Columbine Goblinfilter
Purchasing Your Tuxedo
So you are one of the lucky few that have decided to own your tuxedo, you must understand your decision puts you in a very prestigious group with the likes of James Bond, Frank Sinatra and almost every major motion picture actor to ever win an award. Now how do you feel? Where to begin?
Fabric: This is going to be the primary distinguishing factor between a rental and retail garment. Most tuxedos are made of very fine wool’s (often in Super 100’s or better), this is because the tuxedo was meant to be worn on momentous occasions and at those times of your life you want to look your very best. You will find that the tuxedo you are buying will be extremely lightweight and breathable so that you stay comfortable. You have enough on your mind let alone worrying about what you are wearing.
Style: This is completely personal; however, there are a few simple things you should know going into your purchase. First, this garment is going to last you a while (often 5+ years) so make sure the style you choose is something you can live with. Most traditional tuxedos come in 1, 2, 3 button coats and if you are a purest you will want a 1 button without question. You then have three simple lapel choices: a notch, a peak or a shawl. Most formalwear specialty stores will have a selection of these tuxedos for you to look at and try on.
Accessories: Accessories may be the most important part of the process. If your tuxedo is going to last you a while, you don’t want to continually show up in the same outfit time after time. What we recommend is you find a few sets of accessories that say something different about you, maybe one set is red and shows your outgoing side, while the black set shows your traditional classic side. Accessories are a great way to continue to keep that tuxedo current without spending a lot of money.
I know what you’re thinking; isn’t it much cheaper to rent? That isn’t necessarily the case. If a guy is wearing a tuxedo 2 or 3 times in the course of a few years often it works out more cost effective to buy. And if we look at the entire budget of the wedding, even if the groom buys his tuxedo often times it is hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars less than the brides dress alone.
This small piece of information should allow you to feel comfortable buying your first tuxedo, although we are sure you still have questions, a reputable formalwear specialist can answer those questions.
A tuxedo just isn’t me…
Although as an industry we are seeing most grooms opting to wear a tuxedo there are some that are looking for something more casual. This is the perfect opportunity to wear a suit. Perhaps you don’t get dressed up much or that you might just want a new suit. Most formalwear specialists will have a suit to rent however; most men that are looking for a suit for their wedding are looking for something to purchase.Â
Although some men may want something a little bit more fashionable for their wedding we generally discourage that. Do you remember looking at wedding pictures from past generations? Ruffled shirts and baby blue were just a couple of pictures that came to mind, you do not want your wedding pictures to stem those same thoughts in your children one day.
Bracken Goblinshimmer
So you have bought a dress, booked a venue and picked the flowers. Now it’s time for the guy. In today’s market the guy is making more decisions when it comes to his attire for the wedding day. They are looking at buying, renting, or on some instances both, so the process is not as easy as it once was. With wedding parties getting bigger and bigger many of today’s grooms are planning further ahead, because there are more people to co-ordinate. How to make it easier? Read on for tips on renting your formalwear!
Renting Your Formalwear
The key to having a positive experience while renting your formalwear is to choose a reputable store. As you shop around everyone will try and convince you that they truly are a reputable store, but here are just a few things to look for:
- Service you can rely on
- Well-trained, professional staff
- Attention to detail and quality
- Local warehousing with a large selection of new tuxedos and accessories
- On-site tailoring for any unforeseen problems
If a store can provide these items you know you are in the right place. Now it really comes down to what are the guys going to wear? A good sales associate will ask a few simple questions such as:
- What time of day is your wedding?
- Is it a formal or casual ceremony?
- What are the wedding colours?
These items will help a sales associate determine what type of attire is best suited for your day. There is a big swing back to formality, more grooms want to be completed dressed up. This might include a longer jacket, a vest, a formal tie and a patent shoe.
Jacket styles are going in two directions, more and more jackets are going to basic styles while incorporating nicer details such as linings and fabrics. The other direction is formal coats (longer length primarily), these coats will often fit a bit slimmer to prevent the groom from looking like a tent.
Accessories are becoming increasingly important, gone are the days of a black bow tie and cummerbund as your only choice. In today’s rental market the sky is the limit as far as colour and style go. Jewel tones and earth tones are a huge hit for this wedding season.
We have all heard that shoes make the man, well the statement holds true in the rental game as well. Many men cannot justify owning a pair of patent leather shoes, therefore, why not rent them on your wedding day. A good formalwear store should have numerous styles for you to choose from. Remember that the patent shoe was designed specifically for your tuxedo; it carries the look from your satin lapel to your satin stripe down to your shoes. And if you think people won’t notice you’re wrong! Check back for info on purchasing your wedding attire instead of renting.
Bracken Goblinshimmer
The groom is no longer just an extra at the wedding, he is main stage, so it is important he has his own individual look.
You want him to stand out from his groomsmen. Now, there is available to the groom a wide selection of retail and rental accessories that can customize his look. For those all-important finishing touches check out:
· Custom shirts with initials
· Cufflinks: hundreds of elegant and unusual links and studs
· Custom ties to co-ordinate with the brides gown
· Elegant vests in brocades and silks
So whether you are looking for something to add depth to your wedding suit or to make you strut your stuff, look for accessories to help you stand out in the crowd.
