Everything You Need To Know
About Men’s Formal Wear

While the focus is often on the bride and what she will be wearing down the aisle, we can’t forget about the guys! Everyone wants to feel their best for life’s big moments, and that includes the groom, groomsmen, fathers of the bride and groom, and any men who will be a part of the big day! Whether you have a general idea of what you’re looking for or men’s formal wear is unknown territory, we have you covered with all the information you need to nail down your wedding day look.

To Rent or To Buy?

Luckily, we offer both options depending on your wedding day needs and budget! You may want to rent if you think you won’t wear a tux again, the suit you plan on wearing isn’t a color you would frequently wear to other events, or you’re trying to be mindful of your wedding day budget. Our rental clients have dozens of styles to choose from, and we offer a stylish collection of options from today’s top designers. With such a vast selection to choose from, you’ll easily find the style and color that is perfect for your wedding. If you want to get your suit or tux altered or customized or foresee yourself wearing it again in the future and are looking to invest, then we recommend buying. What man doesn’t look good in a tux?

Bowtie or Necktie?

One debate you may frequently see when it comes to menswear is bowtie vs. necktie (long tie or “four in hand” tie). Typically, bowties are worn with tuxes and are perfect for a black-tie or black-tie optional wedding. For a less formal dress code, you can wear a necktie with a tux or suit. If you choose to wear a necktie with a tux, a classic black satin style still looks elevated! But as with all things, wear what makes you feel like you. If you feel best in a suit styled with a bowtie, go for it!

Color Coordination & The Bridal Party

Not sure where to start when it comes to coordinating looks? We have you covered! If the groom and groomsmen are wearing the same suit or tux, the groom can stand out by wearing a different color vest or tie that still fits within the color palette. For more of a standout look, the groom can wear a completely different suit. For example, if the groomsmen are wearing gray suits with black ties, the groom can wear a black suit with a gray tie. We recommend tying in the colors that the bridesmaids are wearing as well, whether you do that via the tie, vest, pocket squares, or even the boutonnieres. This makes for a cohesive look and beautiful wedding day photos! To take it up a notch, you could also coordinate the fabric of the suits with the bridesmaids’ gowns. A tux with satin lapels pairs well with satin bridesmaid gowns, or you could choose a velvet suit jacket to match velvet bridesmaid dresses. For a more subtle look, coordinate the tie’s fabric with the bridesmaid gowns. And if you’re looking for the ultimate outfit coordination, match the metal of the tie clips or cufflinks to the jewelry that the bridesmaids and bride are wearing.

Our Top Three Tips!

If all of this seems super overwhelming, don’t worry! Here are our top three top tips to keep in mind when shopping for your wedding day look:

1. Trust the experts.

If you don’t know something, ask! Our menswear experts have the experience needed to help you determine which suit or tux fits you and your event best and how to accessorize your look to perfection.

2. Provide as much inspiration as possible.

If you’re a groom shopping for the big day with your buddies, make sure to tell your consultant where your wedding will be, what season, the degree of formality of the dress code, and any information about your wedding color palette and the color of your fiancé’s gown. Bonus if you have swatches or photos of the bridesmaid dresses!

3. Have your budget set.

Whether you are renting or buying, establish a budget. Make sure to also factor in any extras like the tie, pocket square, a belt, shoes, etc.

We hope all this information will help guide you in the search for the perfect wedding day tux or suit. To make an appointment for you and your “I do” crew, click here. We hope to see you soon!