First and foremost the style of the tuxedo is set by the bride and the coloring of her dress. The tuxedo shirt should match the dress color so that neither the shirt or the dress photographs poorly. If the tux shirt is whiter than the dress, the dress may appear to have a yellow tint in photos. So if the brides dress is white, the grooms shirt should be white. If the dress is ivory, the grooms shirt should be, too. Secondly, the groom must consider his style. Trendy or conservative? Remember, these pictures will be around for years so try to pick something timeless.

The next step in tuxedo rental is coat selection. Do you want tails or no tails? Tails are the most formal in tux styles. The traditional tuxedo jacket will be perfect in any situation. There is also a style of tux sometimes referred to as the cutaway. It should only be worn to affairs before dinner, as it is a more casual looking jacket. Your next question—how many buttons? The more buttons means that the vest will be less visible. Which, if the brides insists it is pink with orange polka dots, this may be a good option. One and two buttons are the most traditional. You also need to consider what type of lapel you want to have on your coat. There are three main types- the notch lapel, the peak lapel, and the shawl lapel. The notch lapel is a classic look and by far the most popular. The peak lapel makes the waist look slimmer and the shoulders broader, while the shawl tapers toward the waist.

Now that you have your jacket it is time to choose your shirt. The shirt comes in many styles, as well. The point collar shirt, wing collar shirt, and spread collar shirt can all be worn with a bow tie or 4-in-one hand (Windsor) tie. The 4-in-one hand tie or Windsor tie is worn at contemporary weddings in place of the bow tie. An ascot is worn in place of the ties with the cutaway coat for morning weddings. The Cavalier collar shirt or Mandarin shirt is worn with a button cover and is for the trendier and younger crowd. The Pique Wing collar shirt is the most traditional and worn with tails. The final shirt, the non pleated shirt, is only worn with formal suits.

Cuff Links or studs are worn with most tuxedo shirts. Cuff links are for the shirt sleeves and studs button up the front of the shirt. They usually match. Cuff links make a nice gift from the bride to the groom on your wedding day. Vests are also popular and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Neckties, boobies, ascots, and cravats (puff ties) should
compliment the vest. Cummerbunds are a more conservative or traditional look. You can also dress up your tuxedo by adding a handkerchief in the breast pocket.

Tuxedo pants usually come with an adjustable waste and should always have a straight hem. They should lay slightly on the top of the shoe and angle down over the heel of the shoe. There is some room for personal preference in length. Wear white shoes and socks with a white tux and black shoes and socks with black. Shoes come in a variety of choices from lace up to slip on. Comfort is important since you will be wearing these shoes for six
hours or more. Before leaving the store, be sure to try on your tuxedo. Make sure the jacket is comfortable especially through the chest and shoulders. Your shirt should be ½ inch longer than your jacket sleeve. The sleeve of your jacket should end where your hand meets your wrist. How can you tell if you are renting or buying a quality tuxedo? Good tuxes are made of wool with a thread count from 60-120 threads per inch. Just like bed sheets the more threads per inch the better. If you plan to wear a tuxedo more than three times in one year you may be better off purchasing it.

Interesting facts: The tuxedo is also called a dinner jacket in some areas and is what you wear to a “black tie” affair. Tuxedos are actually semi-formal. The formal version is a full black coat with tails, black braided pants, black socks and shoes, black top hat, white bow tie, white gloves, white cummerbund, stiff white shirt and collar, with an overcoat.

Hope that helps make your decisions easier when choosing a tuxedo for your wedding!