Tuxedo Tips

Tuxedo Tips

Today's grooms are looking for their own spot in the lime-light. Usually their brides-to-be get all of the attention on the big day, however men's fashion is finally responding to this with an "Equal Rights Amendment" of its own.

Men's tuxedos are no longer just plain affairs that serve as a terrific background to show off their lovely bride. Many designers are developing new looks for their customers that involve variations in everything from jacket styles to vest patterns, and the men are responding.

While black is still the most popular color for grooms, slight variations of charcoal gray and ash are prevalent. In addition to single-breasted and double-breasted jackets, the European-inspired three-button single-breasted jacket, and the high button vest and jacket, are the latest trends in men's formal fashion.

Men also have choices about footwear that gives those subtle, polished details that still make a statement. Slip-on's and lace-ups are some of the most popular choices.

Men's tuxedos are no longer just plain affairs that serve as a terrific background to show off their lovely bride

When it comes to shirt collar styles, hip grooms are wearing banded collars with button covers in place of the conventional wing and laydown collars.

Vests and cummerbunds come in an increasing variety of patterns from which to choose. There are so many different colors of bridesmaids' dresses that it is next to impossible and not cost-effective for tuxedo shops to carry matching vests and cummerbunds in every color. However, in response to the need of male attendants and bridesmaids to match, patterns have been developed of different colors that will coordinate with the dresses.

The latest styles in men's tuxedos involve subtle and intriguing details. They do not compete with the bridal gown, but rather they complement each other. The myriad of choices that are opening up to men allow them to include more of their own personality in their look, and feel a special part of their wedding.

Now that he is up on the latest styles, your groom must find a store to rent them from. It is important that he shop around for prices and service. Many stores will offer what seems to be competitive deals, but he must investigate what exactly those deals cover. Does the quoted price include all the elements of a complete ensemble: a jacket, shirt, studs and cufflinks, bow tie or ascot, pants, a vest or cummerbund, and formal dress shoes? Each of these is absolutely essential, and hidden costs can turn "the deal of the century" into a century worth of bills.

Also important is that the store he chooses be willing and able to offer personal attention. Choosing a tuxedo is not something that should be rushed. Remember also that the spring/summer season is also prom time, so tuxedo shops are very busy. Make sure to order tuxedos well in advance to avoid unwelcomed surprises.

Once the groom's tux has been selected, the two of you have to choose what the ushers or groomsmen will wear. Their outfits should not mirror the groom's but rather complement it. Also, they need not all wear the same tuxedo. Many times fathers and older groomsmen will not like the pant styles many younger men prefer. It is more important that everyone likes what they are wearing than it is to look the same.

The best man can be distinguished by some detail, but even he shouldn't wear the same suit as the groom. The ring-bearer is the only attendant who is allowed. Fathers should be set apart from the rest of the attendants by wearing ties and vests or cummerbunds that match their tuxedos instead of the bridesmaids' dresses.

Insist that everyone try on their tuxes before leaving the store, in case any last-minute alterations are necessary. Register with a tuxedo shop as soon as possible, and reserve the style and number of tuxedos at least three months before the big day. The male attendants should go to the store for fittings two to three weeks before, and the tuxes should be picked up at least two days prior to the wedding. Insist that everyone try on their tuxes before leaving the store, in case any last-minute alterations are necessary.

The explosion of men's tuxedo fashion brings many more choices to your groom-to-be. Men aren't taking away from the bride's glory by choosing different fashions, but rather enhancing the couples look.

Wedding Questions often asked

Hi, I'm writing to inquire about a wedding that we are planning for in Oahu. We are currently wanting to have a wedding and need coordinators to assist with our local planning efforts and are interested in hearing more from you. To start, we have provided some background on the type of wedding we would like, and have some initial questions that we're hoping you can provide guidance on.

The wedding plan
- a beach/barefoot wedding, casual and informal?
Answer: beach wedding can be both casual and formal, usually if you will have a formal wedding we recommend towards sunset time for it can be hot for the groom and groomsmen in their full tuxedos on the beach
- Hawaiian style (ie - local customs/ceremony, etc.)
Leis, conch shell hawaiian prayers, pouring of sand tiki torches and lots of colorful flowers.
- is it quiet or private in Waikiki ,location with easy access to Waikiki (where the guests will be staying)
no waikiki is a busy busy location it is not quite
- What date do you recommend.
We recommend weekdays for they are less crowed on the beach.
- # of guests allowed. we only coordinate weddings up to 40 people.

General wedding questions:
1. would like some guidance as to how many people is suggested for a beach wedding (we assume location may influence the # of people who can attend, as well as budget), but any guidance you have will be helpful given the beach location. please go to www.alohaislandweddings.com for more info on thsi
2. the post-ceremony reception... is it possible to have a luau-type of reception right on the beach after the ceremony, or better to find a restaurant or hotel? there are a few wonderful luau locations on the island of Oahu
please go here to find out more wedding themes
3. what is the weather generally like in mid-September?
weather patterns have been changing so much you can never know what it will be like
what happens if it rains on wedding day? we always have a back up plan for all of our weddings in Hawaii
4. based on the wedding plan above, what locations would you recommend. We use secluded private wedding locations
5. what are some of the immediate next steps we need to think about? . First book your wedding, than your flights, and hotel