Last week The Vintage Suit Hire Company celebrated their first year in business. They have had a great year – supplying suits for over 200 weddings. I headed to their gorgeous shop in the centre of Bedford to meet the founders – Jess and Tom, to find out more about their growing suit business.

Tell me a little bit about you and what you do?

We’re Jess and Tom and we own The Vintage Suit Hire Company. We opened our doors in August 2016 both selling and hiring out our beautiful wool suits. We offer off-the-peg sizing and a full made to measure service, as well as selling accessories to perfect the look.

Why did you venture into the wedding industry?

The idea of setting up Vintage Suit Hire was born from our own experiences when we were getting ready to wed back in 2011. Tom wanted his outfit to reflect our tastes for all things vintage and quirky, and in most aspects of our wedding we could achieve the look and feel we wanted, with the exception of the suit. We knew at that point there was a gap in the market and when we finally had the time to spend creating the business, we jumped at the chance.

What makes you unique?

There aren’t any other menswear hire companies offering 3-piece wool suits like ours in the market, so in that regard we are unique, but further to this, our complete attitude to menswear hire is worlds apart from what is usually experienced on the high street. We have a strong emphasis on customer service and aim to make the process relaxed and straightforward for those men who are not fond of menswear shopping, and heaven for men who are really into their fashion. Our flagship store in Bedford embodies our signature style and has all the details to make grooms feel good about choosing their suit, comfy seats, good music and drinks.

Which 3 words would use to describe your business?

1. Quirky

2. Friendly

3. Quality

What’s your most memorable wedding moment?

We always love to see wedding pictures sent over from our clients, but a recent memorable moment was the photobooth pictures which were accidentally returned to us in the jacket pocket of one of our suits! I’m sure they didn’t mean to send THEM to us!

What is the best idea you have seen at a wedding? 

The best thing I’ve seen for a wedding is the personalised tea towel wedding invites by The Original Wedding Tea Towel company, the designs are so creative and unique, and it’s great to receive something functional that can be used and re-used in the kitchen afterwards.

What is your top wedding planning tip?

Split the tasks, both the fun ones and the more mundane, evenly between bride and groom, then the big day will be a reflection of both parties.

How much does it cost to get a suit from you?

Our suit hire is just £95 or if you want to go the extra mile you can purchase your own made to measure suite, with prices from £260.

The Vintage Suite Hire company really value their customers and will do their best to make you feel at home in their shop -with a coffee, or even a beer! If you love their style as much as I do then check them out using the links below – and send us some pictures after your wedding.

Have you already used the Vintage Suit Hire company for your special day? Let us know in the comments below!