Wedding Tuxedos Ideas

This groom's classic tuxedo complements his bride's classic gown.

In 2006, spending on wedding tuxedos reached $447 million, and about $260 million went to tuxedo accessories such as ties, vests, cummerbunds and boutonnieres, according to the Bridal Association of America. The versatility of the tuxedo -- with its sleek, flattering and classic appeal in varying colors and styles -- can flatter men and women in the wedding party.

Contrasting

If the groom matches his attendants' tuxedos in color and style, TheKnot.com suggests wearing a different colored tie, vest or mini corsage to stand out. For example, if the groomsmen wear classic black suits with white collared shirts and black ties, the groom wearing a tie in silver or one of the wedding colors will stand out from the crowd. Some grooms choose different-colored tuxedos than their groomsmen, for example, a shade lighter than the rest or white, if the groomsmen have black tuxes.

Classic vs. Couture

Classic-style wedding accessories for the groom include the bow tie, top hat and a single rose boutonniere. According to The Knot, today's grooms choose a vest rather than a cummerbund, which also offers a more stylish and slimming look. Modern tuxedo styles for grooms come in navy, dark brown or tan, with vests of the same color tone but a shade lighter. In a July 2011 article on The Best Wedding Ideas website notes that grooms can choose a standard tie that matches the vest, rather than a bow tie, and don't need a boutonniere.

Time & Occasion

For a formal, evening wedding at an upscale resort or hotel, The Knot suggests choosing classic dark colors -- such as a black-and-white tux -- but avoiding bold or bright hues. Daytime weddings tend to be less formal, however, and often accompanied by a splash of color; for example, the groom might don a black, dark brown or navy tux with a gray or tan vest and a red, green or blue tie. For a dressy-casual ceremony held at a community center or in the bride's backyard, the groom can choose a light-colored suit and vest with a colored tie.

Considerations

According to National Tuxedo Rentals' tuxedo etiquette guide, the groom and groomsmen should not outshine the women they escort. That said, the style of the groom's tux depends on the formality and color of the bride's gown. If she chooses an elegant, full-length gown, he could wear a formal, black or gray tuxedo. If she prefers a simple or less-formal gown, his look can be more casual.

Tuxes for Women

Women sometimes wear tuxedos for a same-sex wedding, if chosen as the "best woman" or if her personal preference is a suit. A woman can complement a tuxedo -- often sleek and tailored to fit her body -- with a bow tie and boutonniere. The Style and Beauty Doctor website suggests that women who wear tuxedos accentuate their feminine features and accessories such as long hair or sparkly heels, to look refined but not masculine.

References

• The Knot; Grooms: 4 Unique Wedding Attire Ideas for the Groom; 2011
• The Style & Beauty Doctor; Ask Danielle: Wedding Tuxedos for Women; Danielle; 2011
• The Knot; Groomsmen: Top 5 Trends; 2011
• The Knot; Grooms: How to Personalize Your Tuxedo; Heather Levine; 2011
• The Groom Guide; Tuxedo or Suit?; 2004
• Today's Bride; Father of the Bride & Groom Tuxedo Options; Kayla Sweitzer; 2011

Resources

• The Best Wedding Ideas; Wedding Groom Tuxedos; Adtwin Media; July 2011
• The Knot; Grooms: Attire for Every Time, Place, and Formality; 2011
• National Tuxedo Rentals; Tuxedo Etiquette; 2010
• Bridal Association of America; The Wedding Report; 2006