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Tuxedo Etiquette
- What is the difference between a Traditional Wedding and a Contemporary Wedding?
- What styles do tuxedos come in?
- Daytime wedding options (Before 6 o'clock)
- Evening wedding options (After 6 o'clock)
- Is it appropriate to have a Contemporary Wedding?
- What should the Groom and Groomsmen wear for the Wedding to be considered Traditional?
- Do all the men in the Wedding Party have to dress alike?
- Should all the men in the Wedding Party wear the same shoes?
- How could I distinguish the Groom from the rest of the Wedding Party through the choice of formalwear?
- Is it appropriate for the men to wear black formalwear during the day?
- If the Bride's gown is ivory, does it change any part of the men's attire?
- Are there any guidelines for the correct tuxedo choice for the Groom based on the Bride's gown?
- Should the Groom's father be formally dressed?
- Should the Bride's father wear a tuxedo?
- Should the Ring Bearer be dressed like the Groom or Groomsmen?
- Are tuxedos made in Ring Bearer sizes?
- How long can we wait to buy our tuxedos?
- Can the Groomsmen measure themselves?
- If the groom is in the military, should he wear his uniform for the wedding?
What is the difference between a Traditional Wedding and a Contemporary Wedding?
The term, Traditional refers to a type of Wedding where the choices made would model those of Weddings from generations before. Traditional Weddings generally follow strict guidelines of etiquette and offer limited flexibility. The term, Contemporary refers to all choices that differ from the Traditional approach in a more modern, personalized approach.
What styles do tuxedos come in?
Tuxedos today come in many variations. Historically, wedding attire has been classified by the time of day and level of formality. In contemporary weddings, however, regardless of time of day, the groom and all wedding party members may select whatever style the bride and groom prefer and will commonly wear vests that match or complement the color(s) of the bridesmaids’ dresses. For a more traditional wedding, there are specific styles that are appropriate..
Daytime wedding options (Before 6 o'clock):
For a formal daytime wedding, the groom and all wedding party members may select whatever style the bride and groom prefer and will commonly wear vests that match or complement the color(s) of the bridesmaids’ dresses.
For a traditional ultra formal daytime wedding, the groom can wear a "morning suit" which consists of a cutaway coat, striped trousers, white wing shirt, gray vest and an ascot or four-in-hand tie. The groom's attendants and both fathers should be similarly outfitted, though they can choose different ties from that of the groom.
For a contemporary ultra formal daytime wedding, the groom may select a cutaway, stroller or tuxedo jacket. Fathers should be dressed in matching cutaways or tuxedos. If the groom wears a cutaway, he may still have the other wedding party members dressed in a stroller so the groom will stand out.
Evening wedding options (After 6 o'clock):
For a traditional ultra formal evening wedding, the groom wears a black, full dress tailcoat with pique shirt, white pique vest and matching white pique bow tie. The members of the groom's wedding party, including both the father of the bride and groom, are all dressed exactly the same. The groom may wish his boutonniere to complement the bride's bouquet. Guests may also be invited to dress formally.
For a contemporary ultra formal evening wedding, the groom may select a tailcoat in various colors with either matching accessories or white accessories to set a more formal tone. Groomsmen and fathers typically dress in a similar fashion.
Is it appropriate to have a Contemporary Wedding?
Wedding choices are as unique as the couples who make them. Unless you are opting for a Traditional ceremony, you are free to make decisions based on your personal wants and needs. After all, this is YOUR day to shine!
What should the Groom and Groomsmen wear for the Wedding to be considered Traditional?
When choosing the Groom and Groomsmen's attire, you must first decide whether you want a formal or an informal ceremony. Also, the formalwear you choose depends on the time of day the ceremony is taking place.
Do all the men in the Wedding Party have to dress alike?
In a very Traditional Wedding, it is appropriate for all members of the Wedding Party to be identical in their attire. However many couples choose a slightly less Traditional approach and distinguish the Groom from the Groomsmen.
Should all the men in the Wedding Party wear the same shoes?
Absolutely! With either a Contemporary or Traditional Wedding it is very important that the shoes be the same. Patent leather shoes are the best choice and are available for purchase or rental for a nominal fee.
How could I distinguish the Groom from the rest of the Wedding Party through their choice of formalwear?
There are many popular ways to distinguish the Groom from the rest of the Wedding Party. The following is a partial list showing some examples:
The Groom may wear a tailcoat, while the Groomsmen could wear coordinating tuxedos.
The Groomsmen could wear a vest or cummerbund that is color coordinated with the Bridesmaid's gowns.
The Groom could wear a different style of vest or tie from the Groomsmen that would compliment the Bride's gown.
Is it appropriate for the men to wear black formalwear during the day?
In a strictly Traditional Wedding, only gray formalwear is worn before 6 p.m. However, many Wedding couples choose to create their own tradition and wear black at any time.
If the Bride's gown is ivory, does it change any part of the men's attire?
If you are considering a white tuxedo and your bride's dress is ivory, you should probably switch to ivory. The general rule of thumb is that everyone should be all in ivory or all in white. While you don't have to follow this, it will help everyone look the same in your wedding pictures.
Are there any guidelines for the correct tuxedo choice for the Groom based on the Bride's gown?
Yes there are! For a Traditional Wedding, the following factors help guide the tuxedo choice: the time of day and the formality of the Bride's gown. For a Contemporary Wedding, the tuxedo selection is guided by the length and formality of both the Bride and Bridesmaid's gowns. In addition, the following rule always applies: Neither a Groom or Groomsmen should out dress the lady they escort.
Should the Groom's father be formally dressed?
Though he is not required to dress formally, it is a good idea for him to be in formalwear. The Groom's father is an important person in the Wedding, and will feature prominently in the Wedding photos.
Should the Bride's father wear a tuxedo?
This is a must! In many cases he will walk down the aisle with the Bride and should compliment her. He will also be featured in the Wedding pictures and should dress accordingly.
Should the Ring Bearer be dressed like the Groom or Groomsmen?
This is completely a personal decision by the Bride and Groom. Many couples choose to match the Ring Bearer to the Groom, especially if the Flower Girl is dressed similar to the Bride. However, the general rule is that boys under six years of age should not wear a tuxedo.
Are tuxedos made in Ring Bearer sizes?
Yes! Tuxedos shops usually carry tuxedos starting at size 3. Prices are usually based on the style selected.. See your local store for details and current packages.
How long can we wait to buy our tuxedos?
Please give yourself ample time to make sure that your tuxedo fits properly. You will want to give yourself some leeway in case you need to exchange an item.
Can the Groomsmen measure themselves?
To get the perfect fit, it is very important to have all the gentlemen in the Wedding Party professionally measured. For help with your measurements, please view our Measuring Guide.
If the groom is in the military, should he wear his uniform in the wedding?
If the groomsmen are also in the military they, including the groom, may all wear their uniforms. If they are not all in the military it becomes the choice of the groom to wear a tuxedo and match the rest of the party or wear his uniform and set himself apart.
