Time For Tuxedos

What your future husband and his wedding party will wear on your wedding day is just as important as what you are wearing. There are certain elements of a tuxedo you should be considering when not only selecting your formal wear but also your formal wear provider.

Be weary of tuxedo providers who will offer you "discounts" that seem too good to be true (more than likely... it is too good to be true!!!)

The following are tips you should consider:

Tip : Anyone can rent you a tuxedo. You are paying for the quality and the service. Please educate yourselves before you commit to an experience that you won't be prepared for (including hidden charges and fees)!

SELECT A TUXEDO SHOP THAT'S KNOWN FOR ITS SERVICE, QUALITY AND REPUTATION

Ask around to other brides that have been recently married. As well, check out the business and see if they are part of any tuxedo organizations such as 1800mytuxes. A reputable tux business will also be a member of the Better Business Bureau and can provide references upon request.

IF YOU SEND YOUR GROOM ALONE TO A TUX SHOP, MAKE SURE HE HAS THE PROPER INFO. CONCERNING YOUR WEDDING GOWN AND COLORS

The groom should know if you are wearing white or ivory for your dress. The tux shop will match your shirt color accordingly. If you try to match a white dress with an ivory shirt, the shirt will appear discolored. As well, send the groom with a swatch of a bridesmaid dress so the tuxedo vest can be matched or complementing to the dresses. Knowing what color jewelry everyone is wearing is helpful, too. If the bridesmaids are wearing silver the groomsmen should follow suit and wear silver studs and cuff links.

SHOP AROUND FOR YOUR TUXES

A good tuxedo shop will be educated about the types and traditions for tuxedos and will help you be educated so that you select the correct tuxedo style you desire. Keep in mind that different styles of tuxedos may look better on some people than others. An educated tuxedo consultant will be able to inform you of all your choices and answer any of your questions.

IF YOU HAVE OUT OF TOWN MEMBERS IN YOUR WEDDING PARTY, HAVE THEM GO TO A REPUTABLE SHOP TO BE MEASURED

Avoid a men's clothing store or bridal shop to measure you. The measurements for a tuxedo have to be precise and accuracy only comes from an experienced tux shop. Most tux shops will measure people for free. It's a gentleman's courtesy that's offered.

WHEN SELECTING YOUR TUXEDOS, KEEP IN MIND WHO WILL BE IN YOUR WEDDING PARTY

If you have any shorter members in your wedding party, avoid choosing a long coat (one with four buttons or more) because those groomsmen will look shorter. Instead, opt for a tuxedo that will flatter everyone such as a 2-button coat.

THE TUX SHOP MUST BE AN UP-TO-DATE AND IN STOCK SHOP

If you go to a catalog store, your groom and groomsmen won't be able to try on the tuxedo garments to ensure a proper fit. If you select from a catalog, the tuxes won't be delivered until the week of your wedding hence creating minimal time for exchange of the garment if it doesn't properly fit.

THE TUXEDO SHOP SHOULD DEMONSTRATE ALL THE DIFFERENT TUXEDOS PROVIDED AS OPTIONS FOR YOUR GROOM AND HIS PARTY

Be weary deciding on a style of tux that may not be what you really want. Explore your options by asking your tuxedo provider to show you all that's available. A good tuxedo shop will be willing to outfit the groom the day of the consultation so one can get a visual of what he will look like on the big day!

WAIT UNTIL THE END OF THE TUXEDO SELECTION TO ASK ABOUT THE PRICE

Can you really put a price on your wedding day? If you opt to go with a flashier vest than shoe style then it's easier to adjust the selection at the end of the consultation when the tuxedos are priced out.

WHEN YOU SEND YOUR GROOM AND GROOMSMEN FOR THEIR FITTING, BE SURE TO TELL THEM TO WEAR THE PROPER UNDERGARMENTS

If a groomsmen works at a construction site all day long then chances are he will be dirty when he goes to the tux shop.
That's NOT recommended! The groomsmen will have to try on a white or ivory shirt that will get stained and dirty around the collar. Make sure the groomsmen know to wear undergarments as well as shower if they can before their tuxedo fitting.

IF YOU'RE HAVING A BLACK TIE WEDDING, MAKE SURE YOUR GUESTS DON'T LOOK LIKE YOUR GROOMSMEN

The traditional Black Tie wedding has the guest wearing a 1-button tuxedo coat (like a dinner jacket), black pants, black tie shoes, and a cummerbund. Avoid letting them wear what they choose for a tuxedo because you could have uncle Buck wearing a tux with a flaming pink flamingo vest.

MAKE SURE EVERY MEMBER OF THE WEDDING PARTY TRIES THEIR TUXEDOS ON

If the groomsmen do not try on their tuxedos at the tux shop, there could be nightmares with it fitting. They should be considerate of your wedding and ensure that they look the best they can for your wedding!