The Well-Suited Groom

everything you need to know

The bride, in her splendid gown, will turn heads as she walks down the aisle, but the groom, waiting patiently at the altar, deserves his share of the attention too. And he will look splendid also, dressed in the perfect outfit for the perfect day, and ready to celebrate.

THE LEVEL OF FORMALITY

The first order of business is to evaluate how formal your wedding will be. This depends on the time of day of the wedding, the location, but most of all, on you and your fiancé. The degree of formality will affect the wedding attire.

In warm weather, think lighter colors (such as tan and white), and in cool weather think darker colors (navy and charcoal.) Grey would likely work anytime, and black is always classic and appropriate. Ties, vests and cummerbunds can match the wedding colors, or compliment them with colors such as white, ivory, silver, grey or black. If the bridal gown is ivory, the men should wear ivory shirts, not white, to compliment her.

Semiformal and formal weddings have plenty of options: a high quality, single- or double-breasted men’s suit in black, dark charcoal or navy with a Windsor knotted tie in white, ivory, navy, silver or black is a less formal option. For a more formal look than that, consider a tuxedo with a single- or double-breasted dinner jacket, a white or ivory pointed-collar shirt, a vest or cummerbund and either a bow tie or a fourin-hand tie (a “fancy” knotted necktie).

GROOMS

THE WELL-SUITED GROOM

A very formal wedding, called “white tie,” calls for the traditional black tuxedo with tails, a vest, a white winged-color shirt and a bow tie. If you can envision a symphony conductor’s attire, this is “white tie.”

DISTINGUISHING THE GROOM

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 that matches the bridesmaids’ dresses.

SHOPPING TIPS

When the men visit their formalwear shop they should have a firm idea of the women’s wedding attire, and bring fabric or color swatches from the bridesmaids’ gowns. The groom and groomsmen should reserve their rentals at least three months in advance of the wedding. 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 tailor’s near them, and send their measurements to the your formalwear store. Someone should be designated to return all formalwear to the store on time in order to avoid late fees, which can get quite expensive adding up the per day, per outfit costs.

Finally, it’s critical to get a perfect fit – even the best outfit won’t look good if the fit isn’t right. Rely on the expertise of your formalwear consultant.