The Well-Suited Groom

everything you need to know

GROOMS

THE LEVEL OF FORMALITY

The first order of business is to evaluate how formal your wedding will be. This depends on the time and location of the wedding, along with the level of formality the two of you settle on. Just make sure whatever level of formality you settle on, make sure you’re consistent throughout — invitations, décor, food, location, and wedding attire should all match in terms of formality.

In warm weather and for beachy destination weddings, lighter colors (tan, light grey, white) look effortlessly handsome. Though in all climates, darker colors (navy, charcoal, black) always look sharp. Ties, and vests can match or compliment (neutral tones) the wedding colors. If the wedding gown is ivory, don’t wear a white shirt. Wear ivory to compliment the dress. Combining two suite accessories into one is the pocket boutonniere. This chic and modern cluster of florals adds a unique element to your wedding day look with the bonus of no pins.

DISTINGUISHING THE GROOM

It’s nice to have some way of setting the groom apart. One way to distinguish the groom is to give him a different, but complimentary, boutonniere to wear. Another idea is for the groom to wear a white jacket while his groomsmen are in black. Or the groom could wear a white, ivory, or silver vest and/or tie while his groomsmen wear vests and/or ties in black, or a color scan me

that matches the bridesmaids’ dresses. Semiformal weddings have plenty of options: a high quality, single- or doublebreasted suit in black, charcoal, or navy with a Windsor knotted tie in ivory, navy, silver, or black is a less formal option. For a more formal look, consider a tuxedo with a single- or double-breasted jacket, a white or ivory pointed-collar shirt, a vest and either a bow tie or a four-in-hand tie. A very formal wedding, called “white tie,” calls for the traditional black tuxedo with tails, a vest, a white winged-collar shirt, and a bow tie.

SHOPPING TIPS

When visiting the formalwear shop, have a firm idea of the women’s wedding attire and bring fabric or color swatches from the bridesmaids’ gowns. Pictures of preferred formalwear styles would also be helpful in the decision-making process.

Reserve rentals at least three months in advance of the wedding (although the earlier, the better, especially during the busy season). Final measurements should be taken about three weeks before the ceremony; however, be sure to come back a few days before the wedding for last-minute alterations. Out-of-town groomsmen can get measured at any formalwear store or local tailors near them and send their measurements to the groom or to your formalwear store. Someone should be designated to return all formalwear to the store on time to avoid late fees, which can get quite expensive adding up the per day, per outfit costs.

THE PERFECT FIT

There are a few key points to keep in mind regarding fit when ordering formalwear. Shirts should fit well around the neck. The bottom hem of the pants should just touch the top of the shoes. Jackets should be fitted, with some room at the waist. Sleeves should end at the wrist bone with the same number of shirt buttons showing. Vents on the side of the jacket should lie smoothly and follow the lines of the body. The collar should hug the neck comfortably, and the lapels shouldn’t buckle.

GROOMING THE GROOM

An important detail that is sometimes overlooked is the groom’s hair. Men are generally more casual about haircuts than women, but they should ideally get their hair trimmed two weeks before the wedding to add the finishing touch to their wedding finery. Pass this helpful tip on to the groomsmen as well! If you plan to take photos of the bride’s hand and the groom’s hand with the new rings, it would be a great idea for the groom to get a manicure just before the wedding.

CURRENT TRENDS IN FORMALWEAR

Black is classic. But navy blue, grey, or tan suits are handsome and on-trend.

Vests & ties. Vests and dressy standard neckties (called four-in-hand ties or Windsor knotted ties) are popular, but bow ties are also making a comeback. Both are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Lapels & pleats. Notched lapels on coats are the most common, though peak lapels and shawl collars are increasing in popularity. Current fashion trends opt for flat fronts on pants and smooth fronts on shirts — no pleats.

Be stylish, have fun. Groomsmen accessories that complement the groom instead of matching the bridesmaids’ dresses are another alternative. Adding colored socks or suspenders is a fun way to tie in the wedding colors and show some personality.