So you're getting married. Among you and your future spouse's exciting plans, you'll also have to decide what to wear. And whether you've got a little sartorial sense or feel totally clueless, chances are you might need some help. Unless you and your intended have chosen a unique theme, such as a Renaissance or a sci-fi wedding, you'll probably need to select a suit or tux. Try some of these guidelines to give you some direction.
Tuxedo or Suit?
The basic idea is to match the type of wedding attire to the formality of the event. In most instances, daytime or outdoor weddings are more casual, so a lighter-colored suit might fit the bill. And although this isn't true in every case, you'll typically wear formal or semi-formal attire for evening weddings (held after 6 p.m. or at sundown), which in most cases means a tuxedo. If your evening event is more casual than that, then a well-fitted suit in a darker color may be appropriate. But these aren't hard and fast rules, and you'll need to discuss the vision for your event with your future spouse before deciding.
What Is Your Future Spouse Wearing?
If your spouse will be wearing a wedding dress, you'll need to make sure that the formality of your attire matches that of the dress. You don't necessarily need to see it, but you should have a general idea of its style. For example, a ball gown calls for you to wear a tuxedo to complement, while a less formal, country-inspired lace gown may move you to choose a tailored suit in a lighter hue.
If your spouse is wearing a suit or tuxedo, then you've got a bit more leeway. Just make sure both of your selections fit the theme and feel of the event. If you want to coordinate with each other, you might each pick ensembles in different finishes or colors, or differentiate in your tie colors or patterns. For formal evening weddings, you might choose similar tuxedos but with different colors or styles of waistcoat or cummerbund.
Consider Your Body Type
It's important to get a proper fit to ensure a stunning, spot-on look. Tall, thin gents are in luck they will look good in most styles, cuts, and colors. However, slimmer cuts are their best bet. Shorter or heavier men should select suits with details that are proportional to their sizes. Furthermore, they may do best to avoid department stores and shop with specialty menswear or formalwear shops. These establishments are more likely to either carry your size or be able to order it, and they'll employ a tailor to ensure you get a correct fit.
Finally, Don Some Cool Details
Tailoring some minor minutiae in your ensemble does wonders to complete your look. You'll wear a boutonniere, a floral decoration, on the left lapel of your jacket that either matches or coordinates with the other wedding floral arrangements. Also, when selecting your tie or other accessories such as cufflinks, a vest or a cummerbund, consider not only your own total individual look but as well as those of your attendants. You want to set yourself apart from them, so the idea is to coordinate but differentiate, for example, you might pick one of your wedding colors for your accessories and use a slightly different tint of the same hue for them.
Now that you have some general guidelines, it's time to go shopping. You don't have to make any hard, firm decisions now, but make sure you know what you want for you and your attendants around three to four months in advance. And while the suit or tuxedo will probably be the foundation for your ensemble, don't forget to look at accessories, too.
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