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In a muddle about the difference between a Prince Edward, a frock coat, tails and a morning jacket? WJ clears up the confusion so that you look the part on your big day...

Your bride to be may have taken care of most of the wedding preparations, but choosing the groom's suit is definitely down to you. If you're a fashionable type of guy, then you will have your own ideas of what you want to wear. If you're the type of man whose mum picks your clothes, then you might need some help.

First things first, the type of suit you choose will depend on the type of wedding you are having. If you are having a traditional style wedding then a traditional suit is needed. If your wedding is more casual then you have more styles to choose from.

Another thing to consider is - do you wear a suit every day to work? If so, then you might want something different for your wedding that you wouldn't usually wear. You don't want to feel like you're heading to the office on the morning of your wedding!

Like your bride to be, book yourself and your groomsmen into a groom's formal shop where you can either hire or buy your suit. Again this option is entirely up to you but if you are planning on wearing a suit that you might never wear again then hire it. This will save you a lot of money in the end and could go towards an extra special treat on honeymoon.

There are many different outfitters around so look for one which has a good reputation. Perhaps you have been to a wedding recently, ask the groom where he went.

Not to scare you but when you arrive at the shop you will be faced with many options and decisions such as the style of suit, the colour, whether to wear a tie, bow tie or cravat.

But women being women, your bride to be will probably have given you a good brief on style; colour etc. She might even come along with you. In most cases this is probably your best option - bring her with you then you won't go far wrong. But make sure you voice your own opinions on what you want to wear and don't let her make all the decisions. You need to wear a suit that you are happy and comfortable with. After all this is your big day too.

Suit stylesThere are many different styles of suits, but the five main ones are the frock coat, morning jacket, fashion suit, tails, tuxedo and Prince Edward.

Frock coat

Frock coats are knee-length coats originally worn by distinguished gents during Victorian times - think Jane Austen. The frock coat is traditionally a double-breasted, close-fitted coat that accentuates the waist. Single-breasted frock coats are also available. All frock coat lengths reach the knee, give or take a few inches, and button down to the waist. They also include two buttons at the back, which are used simply as decoration. Below the waist, the coat generally takes an inverted conical shape, as the skirt gradually flared out over the legs.

The jacket should be worn open with black or grey pin stripe trousers, a waistcoat, tie or cravat.

Morning suitA morning suit would be the traditional attire for a groom worn with a top hat, a waistcoat and usually pinstripe trousers. This is still a popular choice for the groom. And gives him the opportunity to wear something completely different from his usual look.

A traditional morning jacket usually comes in black wool, with two buttons and a double vent. The suit is worn with a white wing collar shirt and cravat, but for those of you who might want something a little more modest you can always opt for a plain white shirt and tie.

Fashion suitThis is the modern suit of the moment and a popular choice for grooms. These suits are usually bought off-the-peg in any good high street or groomswear retailer and are an excellent choice as you will more than likely wear this type of suit over and over again.

Fashion suits come in a variety of colours so choose a colour that complements the bridesmaid dresses for an ultra chic wedding.

Tail suitsYou will probably have heard of the tail suit being refered to as either 'top hat and tails, or the 'penguin suit'. Whatever you know them as they are a popular choice for grooms and ooze class and sophistication.

The tail suit features a knee length jacket that tapers away from the mid-riff towards the hip. The tapering then stops and cuts back upwards freeing access to the trouser pockets and then starts again, forming the tail.

Tuxedo Think James Bond and you have it about right with this style of suit. This suit also known as 'black tie' and is a very formal type of suit. Nowadays many grooms are choosing to wear tuxedos rather than the traditional morning suit. These are particularly suitable for an evening wedding, and are available in a variety of colours, although black and white are still the most popular. The bow tie and cummerbund can be co-ordinated with the wedding colour scheme.

Prince EdwardThe Prince Edward suit is a modern day classic. With a traditional, yet contemporary look and a wide variety of colours and materials available, this suit really does make a long and lasting impression.

The suit comes in classic black and navy, but more and more outfitters are now stocking Prince Edwards in new colours such as brown and grey. The three quarter length jacket is a number one choice for today's groom.