The Tuxedo was first worn in 1886, the invention of the New York dandy, and it use has evolved until it is now worn for special afternoon as well as evening events.
It’s distinguishing features are the satin lapels and the outside stripe on the trousers, and the most popular colours are black and various shades of gray. At contemporary weddings, men often wear cummerbunds and bow ties in colours and sometimes metallic or iridescent fabrics. Bow ties are a very popular men’s fashion accessory that are making a huge comeback.
Most formal for daytime weddings, before 6 p.m., is the cutaway coat with its grey vest, and striped gray and black trousers.
Black full dress is the most formal of evening wear, although sometimes it is worn for daytime weddings in colours or white. The collar is very formal, with a white tie, and the vest should never be seen below the edge of the coat.
On all formal wear, studs with inset stone are used instead of buttons. The shirt also requires cuff links. Since the trousers are worn high above the waist, suspenders are another necessity as well as the black dress shoes.
When choosing the groom’s wedding attire some guidelines are in place. The formal wear chosen should not clash with the colours the bride has chosen. Today’s weddings see the colour coordination of fashion in tandem with the them and colour of the wedding.
The groom’s attire should never upstage the bridal gown, but complement it; it’s a nice touch for all the photography that will take place during the day and it gives a special feeling to your commitment. Given that a bride spends so much time and energy finding the “gown of her dreams,” the groom should be dressed in a tuxedo, taking his place beside her, looking the best he possibly can. Your wedding day is not an ordinary day. Dress the part and share the excitement of special.
Experienced wedding planners also suggest that someone in the bridal party bring an emergency pair of men’s black socks. Groomsmen have been known to show up in white socks!
There aren’t many milestones in life and on your wedding day, spend the money and rent or buy that tuxedo to celebrate this very special day of days. You don’t have the luxury of going back and doing it again and you will be guaranteed that the two of you will look like a million dollars!