Sure, your beautiful bride and her gown might take center stage on your big day, but what wedding would be complete without a sharply dressed groom? Modern grooms are sporting everything from tails and suits, to khakis and flip-flops. Are you having an elegant black-tie evening affair? An intimate beach ceremony? Take your style cues from the formality of the event and be sure to choose something that reflects your personality.
The Lowdown on Tuxedos
When To Wear a Tux: It's your wedding, so you can wear a tux on a hot and balmy beach if that’s what you want; but sometimes tuxes are more appropriate than others (at an ultra-formal black-tie wedding for example). Tuxes are appropriate for any ceremony deemed formal, including morning and afternoon weddings, any time of year. The less formal the event, the more leeway you have with your attire. For instance, if you're having a semi-formal affair, you can opt for a dark suit or a tux. If you're marrying in the Caribbean on the beach, shorts and a linen shirt may be just the vibe you're after, or, if the event is still a formal one, a light-weight tuxedo in a light hue would look great.
When to Buy or Rent: If it's a tux you've decided on for the big day, you'll have to decide whether to rent or buy (if you don't already own one). Tuxes generally start at around $250 to buy, ranging into the thousands of dollars, depending on the designer. The basic rule of thumb is that if you plan on wearing a tux to a few more events over the next few years, it's worth it to make the investment and purchase it. If you'd never be caught again in a tux and the thought of a bowtie sends you into a panic attack, renting is the way to go.
The Right Tux Style For Your Body Type: Certain styles look best on certain body types. Check out these tips below for tuxedo success.
Tall And Slender -- Lucky you. With your streamlined physique you can pull off nearly any style, but tall and thin men look great in double-breasted jackets. Shoulders should be padded a bit more than normal, and the trousers should be full with a higher rise.
Tall And Husky -- The shawl collar tux is the perfect choice. The jacket is usually single-breasted with one button, and the trouser legs should be slightly wider if you have large or muscular thighs. Avoid thin bow ties; instead choose a tie that is in proportion with your face and neck. Also, avoid any extra frills and bulk.
Short And Broad -- The shawl collar tux is a good choice, single-breasted, with the button around the belt line to make your torso appear longer and leaner. Choose a jacket with shoulder padding, and consider pleated trousers. Avoid wing-tip collars and very small ties if you have a large face or neck. If you are on the heavier side, consider a vest over the traditional cummerbund.
Short And Thin -- A single-breasted jacket with a low, single button will lengthen the lines of your look. If you'd like to appear broader, a notched or "peak" lapel is a good choice, or you can create the same effect with a double-breasted jacket. The trousers should be pleated with reverse double pleats, and the trouser legs should break just above the shoes, angling slightly downward in back. Smaller bow ties are the best choice for your frame, as are vests with an elegant, understated pattern.
A Final Word -- If your choices are limited, or you prefer a traditional look, opt for a shawl collar jacket. It's a classic, and you can't go wrong. Also, black tuxes are always the most slimming, and vests are a wiser choice than cummerbunds for anyone wanting to seem slimmer.
Essential Elements
Tuxedo Shirts: There are various types of tux shirts, including the ¼" pleated shirt and the wider, very elegant ½" to ¾" pleat. There are also three types of collars: the wing collar, which you can see the whole bow tie; the laydown collar, which reveals only the bow and knot; and the band collar, with which no tie is worn (instead, a cufflink-like fastener closes the shirt at the throat).
Studs And Cufflinks: Although tuxedo shirts are available with button cuffs, French cuffs fastened with cufflinks are a common choice. Most tux shirts button down the front, but also offer special buttonholes below the neck for the insertion of shirt studs. They come in sets of four and should match your cufflinks. Cufflinks and studs run anywhere from $20 to $100, and are usually made of onyx or mother-of-pearl, surrounded by gold plate or silver.
Ties: Formal silk or satin bow ties and cummerbunds are forever. However, many men opt for a gray or black satin classic tie instead.
Tux Alternatives
The Dark Suit: A navy blue, charcoal, or black suit with a white shirt and dark tie is a super-sharp look -- one worn by the late J.F.K., Jr.
The Dinner Jacket: If your wedding is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, nothing is more elegant than a white dinner jacket. Winter wedding? How about a gray flannel dinner jacket? Or blackwatch plaid? Or black velvet? All very sharp.
Casual Attire: For less formal affairs, the range of creativity is endless. When choosing attire, consider the precise location. If it's a beach wedding, will it take place on the sand or nearby? In either case, a cool, laid-back look is a blue blazer with khakis. If you want to go really casual, consider navy trousers -- or even stone-colored khaki shorts -- with a white linen shirt. If your beach wedding is going to be a formal event, you can still stay crisp and light in a casual tuxedo that fits the formality of the occasion. As long as your attire fits the occasion, you can't go wrong
Whether you're choosing a tuxedo or a casual look, try to project yourself forty years into the future. If you've chosen simple, classic attire, your love won't be the only thing that's timeless.
http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/groom-advice-tips/articles/dressing-the-groom.aspx