Bill Child Formal Wear of Hereford, Men's and boys' formal wear to hire.

Q. What is the procedure?

A. First you come to the showroom together and take your time to choose an outfit that suits, often matching or toning with Bridesmaids or Bride. We then take the Groom's measurements and take a note of all people who are part of the wedding party. They can then be told to call to have their measurements taken which only takes around ten minutes. They will wear what they try on. Three weeks before the wedding we will call you if any have not been in to give us ample time to get the suits organised.

Q. What if anybody in my wedding party is not local?

A. We are part of a network of independant hire shops called the suit-hire network. There are 130+ of us so that there is likely to be one of them close to most of your guests. Measurements are free as long as you make an appointment. This is purely for measurement purposes and all the suits will be provided by us so you can be sure they will all be the same.

Q. Is there a deposit and when do we pay?

A. We take no deposit and payment is taken when the outfits are collected. If payment is by cash or debit/credit card we will take payment on the day but if you wish to pay by cheque, we need it 14 days before collection.

Q. When do we pick up the suits and when do they need to be returned?

A. For a Saturday wedding we provide the suits on the Wednesday before to give you a chance to try them on well in advance of the big day so that if anything needs to be changed, we have plenty of time to sort it out. During the busy summer period we ask for the suits back on the Sunday (although this isn't madatory), as we have to get them dry-cleaned and available for the following Wednesday. At quieter times the return day is Monday. For weddings on other days, the suits will be provided three days before.

Q. What happens if the outfits get damaged?

A. If the outfit is beyond repair, you will be responsible for payment for a replacement. If it is repairable, you will be responsible for the cost of repair. However, we provide insurance against this at £5 per outfit. We strongly recommend this as the last thing you need after the enormous expense of a wedding is further cost to replace suits.

Q. Where can I park?

A. For the purposes of picking up suits and returning, you can park right outside the shop. For fitting etc, there is on-street parking in front of the shop. There is also a pay and display car park within a few minutes walk.

Q. What is the etiquette regarding who wears what?

A. There is no particular etiquette as it is your day and you can do as you please. However, the most normal way of doing it is that the groom, best man, groom and bride's fathers, page boys and ushers will usually wear the wedding suits.

Q. Does everyone wear the same?

A. Again this is down to personal choice but normally the entire party as mentioned above will wear the same outfits. It has become more popular recently for the groom and/or best man to wear a slightly different version of the outfit to make them stand out without looking like they have turned up at the wrong wedding!! An example of this is the groom wearing a morning suit with a waistcoat matching the rest of the party but wearing neckwear matching, say the bridesmaids' dresses with the rest of the party in neckwear matching the waistcoats. We can always give you sound advice when you come to choose.

Q. Are the outfits good quality?

A. Yes, we use Magee which are made to a very high standard and always look smart and classy.

Q. When do we need to order?

A. It can be as late as two weeks before the wedding! We keep our own stock so we can cater for last minute requirements. We usually recommend starting the process 6 months before to allow time for the party to get measured. We always check 3 weeks before and contact you if anyone is missing.

Q. Will you run out of suits?

A. In nine years we have never done so. We use two major suppliers who have almost limitless stock. Our main supplier uses the same manufacturer as us so that the outfit you have tried and are happy with will still be the one you wear albeit from our supplier rather than our own stock. This only ever happens during the busy months but all the outfits will still be the same.

Bill Child Formal Wear of Herefordshire, Men's and boys' wedding suits to hire.