With all eyes on your bride on the wedding day, it doesn't matter much what you wear, right? Not quite. You'll be standing on that altar too, so be prepared to share the spotlight. The groom is not just a guest at the wedding -- it's his big day too. When it comes to wedding formalwear, there is a set of rules the groom should follow. From tuxedo basics to tying it all together, we've made selecting your attire simple -- just follow these three easy steps.
Step 1: Learn Tux Basics
Clueless about how to dress for your wedding? Start by figuring out the event's formality. (Clueless about that too? Ask your fiancee, she'll know!) Next, ask yourself these questions:
Rent or Buy? Take into account the wedding's formality, how often you go to dressy events, and if you'll have the opportunity to wear the tux again. It may pay for itself after four or five wears. If you're hosting a formal wedding but hardly ever attend black-tie events, a rental might make more sense -- as it costs 75 percent less than buying a tux. If your wedding is casual, a nice, versatile suit could be a good investment.
What kind? When choosing your tux, consider your body type, and think about the way the lines of your tuxedo will direct attention. A peak lapel (where the collar points upward), for example, draws the eye toward the shoulders, while an asymmetric vest will prompt people to glance at your stomach. If you're a bigger guy, a shawl collar (which has a rounded edge) will be more slimming than a peak lapel. If you're on the shorter side, try to avoid double-breasted jackets and opt for a two- or three-button tux with the buttons set low.
What about my guys? Once you've figured out you own attire, your groomsmen can follow suit. If you're having your guys wear matching suits or tuxes, choose a rental store and pick a style that will go with your wedding's theme. If your groomsmen live throughout the country, pick a store that has many convenient locations -- if your guys are really far-flung ask them to send their measurements to your local rental shop. Also remind them how much of the deposit they'll need to bring, and when they'll have to return the rental to avoid late fees.
Step 2: Pick Trendy Details
We're not talking about a retro ruffled shirt -- it's the small fashion details that will add some personality to your tux.
Standout lapels Tuxedos may have reached the height of fashion with the Rat Pack in the 1950s and '60s, but you and your guys can achieve the same impeccable, cool style by taking a cue from modern celebrities. If you want a unique look, wear a distinguished lapel. George Clooney (whose Ocean's Eleven made him today's torch bearer for the Rat Pack class) looked great in a tux with a shiny, satin-edge notch lapel, while Pierce Brosnan has pulled off a formal, eye-catching look with a satin, peak lapel. Another modern look is a thin lapel paired with a thin, straight tie, like the tux Brad Pitt wore to the 2007 Golden Globes.
Something blue If a salesperson shows you a tuxedo that is dark blue rather than black, don't be too shocked, and don't reject it outright. When Tom Cruise married Katie Holmes, he wore a navy blue, satin peak lapel tux (maybe you don't want to be like Tom Cruise but at least he dresses well). And you won't be sacrificing any formality wearing a tux that's not quite black -- very dark blue fabrics actually reflect less artificial light than black tuxes, so they can actually appear darker.
Bow ties Another trendy way to wear color without overdoing it is with a bow tie. Some celebrities (like Clint Eastwood) have worn solid gold or chocolate brown-colored bow ties with classic black tuxedos.
Step 3: Tie It All Together
Here's how to match your wedding style, site, and time of day to your formalwear.
Your wedding style Very formal, complete with a traditional ceremony and an evening ballroom reception.
Your look Try a full dress tuxedo jacket (or tailcoat), which is short in the front and long in the back (ending in tails). If you're going full dress, it's probably not the time to include quirky details like a polka-dot bow tie. Every piece of your outfit should have the same classic style.
Your groomsmen If you're going to be decked out in full dress, your groomsmen should be wearing the same style tux. Instead of patterns, choose solid colors for their vests and ties.
Your wedding style Formal, with dinner and dancing at a local country club in the late afternoon or evening.
Your look You really can't go wrong wearing a classic black tux. Try a white shirt with a wing collar (a tuxedo shirt with short, folded tips); a bow tie; and a cummerbund or vest (if your bride is wearing an ivory gown, consider an ivory vest). For a more contemporary spin, wear a peak lapel with a white shirt with a laydown collar (like a regular dress shirt); and a straight tie with a Windsor knot (which is a little bigger than an ordinary four-in-hand knot).
Your groomsmen If you're planning to wear a classic tux, your groomsmen should wear a similar formal style, but they don't have to wear the same tux as you. Be consistent among your wedding parties by matching the maids and men -- if the ladies are wearing merlot dresses, have your guys wear merlot suspender ties.
Your wedding style Semiformal, exchanging "I dos" in a garden with a late afternoon or evening tented reception.
Your look If your wedding style is a little bit more casual than black-tie, you can match that tone with a dark suit or a stroller coat (which can be charcoal gray) rather than a tuxedo. Set yourself apart from your groomsmen with a tone-on-tone shirt and tie combo in a different color from theirs.
Your groomsmen If you're planning to sport a suit rather than a tux, your groomsmen should be outfitted the same way. Set them apart from the rest of your guests by giving them ties with a matching pattern.
--Miles Stiverson
RELATED LINK: See hot tuxes!
