After you've found your wedding dress, it's time to focus on the groom's style. Whether he'll be renting or buying a tuxedo or suit for the wedding, it's important that the groom's style compliments the bride's. Talk to your groom about what he would like to wear and go with him to several stores and tuxedo rental shops to decide on his style. Once you've settled on what the groom will be wearing, complete his look with a boutonniere that matches your bridal bouquet. To help you get started, here are the answers to the most commonly asked groom style questions.
Q. My groomsmen and I would rather wear our own tuxes than rent them. Will it seem strange that we have different lapels and notches? We're having a black-tie wedding, and I want us to look different than our male guests.
A. Don't worry too much about not being a perfect match -- if you own tuxes already, there's no sense in not using them! To make sure you and the guys stand out, think outside the tux. Find ties that match the hue of bridesmaid dresses or bouquets. And definitely pipe up when it comes to choosing the boutonnieres! These lapel flowers have come a long way since the carnation you wore to the prom. Choose an option that will gel with the other flowers in your wedding. Because most of your male guests will be in tuxes, touches like these are important and will help you and your guys stand out.
Q. I'm getting married next year. My fiance has already picked out her dress and now is hinting that she is ready to go choose my tux. I think I should be able to pick out my own tux style. Who should pick the groom's tuxedo?
A. You should be able to pick out your own tux style instead of having your bride-to-be tell you what to wear. Tell her that you are going to go look at tuxes and decide what style you like. Then take a trip to look at tuxes with her and ask her she what she thinks. Explain that as long as she lets you make the ultimate decision -- so that you're comfortable and happy with the style you're wearing -- you're totally willing to hear her opinion on your choice or the styles you're choosing between. Assure her that you want to look as great as she will, and you're not going to decide on a style she doesn't like. She might be a little freaked out at first, but hopefully she will agree to it (and be impressed by your initiative).
Q. What are some original boutonniere ideas for the groom? I am getting married in October, and I find plain roses and greens kind of blah.
A. Boutonnieres have come a long way since the red rose, and there are some fantastic new trends that can help add a dash of personality to the lapels in your wedding. The tendency now is to go simple, small, and straightforward, rather than big and bold: Florists are using herbs, nuts, and tiny bunches of miniature blooms to make their statements. Berries are unique and have a great autumnal quality too; try hypericum or ivy berries in shades of brown and green. Or think about a single gardenia, a flower that comes in a beautiful array of fall colors. Even a sprig of ivy, a few thistle blooms, or an acorn still on its stem wrapped in a thin piece of satin ribbon would be lovely. Talk with your florist about your options and be sure to mention that you are looking for something original and eye-catching. Together you'll be able to come up with something truly personal for the groom and the groomsmen.
--The Knot
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