Choosing your groom's formal wear

The formality of your wedding ceremony, the time of day and the season, will determine what type of wedding attire your groom will wear. Most importantly, however, the style of your gown will determine the style and kind of formal wear your groom and his groomsmen should have.

Almost anything is possible depending upon whether you and your groom want to create a wedding that is very traditional, contemporary or something in between or totally different. It is important only that what is chosen complements the bride's and bridesmaids' dresses.

When you begin your search for formal wear, take along a swatch of the fabric that will be used in your bridesmaids' dresses for planning accessory colors. Take a picture of your gown (but don't let your groom see it) to help the formal wear person help you have the look you want.

Formal Wear Styles include:

- Single-breasted jackets, or double notch lapels or narrow lapels
- Trousers match the jacket or are striped of contrasting
- Fabrics, textures, colors and tailoring can fit any groom's (and bride's) taste
- And, there are many, many manufacturer/designers to choose from


Consider all the options before you make your final choice. Look in magazines for pictures of styles that you and he like. Go online or call the manufacturer to find out what stores in your area carry their formal wear. Traditional and classic styles rarely change, but contemporary styles do. Visit several formal wear shops to see what feel comfortable as well as looks great.

Proper Fit is Important

Your formal wear shop expert can assist with this. Keep in mind that your groom's wedding attire (and that of his attendants) should be comfortable. Shirt cuffs should be about one-half inch beyond the jacket sleeve. Trousers traditionally just touch the top of the shoes, though many contemporary styles are longer. What a traditional styles consists of is more specific and is based on what should be worn in what season, what time of day and degree of formality; whereas contemporary looks are often more flexible.

First Priority

Determine whether your wedding will be formal, semi-formal or informal, contemporary, traditional, or an interesting combination.
The groom's attire for a very formal, after 5 PM wedding might feature white tie and tails - an elegant black tailcoat with satin-trimmed matching trousers, white vest or waist coat, shirt with winged collar, pleated pique front, French cuffs with pearl cufflinks and bow tie. Shoes might be black patent leather with a grosgrain ribbon bow. He could even wear a top hat or homburg, spats over his shoes, and gray gloves. It's important here to note that the white of his formal wear should not be brighter than that of your dress. A matching tone is more appropriate.

Or, he could choose a less formal, but just as elegant, black tuxedo or dinner jacket with black striped trousers and coordinated cummerbund and bow tie. His shirt could be a white, ivory or light color dress shirt with or without tuxedo pleat front. The cummerbund could match the bridesmaids' colors.

For a more contemporary look, he could wear a black or gray, shaped, long, or even a short jacket. He could add a white, color and/or patterned vest. He could choose a look that matches the color of your bridesmaid's dress. Popular contemporary styles include a variety of patterns and colors including college or favorite team colors. He could choose a formal suit, dark for fall and winter, light for spring and summer. Trousers should match or can be a contrasting color.

For a summer ceremony, he might like a white or ivory dinner jacket or tuxedo with dark or matching trousers for himself, attendants, and even the fathers. Note: the groom's look should be more involved or substantial than theirs for instance a special boutonniere, a more colorful vest and/or tie, or cummerbund - something that sets him apart. He may decide on a cutaway jacket or tails while his attendants wear tuxedo style.

A traditional daytime wedding calls for black or dark gray cutaway coat and striped trousers, gray vest, white wing-collared shirt and gray of striped ascot. A less formal look would be a gray or black jacket with matching or striped trousers, gray or white vest and gray-white striped tie. For a more contemporary look, he could wear a patterned tie.

An informal or more casual ceremony usually has a best man, and no more than one other groomsman/usher. The groom, his attendant and the fathers would wear formal suits, dinner jackets with matching or contrasting trousers or black, nay or dark business suits. In summer your groom could wear white or ivory jacket with dark summer trousers or a navy blazer with white trousers, or even a white suit. A dress shirt, bow tie, vest or cummerbund or four-in-hand tie would be appropriate. In a less formal ceremony, your groom could wear a different but coordinated style jacket than his attendants wear. If the fathers and/or grandfathers don't want to wear a contemporary look, a black tuxedo or informal suit is appropriate.

Coat Styles

Cutaway - features a coat that tapers back to short tails.
Stroller - blazer style
Waistcoat - a to-the-waist length jacket
Full dress coat - formal long coat with tails

As soon as possible before the wedding (preferably a minimum of 2 months) visit several formal wear shops to try on different styles so that your groom can better determine what he prefers and feels more comfortable in. Select the formal wear shop you will use and set up an appointment for the men in your wedding party (including the fathers and grandfathers if appropriate) to have their measurements recorded. If they live out of town, you can request measurements be taken in an affiliate or the same formal wear salon in their area. A deposit is usually required at this point to reserve the attire you want for your special day. Let your attendants know the cost if it is their responsibility.

Discuss and arrange for fittings appointments and ask when everything must be returned. Also note cancellation, loss or damage requirements. Ask if there are any money saving, multiple suit packages. Ask re alterations and any additional costs for that, or delivery or pickup. Don't forget the shoes. Be sure that they are comfortable. Are vest or cummerbund, ascot, cuff links, suspenders, belts included in the rental package?

Be sure to make appointments for hair cut and style, and manicures as appropriate. Don't forget the thank you gifts for his attendants. After the final fittings, ask the best man to pick up the formal wear. After the wedding ask him to return his and the groom's after the ceremony. Ask someone to remind the others to return their formal wear.