Most guys have a suit for one reason or the other but most men don’t have a tux. Before sending your guy out to select what he’ll wear on the big day be sure you have an idea of the style of your wedding. If you’re having a beach wedding or something more casual, then you don’t need a tux. Just as you’ll think about your wedding and your venue when selecting your bridal gown, be sure to consider the same things when helping your guy, or sending him out to select his formal wear. To get you started here are a few tips to think about when selecting your own tux/suit or helping your man pick out his.
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Decide whether or not you want to go with him. Some brides want to make sure that everything is perfect for their big day and if this is you then definitely go with your man to make sure the fabric and color are perfect for your big day. Most men do not know the difference between lavender and purple. If you want lavender for his shirt….go with him or you’ll get purple. If you’re confident in your guy’s style then let him go by himself. He’s a grown man and it’s not too difficult to pick out a suit or tux especially if he goes to a formal wear shop that has great customer service reps.
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Look around for formalwear shops. His wedding day wear is just as important as your gown. I’m sure you’ve tried on a hundred gowns at 3 or 4 different salons. Have him check out a few to see how provides the best deal and who provides the best customer service. He’ll be getting his suit tailored just like you will your gown. A good tailor is so important so don’t just go with the cheapest place.
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Don’t make the mistake of thinking that tuxedo or suit purchases or rentals are easy and they can wait. Your formalwear expert should be contacted the same time you select your wedding gown. They can help make sure you have the right fit and even help you coordinate styles and colors to compliment your wedding.
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Don’t worry about anyone who is coming from out of town. They can go to any formal wear store near them and get measured for their suit or tux and then just send you the measurements.
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Don’t go to a store where formal wear is an afterthought. You wouldn’t go to a store where bridal wear is an afterthought so why do the same with you guy? Be sure to pick a store that offers in person consultations and their main business is formal wear. The experts there will be able to help you through the entire process and give you the best possible customer service and experience.
Now that I’ve given you some tips on shopping for your suit or tux; here are a few tips on finding your style and what fits the style of your wedding.
Now that I’ve given you some tips on shopping for your suit or tux; here are a few tips on finding your style and what fits the style of your wedding.
Below is an info graphic on suits and tuxedos.
Not sure of the different types of suits and tuxes? Here’s a little description of each. Most grooms go with the dinner jacket, traditional tux or the dark suit for their big day.
Morning Coat: It is best for formal morning weddings. This would be great if you’re having a formal brunch ceremony. Coats are typically black or gray and have a tail in the back. It is also typically worn with an ascot and gloves in it’s most formal rendition. You can however downplay the formal aspect by adding a patterned tie and not wearing gloves.
Dinner Jacket: Perfect for summer weddings or in warmer clients. This style is typically worn in white or ivory and is worn in the evening. A dinner jacket is perfect for a casual wedding.
Traditional Tux: Tuxedos are typically worn for ceremonies that occur after 6pm but can also be worn for a formal wedding that occurs after noon. A tux is usually worn in gray or black and has a single button.
Dark Suit: A dark suit is what is typically worn for weddings. It is dressy but not formal. It is typically worn in charcoal, black or navy and is paired with a colored shirt or tie to compliment the wedding colors.
While you’re selecting your style and colors be sure to also look at the lapel of your jacket to make sure it is the right shape for your body type. There are three main types.
Notch: This is a V-shaped cut that points inward to where the collar and lapel meet the jacket. This lapel is not typically suited for huskier men as it accentuates the horizontal.
Peaked: This lapel has two points of fabric that point upward and have a narrow spacing between the lapel and collar. Shawl: This is the most popular as it has a rounded jacket lapel that rolls back in a continuous line. It is great for men of all shapes and heights as it creates a vertical line. Above is a visual of the three types and which are great for more casual weddings and which for more formal ceremonies.
Now to the big question. Purchasing versus renting.
Suits or tuxes can be expensive and renting can be just as expensive sometimes being 25-50% the cost of just purchasing. If you’re going for a suit for your big day, I suggest buying over renting. Rented suits never fit right and when you think about it, they’re a great investment. You’ll wear it for all special occasions so why not get one that fits great and makes you look HOT! If you’re going for a tux, although the fit might not be great, it might be a better investment to just rent. You probably won’t wear a tuxedo that many times in your life.
Now that you’ve got some great tips on picking out your wedding day attire, go out and rock it! After all, you’re marrying the person of your dreams and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.
