Garden Parties

Every summer, The Queen hosts at least three at Buckingham Palace, as well as one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Over 30,000 people attend. Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s, when Queen Victoria instituted what were known as 'breakfasts'. In the 1950s the number of garden parties held at Buckingham Palace was increased from two to three a year. They took the place of presentation parties attended by debutantes, but have evolved into a way of rewarding and recognising public service. They are attended by people from all walks of life.

Approximately 8,000 guests attend each garden party. People from all walks of life are invited on the recommendation of a large number of national organisations who submit lists on a pre-arranged quota. For example, the government, Lord-Lieutenants and organisations such as the Civil Service, Armed Services, Diplomatic Corps, charities and societies, all have quotas for nominations. This ensures that a representative cross-section of the community is invited and that guests are generally people who have contributed a large amount to their various organisations or society.

But of course we fit all the guests to make sure they look the best they can, the Bartlett & Butcher high standard.

Lounge Jacket

The British cut lounge suit has increased in popularity for weddings quite dramatically in the last few years, due in great part to the sheer elegance of cut and colour we can achieve. Lounge suits suit a wider variety of figures and come in both standard and slim fit. Whichever suit you choose, the defining ingredient has to be your choice of waistcoat. Whatever your hopes and dreams for your wedding day, we can help bring them to fruition. When you choose our groomswear, it’s all about you.

Morning Wear

Formal morning wear was originally worn before lunch, after which a variety of other dress would be selected depending on the occasion.

These days, the majority of events are held in morning wear whatever the time of day, and morning dress is essential at a Palace wedding and for events such as Royal Ascot and Buckingham Palace investitures. See our separate pages for more details.