The Tuxedo vs. The Suit

We have realized that while sitting and writing about how the bride can shop to find her perfect dress for that special day, there is another person that seems to get neglected. It is automatically assumed that with the groom they will go to the tuxedo shop and work it out for him and his groomsmen.  As I was thinking about this, I started to question, "Why should any of them get a tuxedo?"

When women go and shop for their bridal gown or their bridesmaid dress, more times than not, it is a purchase to buy and keep forever. Very seldom to you hear about women renting their wedding/bridesmaid dresses (although I know it does happen). So, why is it that more men don't go to a suit shop instead of a tuxedo shop?  Think about it, men will go to a shop and rent a tux for $100 or more, especially if they want a good quality one.  They end up with something that may not fit quite right, and in the end, their $100 gets returned back to the place they rented it from. So, maybe men should start considering taking that money and going to get a tailored suit for their special occasion. There are some very good reasons why this may be something for you to consider. I tell you, there is nothing like a man who can wear a tailored suit. On the opposite side, there are also reasons why a tux may be the choice for you.

                                          

 The Tuxedo Rental

In first looking at renting a tuxedo, the above picture is an obvious reason.  If you are planning to match the color of your wife to be, then then tuxedo is the way to go if White or Ivory are your choices.  This is mainly because I highly doubt, you will wear it ever again.  Another reason why renting maybe be more for you is because it is more or less a one stop shop. Along with the tux of your choice, you also get your shirt, buttons, and cuff links. Even though your accessories are an added expense, you also get your vest, tie, and shoes. The upside to this is you don't have to shop around.  The downside is this is what can drive up the price of your rental. The color choices for your tux rental is also limited.  Usually you choose from Black, White, Ivory, and sometimes Gray. When you get into the Gray, and possibly the Dark Brown, your style choices are few and far between as oppose to the traditional black tuxedo. Asking for the the colors that are not "the norm" could also increase the price of your rental.  Also, the thing to consider is that your rental has to get back to the store on time otherwise, there is an additional expense you incur. So, in hindsight you are spending a lot of money for something you will not keep.  Now if you are the couple that are trying to reduce costs, this option may take a large portion with really nothing to show for it in the end, except for the beautiful pictures you will take.

 

    The Tailored Suit

This is an option that couples probably don't consider, but maybe it may warrant a discussion.  Although it is very possible, you will be spending more money than you would for renting, there are more benefits in the long run. The first benefit is when purchasing a suit instead of renting, you can have the suit tailored . By going to a Men's clothing store (such as Men's Warehouse or Macy's) and purchasing a suit from their rack selection, the Groom and his Groomsmen will then be able to have the suit jacket and pants tailored to fit them in a way a regular tuxedo cannot. Also, there is a better color selection for a suit as it is shown in the above picture.  If you are going to an island for your ceremony, maybe a khaki suite will work well with the blue tones you are planning for the décor. It also gives you an opportunity to pick accessories that work for you like your shirt and tie. You will also be able to shop for shoes to compliment your suit as well.  In the end, yes you spend more than your traditional tuxedo rental, but the silver lining is that on the day after your wedding, you can pack up your suit and take it home with you because it is yours to wear again and again.

Which ever option you decide to choose, make sure it is the best decision for you, and that you are happy with your choice.  Either way, that Groom and his Groomsmen will be looking sharp.

Grooms Actually Do Care

Most times when the question is asked about the wedding process, the topic of the groom comes up. I can't begin to tell you the number of times I've heard a bride say 'Oh he doesn't really care.' or 'He just wants to know what time to be there.' What this implies is that he really doesn't care about anything going on during the planning process because it is always seen as "it's the bride's day". In all actuality though, that's not necessarily true. There are elements of the wedding that most grooms tend to have a strong opinion about (aside from how much all this stuff is going to cost). Below is a list of things that you'll want to make sure you include your groom in when making your decisions. After all it's not just the bride's day, but a day for the both of you.

The Honeymoon

This aspect of the wedding the groom will want full control. I'm almost sure of it because this gives them to plan their dream vacation (or close to it). This will be days of relaxation that will serve as his reward for enduring all the months before (let's be real). Of course it also to enjoy all the alone time with is new bride that he wants to. This is one area he has so brides don't worry about it and leave him to it.

The Registry

What man would pass up going to a department store and shooting a bunch of items with a gun? This aspect of the planning will also bring your groom out with no hesitation. It gives him the opportunity to try obtain all the little gadgets that he's had is heart set on, but really didn't want to buy personally. It is advised that when you do your registry and you select all the things you think you'd want for your home and not just the usual sheets, towels, dishes, kitchen items, etc. You fiancé may have his eye on a new grill or maybe even a TV for the basement. If he can get away with putting on there, it will be on there. He will be a full participant in this area you can count on it. Side note, with most registries, the items that don't get picked up by your guests can be bought by you at a discounted rate, so put that Dyson on there because you know those jokers are expensive!

Tuxedos and Such

This is another area that you probably won't get your man to budge much on. More times than not, he will already have an idea of what he and his boys will wear that day. The only thing he will want to know from you is what color to get the ties and vests in. I'm sure he would be open to suggestions about what you envision them wearing, however, I seriously doubt you will be able to pick it out. You'll just have to go with the flow on this one. This is where you have to trust his judgment because I'm sure he wants his guys to look just as good as he know you and your ladies will.

Food and Beverage

As they say, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach and on his wedding day, he's going to make sure he has some good food to put in it. Any food and beverage tastings you and your planner have mapped out, make sure you include your fiancé because he will definitely want to be a part of those. After all, it is his guests that will be eating along with yours and he wants to make sure the choices will be acceptable. If you are planning to have a signature drink, he will want to make sure it tastes just right and most definitely, he will want to be a part of picking your wedding cake.

Above are just a few of areas in your wedding planning that you should consider your fiancé and his opinion in your big day. Even though he might not say it's important, or event shrug it off as it being your thing, just know that he really does care and wants his elements displayed on your big day just like you do. You are about to enter into a union that is all about compromise and making decisions together. What better way to start down that path than by you make a conscious effort to include your honey? Trust me when I tell you, he will appreciate it and will thank you.