Tuxedo choices

Grooms everywhere begin preparing for their wedding day in different ways, but one of the most important decisions a prospective groom can make is which tuxedo to wear. Do you go with that bright white suit with the wide lapels? Or perhaps the black tuxedo with tails, a top hat, white gloves and a cane? Are you going to look back in a few years and say, "I wore that to my wedding?"

No problem. We have it covered for you. Or rather, we can help you figure out which outfit will be best for you. It can be a nightmare picking out just the right tuxedo for your wedding. Many things must be considered in choosing the right ensemble for the occasion. The formal black coat with tails is generally only appropriate for events after six p.m. This is the time when formal evening wear is considered appropriate. But, have no fear, we are going to outline the various points to consider when choosing a tux.

Many people choose to wear a white coat with black trim for a daytime wedding. I chose a gray cutaway tuxedo, also called a morning suit, for my own wedding, which was at eleven in the morning. Day weddings allow a bit more flexibility in the choices for appropriate wedding outfits than evening affairs, since daytime formality guidelines are not as strict as for evening wear.

The best way to determine what is in fashion is to look through magazines such as the one you are currently reading. Current trends are always displayed in bridal magazines and at bridal shows. If you have yet to attend a bridal show, my suggestion is to go to at least one. I went to three while my wife went to five. The knowledge gained at these shows was a tremendous help to our budget and overall satisfaction with our ceremony. Research will keep you away from the ruffled shirts and plaid cummerbunds.

After you've seen several styles and decided on a few that interest you, head down to your local tuxedo/bridal shop. There, you can ask the sales associate some final questions about which choice you should make. Take your best man with you if you can. His support and additional viewpoint may be helpful. Your sales associate should listen to your questions and respond to your needs. If they are inattentive to you, or try to push a specific type of tuxedo, be firm with them or simply walk away. Many of the national and regional tuxedo shops will not use high-pressure techniques and allow you to make an informed choice. By going to a tux shop with some prior research, you will make your time there more productive and have fewer problems.

Above all, think it through carefully, and try on the complete tuxedo before you decide, just to be sure. Always allow the salesperson to take your measurements--they are trained to get the right fit, after all. These aren't a pair of jeans you're getting! Make sure the shoes are comfortable and that everything you are trying on is included in the final price. Read all the paperwork before signing it. Many rental places will rent you the grooms tuxedo for free with a specific number of groomsmen rentals, so be sure to ask about current specials.

Lastly, take your mother or fiancée with you when you try the suit on, just to be sure. Their opinion is usually the final polish on a tuxedo well-chosen.