Why top hats are out...

But the ivory looked alright

and aubergine was ok too - although the posh clothing has transformed me into a thourough going toff.

The rest of the outfit is the classic tails and waistcoat malarky that you can see on:
http://www.mossbros.co.uk/Hire/classic/classicCuts.htm
It wasn't too bad except of course that you always end up looking like a fugitive member of the landed gentry, or a comic Premiership footballer with delusions. The hat was a step too far though.

I settled on Moss Bros as it's a national chain and my gang of four ushers and best men are from London, Newport, Gwent, Telford and Coventry - a local outfitter was not an option. As for the competition, there was none. Debenhams told me I had to make an appointment if I wanted to try any clothes on and Slaters stuck me in an XXXL shirt and Noddy's trousers - not a look I was going for on the Big Day.

We've also got the full tails for Osian and Ioan, my two nephews. They should look pretty cute.

On top of that my dad will end up in the same outfit ... and Samantha's dad ... and her brother - despite the fact he doesn't much want to take any part in proceedings.
So in the end my little entourage adds up to 10.

Just as well the fella at Moss Bros saw my eyes glaze over as I prepared for a short bout of private weeping in the changing rooms as he swiftlu offered us a sizeable discount. This spared not only a weekend of glumness and a public display of emotion but meant I don't feel like we've been totally shafted for about the first time since we started telling high street retailers that we're getting married. I go free and then we got 20% off the bill total.

This might be because the store is looking to get through the credit crunch/recession. The Huddersfield Examiner says "like-for-like sales fell by 3.9% in the 16 weeks to May 23 - but this improved to a decline of 2% the last 10 weeks of the period." http://tinyurl.com/nhsmtl

In any case it would seem that Moss Bros and tails is 'in', at least accroding to http://news.weddingpath.co.uk/newswire/46/page/2/