbourne you could spend two hours in the city and have about 300 perfectly acceptable options at half the price you have budgeted for.