WEDDING DAY - SUIT OR TUXEDO?
The point of dressing up for your wedding is not simply to look your best. That is a big part of it, but it is also to commemorate your marriage in an ensemble that is designed for that very purpose. Your wedding day is a special day, and it deserves a special dress code.
As a groom, whether you want to wear a tux or a suit on your wedding day is up to you, but there are a few factors to consider.
Time of the day. if you are having a brunch or daytime wedding, a suit will be more appropriate since Tuxedos are considered evening wear. If your wedding starts during the day but ends in the evening, either a suit or a tuxedo is appropriate.
Wedding theme. For a black-tie wedding, you should wear a tuxedo. If your wedding is less formal, a suit will be a good choice. It is a good idea to consider what your bride is wearing. Is she wearing a gown or is her dress less formal?
Wedding venue. The wedding venue will likely assist with determining the level of formality of the event and whether a suit or tuxedo will be most appropriate for your wedding day attire.
Personal preference. For many weddings, it is equally appropriate for the groom to wear a tuxedo or a suit. Some grooms want to look especially striking on their wedding day and wear something special, so they choose to wear a tux. What matters is that you are wearing something that you like, that fits well, and is consistent with the style of your wedding.
Partner's preference. If you do not have a preference on wearing a suit or tux for your wedding, ask your partner. They may know exactly what they want you to wear. In the case of two grooms, it looks great when both grooms wear a matching style, either two tuxes or two suits.
No matter what you choose to wear for your wedding, you will want to wear something that sets yourself and this day apart from the rest.
It is the groom’s big day too and he deserves to look more unique than the groomsmen. The groom can opt to wear a different tie or bow-tie color, be the only one to have a boutonniere, or to wear an entirely different suit or tuxedo color altogether. It is important that the look distinguishes him from the groomsmen but also matches his bride.
Differences between tuxedo and suit
Tuxedos and suits are not the same thing and should not be confused as such! The main difference between a tuxedo and a suit is the presence of satin or silk. Typically, a tuxedo jacket has satin or silk fabric on the lapels, buttons and the trim of the jacket pockets. The trousers of a tuxedo also typically have satin down the side of the pant legs. Suits do not incorporate any satin and usually have plastic buttons. In addition to the physical differences between a tuxedo and a suit, they are typically styled differently.
How to Wear a Suit or a Tuxedo
Shirts. Tuxedos are usually paired with a white tuxedo shirt. When we say a tuxedo shirt, there is not just one variety. There are tuxedo shirts with pleated, plain, or pique cotton bib fronts. In addition to the different options for the front of the shirt, there are different collar options to consider when selecting a tuxedo shirt. The most traditional option is a wingtip collar shirt with black stud buttons. The more modern option is a point collar tuxedo shirt. Typically, a tuxedo shirt comes with French cuffs and requires cufflinks. This selection can be made solely on your preference. Remember to think about which style tie you prefer before shopping for your shirt.
Accessories. The white tuxedo shirt is typically accessorized with a stud set and cufflinks. True tuxedo shirts have a strip of removable buttons that can easily be replaced with a stud set. There are many options for stud sets and cufflinks in a variety of metals and materials. Select a stud set and cufflinks that are complementary to the other elements of your wedding attire. If your accent metal for the wedding is silver and/or your bride will be wearing silver jewelry, then consider purchasing a silver stud set and cufflinks to be consistent with these details. If you are wearing a tuxedo, the cufflinks should match the shirt studs. For a suit, you can get as creative as you like.
Cummerbunds are a tuxedo accessory that cover the waist and are worn with a single-breasted jacket. Cummerbunds are meant to be worn with the pleats facing upward at the natural waistline. A cummerbund should always be paired with a bow tie, preferably one in a matching fabric. Generally, when worn correctly, cummerbunds tend to make men look taller with a thinner waist. While Black Tie standards require a black cummerbund, there are many modern tuxedo interpretations that leave the question of color entirely to the wearer. Just like vests, cummerbunds come in a wide variety of both colors and styles.
Neckwear. With a tuxedo, it is proper etiquette to wear a bow tie not a necktie. For a standard suit, either a necktie or bow tie is acceptable. We always recommend a hand tied bow tie.
Shoes. Particularly important element of any look is the footwear. It is no different when it comes to wearing a suit or tuxedo. A worn-out pair of shoes will ruin your look no matter how perfect the rest of your attire is. Tuxedos are typically worn with patent leather lace-up shoes. If patent leather is not your thing, consider wearing black leather shoes. It is not quite as formal as patent leather shoes, but they will provide a look formal enough to be worn to a black-tie wedding.
Vest. Adding a vest changes your look from a two-piece suit to a three-piece suit. A lot of grooms opt out to wear a three-piece suit while groomsmen wear a two-piece suit.
For men, it is great to start planning your attire about six months in advance. We recommend placing an order no later than three months before your wedding date. This will allow for everything - orders, fitting, and alterations to be completed in a timely manner. Tailoring is one of many important aspects of a well fitted suit or tux. Even a modestly priced off-the-rack suit can look like a million bucks with the right nips and tucks. Our expert tailors will make sure you look your best on your special day.