Detroit Area Wedding Guide
Wedding Tuxedo
FAQ on Wedding Tuxedos
Indeed, much fanfare and pomp and circumstance go into the selection of bridal attire for the women but what about the male participants. The groom is the Prince Charming and must look the part so it is obvious that the male participants of the wedding party and the groom will need tuxedos. But as with every other detail of the wedding, there may be some questions that need to be answered before shopping for tuxedos.
Should We Buy the Tuxedos?
Purchased tuxedos are usually better made and longer lasting than polyester rental tuxedos.
A tuxedo can be worn over and over for many formal events. It can even be worn on the honeymoon if a cruise is planned.
Purchasing a tuxedo usually allows you to mix and match different pieces. You are not locked into a specific package.
Buying a tuxedo allows you the luxury of getting your exact size.
The bought tuxedo is tailor made to fit you. It should not look messy when worn as it is altered to your size.
|
Should We Rent the Tuxedos?
If you are sure you will never use a tuxedo again in the near future, it may be less expensive to rent.
There may be extra costs involved in renting a tuxedo such as alterations and dry cleaning bills.
In most instances, the tuxedos must be returned the next day to avoid late charges.
How to Determine Sizing for the Tuxedos
Ideally, a professional should measure all the men. If purchasing online, take the appropriate measurements as per the site's guidelines and compare them to the sizing chart on the website.
What Accessories are Required
When purchasing or renting tuxedos, you will also need ties, shirts, socks and shoes at the very least. Everyone should really have matching items so sometimes it is better to choose everything at the same time.
A small word of advice on choosing tuxedo accessories:
When using your own accessories such as a special pair of socks or cufflinks, bring them along to try with the tux to make sure they match. The look may not be what you had anticipated.
What Color of Tux to Choose
Color will depend on the theme of the wedding and the time of year.
Pieces of the ensemble such as the cummerbund may be the same color as the bridesmaid dresses.
Is the Groom's Tux the same as the Ushers
The groom may wish to stand out a little from his attendants, In this case, he may choose different colored accessories than the others.
When to Order the Tuxes
Start shopping early and choose the store and the tuxes about three to five months in advance. Once chosen, book immediately. Ask when you should return for the final fitting.
|
|
Who Pays for the Tuxedos
Unless the bride and groom have specifically decided in advance to pay for attendant attire, it is normally expected nowadays that the men will pay for their own tuxes. The final decision will be what bride and groom can afford.
Special Discounts and Rates on Tuxedos
Depending on how large the order for tuxedos, the tuxedo rental or formal attire store may offer quantity discounting. In fact after having searched several known tuxedo shops online, we have found that many offer a Free tuxedo for the groom. While it depends on the store itself, it seems that the common numbers in order to obtain a free tux were three, five or six. When deciding on which shop to choose, factor this point into the equation as well.
Cautions when Choosing Tuxedos and Formal Wear Stores
Be careful of shops where you are hit with the sales pitch the minute you walk in the door. A professional tux rental store or tuxedo shop will ask questions and determine what best suits you, your style and your budget.
Complete your due diligence when shopping online for a tux. Check to see if the company offers proper measurement guides to help you choose the right sizes. Also, they should offer some sort of return or exchange policy should the tuxes be the wrong size upon arrival or inferior in some way.
Check the ACTUAL tuxes over carefully if you are renting. Look for tears, wear marks and fading. Do not assume that the tux you see is going to be the one you wear.
Check the contract for the return of rental tuxes. Are you required to have them dry-cleaned? Must you return them the next day? Are you responsible for any damage? Are any extra fees involved for any of the above circumstances?
One final note on ordering tuxedos. Although, it may seem like there are an infinite number of choices when shopping for tuxedos, the truth is the bride's dress and the bridesmaids' gowns dictate the look of the wedding and the choices that are made for the tuxedos
Some of the choices when shopping for a tuxedo:
color of tuxedo
color of cummerbund
color of tie
suit tie, bow tie or ascot
cummerbund versus vest
long tail coat versus short coat
color and type of shoes
plain or argyle socks
buttons or cufflinks
vest with back or open back with straps
color of shirt
The correct answer to all of these questions will be found in what best compliments the bride and her ladies in waiting as well as the time of the year and the type of wedding the bride and groom have chosen. If the bride has chosen a white wedding gown, then the men's shirts are usually white. If she has chosen an ecru or ivory colored dress, then the male shirts should be cream colored as well.
|
