This article is edited by a professional wedding consultant.

Brides and Grooms generally focus on different things in a wedding - and also throughout the marriage, however that is a whole separate article. The Bride will probably spend much more time shopping for and selecting her gown, than the Groom will. The Bride generally has many more design options from which to choose. However, both Bride and Groom attire should match, since the spotlight is directly on the couple throughout the entire day. Here are some guidelines for both Brides and Grooms to assist with this very important "match making" decision.

The Groom's and Bride's parties and attire will be determined by the theme / style of the wedding and the budget. After these are defined, it is time to get the clothes to match.

Wedding Ceremony Attire

Daytime traditional formal - A dark gray cutaway / tailcoat tuxedo, striped or plain pants, a single color vest, and an ascot tie.

Daytime semi-formal - One option is a dark tuxedo, a plain or slightly patterned vest, and a necktie or bowtie. Another option is a gray or black stroller coat, striped or plain pants, a plain or slightly patterned vest, and a necktie or bowtie.

Evening traditional - formal - One option is a black tuxedo with matching black pants, a black bowtie, and matching accessories. Another more formal option, often called "ultra formal" is a black tailcoat tuxedo, matching pants, a white tie, and white accessories.

Evening semi-formal - A black or dark color tuxedo or dinner jacket, same color pants, and a tie and cummerbund or vest. The tie and cummerbund/vest should in some way coordinate with the colors of the bride and/or bridesmaid dresses.

Anytime non formal - non traditional / diverse themes - Color suit, color or patterned vest, and black or color / patterned regular tie. Although there is a lot more latitude here, to ensure good taste, the colors of the suit and/or the accessories should in some way coordinate with the colors of the bride and/or bridesmaid dresses.

Appearance Guidelines

There are some appearance guidelines for men's attire, so the Groom's party follows good attire etiquette.

• Formal shoes are worn with a tuxedo.
• Black dress socks and shoes are worn with black or dark-colored tuxedos.
• White and ivory shoes are worn with white and ivory / off-white tuxedos.
• Cummerbund pleats face up.
• Suspenders go with a cummerbund, but not with a vest.
• Shirt studs and cuff links should match.
• A boutonnière is worn on the left lapel and tilts slightly outward.
• A boutonnière on the groomsmen is not required - they may wear pocket squares.
• The pant leg touches slightly on the front shoe top and angles slightly downward toward the back of the shoe.
• The chest of the jacket when buttoned should have enough room to be comfortable and permit ease of movement.
• The Groom's party should generally match the Bride's party color or design theme.

Clothing Options

These are descriptions of the basic clothing options. A reputable formalwear vendor can assist you with all the nuances and choices you have, making sure measurements and fit are correct so the Groom's party looks handsome and stunning!

• Tuxedo - A single or double-breasted jacket with matching pants that usually has a satin side stripe.
• Tie and Tails - A tailcoat jacket that is short in the front with two long tails in the back.
• Stroller / Morning Suit - A cutaway jacket that tapers from the front waist button to a long, wide tail in the back.
• Dinner Suit - A white or ivory dinner jacket, usually with a shawl lapel, with black formal pants.
• Tuxedo shirt - A white wing or regular collar shirt with buttons or stud closures. French cuffs are an option.
• Bow tie - A short ribbon like tie shaped like a bow usually worn with a wing collar or a spread collar shirt.
• Four-in-hand tie - A waist length necktie most business men wear for work.
• Shar-pei - A four-in-hand necktie with a wrinkled knot.
• Euro-tie - A long, knotted square-bottom necktie usually worn with a wing collar or spread collar shirt.
• Ascot - A wide scarf-like necktie with a loop and kept in place with a tie tack or stickpin.
• Cravat - A long neck band or scarf that is pleated.
• Cummerbund - A sash worn around the waste and covering the pants waistband, that is usually silk or satin. The pleats face up.
• Vest - A vest covers the pants waistband, and is used instead of a cummerbund.
• Pocket Square - A small pocket handkerchief folded stylishly into the left breast pocket that can be used instead of a boutonniere.
• Cuff links - Jewelry accessories worn on the shirt cuffs with French cuff shirts.
• Studs - Jewelry accessories worn on the front of tuxedo shirts and that match the cuff links.
• Suspenders / Braces - Two bands strapped over the shoulders that hold up the pants, instead of a belt. These can be used with a cummerbund, but not with a vest.
• Formal Shoes - A shoe with very high gloss polish or sheen and are usually made of patent leather. Matching socks are worn with the shoes.

Formalwear Vendor

Here are some things to consider for selecting a formalwear vendor.

1. Select a vendor, your formalwear, and get fitted at least three months before the wedding. Ask each vendor you interview the following questions:


• Do you have multiple locations? - This is particularly useful if some members of your party are from out of town.
• Do you have a large in-house inventory? -This will enable you to see and touch all your clothing options. Also, if something happens to your clothes, they will have something on stock that you could use.
• What is the budget per person? - The lowest price is not always the best, so ask what all is included in the price - including services and accessories (cuff links, ties, studs, shoes, etc.)
• What is your fitting guarantee or policy?
• Can you pay by credit card or check? - This ensures you have a record in case there are any problems.
2. Get recommendations from your vendor to fit the various body types (tall, short, stocky, thin, etc.) of the Groom's party. Each body type will require a different fit.
3. Schedule a final fitting about 1 or 2 weeks before the wedding. If anyone has gained or lost weight this will be the time to alter the clothes so they fit correctly.

May your "match-making" of the Bride and Groom ensembles be wondrous as you explore the clothing extravaganza that makes your day memorable.

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