Tuxedos Etiquette

Tuxedos 101: Dressing Your Men Appropriately

Once you have picked your wedding colors and the groomsmen for your wedding party, it is time to select tuxedos. Finding tuxedos for your wedding party is an easy item to check off your to-do list, and gives your groom a pivotal role in the wedding planning process.

For starters, have all of your men measured as soon as you pick out the tuxedos (the ring bearer should wait until one month out to ensure his growing body fits his tuxedo). A Formal Affair works with out of town wedding members; don’t let that be an excuse for tardy measurements. Here’s our crash course in Tuxedos 101 to ensure you pick the right look for your wedding party.

Lesson 1: Tuxedo Jackets

When selecting a tuxedo jacket pay close attention to the number of buttons and the lapel. Basic styles will have between one and three buttons. Two button styles are most common, due to their ability to look great on a number of body shapes and sizes. The most common lapel choices are notched and peak. Peak lapels are very popular on the red carpet right now but notched lapels are still most common in weddings. Next pay attention to the detail on the coat. Traditional black is most popular followed closely by a shadow stripe detail. Chocolate tuxedos have emerged in full force and gray tuxes have also recently become popular. Sand is another color option and is great for beach weddings!

Lesson 2: Shirts

When selecting a shirt pay attention to the collar. A lay down collar is most common with a long tie but the wing collar is also a choice. You also have the choice of white, ivory or black shirts.

Lesson 3: Ties

When selecting a tie you must choose between a bow tie and long tie. The long tie, typically a Windsor (typical suit tie) instead of an ascot, is the most popular choice. Traditionally most long ties worn for weddings are solids but now many striped and other patterns are offered.

Lesson 4: Vests

Most vests are 5 buttons and are either a full back or bib style. Bib styles work well with some jacket styles. Some wedding parties are opting for patterned or metallic vests, designed to coordinate with bridesmaids’ dresses. Cummerbunds are a less popular choice, but they are available in a limited color selection.

Lesson 5: Other Accessories

Shoes and cufflinks are also commonly included with tuxedo rentals. Be sure everyone in your party rents shoes to keep a consistent look. A mixture of patent leather and matte finish shoes will be noticeable by your guests and visible in pictures. Pocket squares that coordinate with the vest and tie are also a popular accessory that finishes off a tuxedo.

Lesson 6: The Rules

All tuxedos should be rented from the same vendor and any man who will be in many of your wedding pictures should be in a tuxedo to ensure a consistent look across your wedding party and in the pictures you are taking to create memories. This means if grandfathers will be in many of the pictures they should wear a tuxedo, too. It is a good overall look for any man with a role in the wedding to be in a tuxedo.

The groom’s vest, tie and shirt color usually matches the bride’s dress color, usually white or ivory. The groomsmen’s vest and ties match the color of the bridesmaid’s dresses. The ring bearer matches the groom or flower girl. The ushers, fathers and grandfathers typically don vests and ties in black or silver. This is to avoid too many different colors in a small group. Again, think of how the wedding photos will look.

Traditionally, the bride and groom request that each groomsman pay for his own tuxedo. Be sure to make this clear to groomsmen so they are prepared when they are asked for payment when they are measured!

What is appropriate for my wedding?

It is important to select tuxedos that are appropriate to the style and time of your wedding! Below are some basic guidelines!