wedding planner ___________________
GroomS e r v i c e By Nicole Traficante
For the Groom-to-Be
Even though they say it’s all about the bride on your wedding day, it’s just as important for you to look handsome in your tuxedo. You will be standing next to your blushing bride all day and will want to look back and see how dapper you were dressed.
Formal Affairs
In selecting the tuxedo formal wear, keep in mind the formality of your wedding, the time of day and, of course, her gown. Use the following basic guidelines for the attire of the groom and ushers: • Consider darker colors for a fall or winter wedding and lighter colors for a spring or summer wedding. • When selecting a place to rent the tuxedo, check the reputation of the shop. Make sure they have a wide variety of designers and styles to choose from. It is very important that they have the tuxedo you are choosing in stock in case of an emergency. • Reserve tuxedos for the groom and ushers several weeks before the wedding to ensure a wide selection and to allow enough time for alterations. • Out-of-town men in your wedding party can be sized at any tuxedo shop. They can send their measurements to you or directly to the shop where you are going to rent your tuxedos. • Ask about the store’s return policy and be sure you delegate to the appropriate person (usually the best man) the responsibility of returning all tuxedos within the time allotted. • Ushers and groomsmen customarily pay for their own tuxedos.
Notes:
Timeline 4-6 Months Before the Wedding: As soon as you and your bridesmaids have chosen your attire, he can start exploring options for formalwear. Most importantly: Accompany your fiancé on his trips to shop for formalwear. If he goes by himself, give him a thorough description of what you envision. 3-4 Months Before the Wedding: If he is buying a suit or tuxedo that will require extensive tailoring, or if he is having his formalwear custom made, be sure he gets fitted now. If you are getting married during a very busy wedding season, or prom time, he’ll want to reserve his rental formalwear now. 1 Month Before the Wedding: You want to make sure everyone has their measurements in one month prior to the wedding, allowing the shop enough time to have the order ready. If there are any changes since booking your party, you will need to do that at this time. 2 Days Before the Wedding: If he rented his formalwear, pick it up now. Whether he rented or purchased his formalwear, he should try on the entire ensemble to be sure everything is good to go. It’s a good idea to encourage his ushers to do the same so there are no wedding-day surprises. Out of Town Measurements: If you have a member of your bridal party from out of town and not able to arrive until your wedding, you will want to send his measurements in to your local tuxedo shop. Make sure to include your name, the groom’s name, wedding date and your contact information, along with the measurements: coat size, chest, coat in-sleeve, coat over-arm, waist, out seam, neck, sleeve, height, weight and shoe size.
Always try on the tuxedo at the first fitting and at the pickup of the rental. Don’t let any of your party take their tuxedos without trying it on. Register your wedding with a men’s formalwear specialist.
56 | beautifulbridemagazine.com
Photo courtesy of Men's Wearhouse
Groom’s Personal Checklist
the formal guide
¤¤ Vows and Toast ¤¤ Toothpaste and Brush ¤¤ Tuxedo or Suit ¤¤ Hair Gel ¤¤ Wedding Rings ¤¤ Razor and Shaving Cream ¤¤ Shoes and Socks ¤¤ Money/Credit Cards/Checks ¤¤ Breath Mints ¤¤ Drivers License ¤¤ Deodorant ¤¤ Medications ¤¤ Cologne ¤¤ Contact Lenses or Glasses ¤¤ Most Important of all, Show up and Don’t be Late...
Make sure at time of fitting your party is aware of a deposit or partial payment due. Don’t order a tuxedo from a catalog. If you cannot see the tuxedo or feel the fabric at the store, you may be disappointed with what you receive.