The groom's attire is almost as important as the bride's at a wedding because the two will stand side by side, and his tuxedo should complement her dress. The best man and groomsmen also should wear tuxedos that complement the bridesmaids' dresses and the wedding itself. Consider the formality, location and time of the wedding to narrow your choices for the right tuxedo.
The Right Cut
Everyone knows that certain styles are more or less flattering to a woman's figure, but not everyone takes the same into consideration when choosing a tuxedo for the men while planning a wedding. According to Jim's Formal Wear, shorter, thin men look best in single-breasted jackets with long lines and double-pleated trousers. Men who are short and stocky or muscular tend to look better with tuxedos that feature thin collars and a top button falling at the small of the waist. Tall, thin men can wear virtually any tuxedo well, although a jacket with a high shoulder line is better than a natural one. Men who are tall and husky typically look best in shawl-collar tuxedos. Colors are best worn by thinner, leaner men, and narrow ties should be avoided by men with thick necks. One option for weddings that have a few groomsmen, or other men who will be wearing tuxedos, is to let each man get a basic black tuxedo in a style that is flattering to his body type. Pull it all together with accents and accessories. Consider full coats including coattails for formal weddings, particularly if the wedding is a black or white-tie event.
Ties, Handkerchiefs, Vests, Cummerbunds and Color
Match the color of ties, handkerchiefs, vests and cummerbunds to that of the corresponding maid of honor or bridesmaid's dress. Take a swatch of fabric from the dress (or dresses if there are more than one style or color) when you go to the tuxedo shop. Vests tend to look more dressy or formal than cummerbunds, however they also show any imperfections, especially in brighter, lighter colors. Another way the guys can match, yet show individuality, is by wearing different kinds of ties in the same color. Choose from bow ties, regular neck ties or ascots. Handkerchiefs can be tucked into the front pocket or left out, depending on your preference.
Accessories
Attention to detail is crucial when picking out accessories. You might not pay much attention to the socks you put on, but someone will notice if you try to wear white gym socks with your tux. Opt for dark black or navy nylon or wool socks (depending on the weather) for formal events. For less formal events, patterned dress socks can be worn if they tie in with the wedding, such as shamrocks for an Irish-themed wedding or black and orange pumpkins for a Halloween wedding. Dress shoes that are scuff-free and shined are the only appropriate shoes to wear. Generally, shoes should be black, but white shoes can be worn with a white tuxedo. Tie tacks and cuff links can be standard rentals or spruced up with personalized options. They might even make great attendant gifts if special accessories are desired by the bride and groom. Another accessory that is sometimes overlooked is the boutonniere. Use the small flower decoration to spruce up even a basic black tuxedo. Blooms used in a boutonniere should match the flowers in the bridal bouquet.
