Many of my customers are opting to outfit the groom and his groomsmen in suits vs. tuxedos.
Dan Burke and his groomsmen…looking great in their suits!
Dan Burke went with a beautiful black two button, side-vented suit with flat front trousers…a timeless choice that his guys can wear forever! A white shirt, simple black tie, and white pocket square to match their shirts completed this elegant outfit. The groom chose to go with a beautiful designer tie his bride purchased while he chose simple solid, black satin ties for his groomsmen.
Mike Farrell and his boys on his special day!
Mike Farrell opted for a medium charcoal suit for his special day. He chose his purple bow ties to complement his Bride’s bridesmaids’ dresses. Again, the suit was a simple two-button, side vented model with flat-front trousers. The guys loved the suits and will wear often. Mike stood out with his white bow tie. His father, Steve, far right, had the option of wearing a matching purple tie…or selecting one to match his wife’s dress. He went with the latter alternative.
Contact me to learn how affordable an alternative suits can be at Click Here to Contact Christopher’s Custom
FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TUXEDOS…
The only viable choice for your groomsmen will be to rent their tuxedos. Many grooms are now opting to purchase a custom tuxedo they’ll have forever as their outfit, while having their groomsmen rent complementary outfits from a local tuxedo rental shop. In the Capital District, I strongly recommend Samuels in Rotterdam. Click here for Samuel’s contact info
TUXEDO BASICS-AN OVERVIEW
No one seems to know what the rules are, and there are dozens of options…so here are a few simple guidelines to consider if you find yourself needing to rent/buy a tuxedo for a formal event this Spring/summer:
Most classic: Single breasted, notch with one button.
Other Choices include the peak and shawl. The peak is a little more classic and modern-looking today.
If you are renting or buying a ready-made tuxedo, your lapels will have a shiny satin finish. If you are considering a custom tuxedo, you should consider a black gros-grain finish on your lapels.
- Gros Grain Texture
My second coat option would be the peak lapel. Still a classic. (The other options are shawl collar…a little less fashionable currently…or double breasted…a classic but only looks good when buttoned…and that’s just not that comfortable…unbuttoning every time you sit down, etc.)
Your button options will be 2 button or 1 button. I prefer 1 button…clean and simple are your goal. 1B is cleaner. Many rentals only offer two-button or three-button models. My advice is to not get too hung up on the number of buttons if you otherwise like the looks of a particular rental tuxedo.
I continue to advocate besom pockets…the most classic…but flaps like one finds on suits are fine. Similarly, I opt for a non-vented jacket back…it’s the cleanest look…and the most classic. If you are renting, or buying off-the-rack, you won’t have many choices…probably single or non-vented…but with custom, you can style your own tuxedo venting.
Pants are simple…pleated are my first choice…because…you tend to sit a lot when wearing a tuxedo…dinners, weddings, etc. and pleated pants are just flat out more comfortable (see April 11,2011 blog). Having said that, if you much prefer flat-front trousers, they are fine.
As far as the vest/tie goes, the rule for weddings is that the groom can look a little different. He’s the “Peacock” and oftentimes wears a different colored tie, vest, or bow tie than the rest of his groomsmen. The groomsmen typically wear a tie, vest, bow tie that complement a color in the bridesmaids’ dresses. I nice touch in all weddings is to add a pocket square to finish off the look. Matching the tie/vest color is the most popular choice for wedding parties. Again…I recommend the groom match his tie or shirt while the groomsmen match their tie…it makes for a more colorful photo op!
All male guests are supposed to blend into the background to allow the guest of honor to be the Peacock…everyone else should be a sea of penguins…
So…these are my guidelines and advice…sage or not…
Happy Hunting!
Regards,
Vinnie Rua- Founder, Christopher’s Custom