Donna Ellen Fashion

Have you ever noticed that weddings seem to be all about the bride? There’s information available for the wedding dress, shoes, makeup and accessories. But…what about the groom and his
ushers? After all, they need to wear something to the wedding too!

So, what should the groom (and his attendants) be wearing to a wedding? In most cases, it depends on the time of day that the wedding is to take place. If the wedding is to be a very formal evening affair, a tuxedo is required. For a morning or afternoon wedding, the attire of the men will depend more upon a combination of preferance and the type of wedding theme you’ve chosen.

For example, the groom should not be showing up in a formal black tuxedo for a wedding on the beach. A lightweight and lighter color suit would be more appropriate. If you’re planning a very casual wedding, then lightweight dress pants, shirt, tie (optional) and blazer would be appropriate as well.

The groom, father-of-the-bride, and groomsmen should all visit a professional formalwear shop for guidance and information on the type of attire that is available. Most men don’t realize just how many decisions go into choosing a wedding suit or tuxedo. You’ll need to choose from single-breasted and double-breasted jackets; collars that are peaked, notched or shawl; cummerbund or vest; bow tie, ascot (these are double-knot ties with ends folded over) or a casual tie.

Also, it’s very important that everything coordinates with the attire of the bride and bridesmaids, so make sure you know exactly what they will be wearing and the colors chosen. (Take a fabric sample or a picture of the dresses).

Unless you plan on attending a lot of formal occassions after the marriage, most men are better off renting their formalwear as opposed to buying it. There are a lot of men’s stores that carry large selections of wedding attire and they will do alterations on rented suits. However, before you rent anything, make sure you know what comes with the package. Do you need to buy the cummerbund and/or vest? Are the shoes included? What about the tie and shirt? Make sure you get a written receipt that states what is and is not included in the rental.

The groom and other gentlemen should be measured for their suits approximately three months before the wedding. For any groomsmen who live out of town, they can go to a local shop for measurements, then send the information to the groom so he can set up the rental. Please make sure your ushers understand that they are not to make their own rental arrangements in another city. You will have no way of knowing if they actually picked the correct suit, color, or accessories until they show up for the wedding, at which point you will have one very unhappy bride – not a good thing!

The groom should look after all the rental arrangements at one store only. Any groomsmen coming from out of town should arrive at least 2 to 3 days before the wedding for final measurements in case there needs to be last minute alterations done.

Most rentals can be picked up a day or two in advance. Check the suits/tuxedos over carefully before leaving the store with them. Look for any stains, rips, snags or possible cigarette burns. Everyone should try their suit on to be sure it fits properly and the length of the pants and jacket sleeves are correct. Be sure to wear the shoes you will be wearing at the wedding for this. Check the cuffs and collar for frayed material, and make the jackets don’t have any buttons missing.

After the wedding, the bestman usually returns his own and the groom’s suit to the formalwear shop by the next business day. The groomsmen are responsible for returning their own suits, also within the next business day to avoid late charges. Small food or beverage stains can usually be removed easily enough, however if a suit is heavily damaged, be prepared to pay for it. So fellows, be careful during the wedding!

By: Rose Smith

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Have you noticed that on some websites you can purchase your own tuxedo for just about the price you would pay for two tuxedo rentals? So the next time you are in need of a tuxedo you might want to think about purchasing rather than renting. Go ahead and do your research so you’ll know what you want and be ready to take the plunge.

A complete tuxedo ensemble includes a jacket, trousers, shirt, bow tie, cuff links, studs, and a cummerbund or vest. If you wear a vest, you do not wear a cummerbund. I would suggest purchasing extra ties and cummerbunds in colors and patterns for a more festive look for any occasion.

Your classic tuxedo, of course, is black but you have several collar options from which to choose. You have the notch lapel tuxedo jacket, the peak lapel tuxedo jacket, the shawl lapel tuxedo jacket, and the mandarin color tuxedo jacket. Personally I prefer the classic notch lapel tuxedo jacket but it really is a matter of choice. The shawl lapel gives the body an elongated look so it has a slenderizing affect.

You then have the trousers in pleated and non-pleated with an adjustable or non-adjustable waist band, all with a satin stripe down the legs.

There is a great selection of tuxedo shirts available. You have the classic wing collar tuxedo shirt, regular collar tuxedo shirt, mandarin collar tuxedo shirt, banded mandarin collar tuxedo shirt, piped mandarin collar tuxedo shirt and the list goes on and on.

The accessories are endless. You have the band bow tie or one of the newer contemporary style ties, the cummerbund or button cover jewelry if you choose one of the mandarin collar shirts. And, of course, the studs and cuff links. Don’t forget to take a look at the tuxedo vests. All accessories will be available in an array of colors, patterns and styles. You’re sure to find what you need to complete your ensemble.

Go on, be selective and individualize your look. You have a lot of styles, colors and patterns from which to choose.

Have fun and enjoy your special occasion.

Sue Gray
http://www.formalwear-outlet.com

By: Sue Gray

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