Columbine Goblinfilter
Those extra little details and touches are what finish off your look and keep you calm. Cufflinks are a great way to show a touch of class or personality without being flashy. Whether they are an heirloom piece or a brand new pair they will help make your outfit become your own and make for a great keepsake after the wedding.
You can also purchase your accessories like the vest and tie instead of renting them. This allows you to personlize your outfit with accessories that might not be available in rental inventory and gives you something to keep from your wedding day.
Pick up at least two pairs of dress socks for the wedding day. After the ceremony you can change into a fresh pair for the reception. Also, if you tend to sweat a lot, a second shirt might be in order as well.
Keep a cotton handkerchief in your pocket. While you are in the receiving line you will be shaking a lot of hands. You can slip your hand into your pocket and dry it off very subtly.
So what are your duties for the wedding day? The groom is traditionally responsible for:
- making arrangements for the weddings rings
- picks the best man, groomsmen and ushers
- organizes the ceremony venue and the officiant
- makes arrangements for all of the flowers
- makes transportation arrangements
- organizing the honeymoon
Columbine Goblinfilter
Formalwear – a lot of guys will cringe when they hear they have to get dressed up. Your wedding day sends out a clear signal on your sense of fashion. Keeping is simple is one of the best options. Formalwear has evolved over the years and guys are able to put a more personal stamp on what they wear to their wedding. Whether it is a classic James Bond shawl tuxedo or a crisp navy blue suit, guys have a lot more options then they used to. Whether you decide to rent or purchase the formalwear for the groom, there are things you need to keep in mind. Just remember how much time and energy the bride put into finding that perfect dress. The same applies to the groom.
Find a reputable store. They should have well-trained staff, on-site tailoring, local warehousing and a large selection of formalwear and accessories. Find a sales associate you feel comfortable with. They should understand different body types, fit, trend and your particular needs.
Keep in mind the price of the garments and the reputation of the store. Just because a location has the lowest price doesn’t make it the most qualified for your needs.
Nowadays men can purchase, rent or have a combination of both in their formalwear. You can purchase the perfect tuxedo and rent your accessories to find the best combination of fit, quality and colour for your wedding day.
Some of your options are a one-, two-, or three-button jacket with a notch, peak or shawl lapel. The formalwear store you choose should have a wide selection of all for you to try on. A more formal wedding would require a longer jacket, with a casual wedding going for a shorter one.
Choose a good formal shirt in white, candlelight or ivory, depending on your bride-to-be’s dress. Make sure the collar is solid and will keep it’s shape all day. Your tie should be simple and discreet, pulling together colour element from your vest.
Don’t forget about shoes! You can’t wear your sneakers with your tuxedo or suit. Most formalwear stores rent shoes and your choice should have numerous styles for you to choose from. The patent shoe was specifically designed with the tuxedo in mind, so it finishes the look perfectly.
Whatever you wear, wear it with confidence.
Yarrow Elfshimmer
What type of guy is the groom? Does he like to dress up or does he hate putting on a tie? Does he stand out in the crowd or blend in? Once you can answer these type of questions about your fiancé, you can move forward with his attire. After all, the bride is going to look fabulous. Shouldn’t the groom look fantastic as well?
The tuxedo has been a constant in men’s dress for hundreds of years even though it has evolved over time. The fit is essential. The jacket will fit tighter than his everyday wardrobe but it should not pull or feel uncomfortable. The pants should sit at the natural waist (approximately one inch below the bellybutton) and the cuff of the pant should fall to the top of the heel of the shoe. Your tuxedo shirt should fit like a normal dress shirt, but you will be wearing it all day so make sure the collar is a little looser.
Men are a lot more fashion conscious than they used to be. With the wide variety of options in formalwear they also have more choices than they used to. Whether the groom chooses to purchase or rent his formalwear (or suit!) for the special day, the most important thing is how he feels when he’s wearing it.
Thorn Yewtree
So you’ve picked out (or the bride has) what you are wearing on the big day. What about all the other events that surround your wedding day? The rehearsal dinner, the bachelor party, the wedding rehearsal, the gift opening and your honeymoon. Many factors play into these events such as location, type of event, appropriateness and of course the personal considerations.
The wedding rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner are two events where you want to dress up a little. Keep in mind tradition and practicality. For most locations a casual jacket is appropriate, whether it’s a sport coat or a nice outerwear piece. Try to incorporate a collared shirt which helps any outfit to be a touch more formal.
At the gift opening, a great pair of denim is completely appropriate. Chino’s or cords look great too. This is a casual affair with family and friends, so pair it with a simple T or a great knit, kick back and relax. This doesn’t mean its okay to wear the old holey stuff – just nice, casual clothing.
Another great option is to purchase a fantastic black suit that can transition into multiple different outfits. Use your suit jacket with a sweater or linen shirt for the rehearsal. For a more casual look, go with denim, a polo and your jacket.
It’s time for the honeymoon! While you are traveling to your destination, dress in layers. Temperature changes will occur and you will be more comfortable. Since most couples opt for a tropical location for their honeymoon, they tend to forget some key pieces of clothing. Be prepared and plan ahead. Walks along the beach can be cool from ocean winds and a nice dinner in a beautiful restaurant could require a jacket and tie. Keep your planned activities in mind when packing for your trip.
