Planning > Groom's Attire: Tuxedos & Suits

Groom's Attire

The groom and his attendants usually rent their wedding attire from a Massachusetts tuxedo shop about two to three months ahead of time.   What the groom and attendants choose to wear is based upon the time of day of the wedding.  A formal-wear specialist can help decide whether the attendants would be more appropriately dressed in a traditional or a contemporary style tuxedo.

Photo by Ericson Photography

Since it is the groom's big day, he should look as dapper as can be.  He'll want to stand out from the rest of the groomsmen. Below we have listed some ways in which he can do so:
  • If the best man and the groomsmen are wearing black, have the groom wear white.
  • Put a different flower in his boutonniere.
  • The groom can wear a vest instead of a cummerbund.  There are many styles to select from -- solid or patterned.
  • Wear a different colored or styled shirt than the groomsmen.

After you select the groom’s and bridesmaids' attire, you should select the groomsmen’s attire. Their attire should be similar in style and color to that of the groom’s and should complement the bride, groom and attendants. The groomsmen can wear the same color shirt or vest as the bridesmaids' dresses.

The groomsmen’s complete attire can be rented at the formalwear shop (including shoes!). Each groomsman is responsible for paying for his own attire. The formalwear shop will fill out measurement cards for each usher listing style, color, pieces and sizes.

If you have an out-of-town groomsman, ask your formalwear shop to send a measurement card. He can then go to his local shop to get measured. The shop will complete his card and he can mail the card back for you to bring to your formalwear shop. Make sure the groomsman arrives few days early for a fitting!
Wedding Attire Rules
Before the groom decides on his attire, he should consider the following rules:
  • The old rule said that no tuxedos can be worn before 6:00 p.m. Nowadays it is o.k. for the groom to wear a tuxedo if the reception starts at 6:00 p.m. or later.
  • The groom should not wear a tuxedo if the wedding is in the morning or early afternoon.
  • If the groom is having a morning or early afternoon wedding, he may choose to wear a morning coat, stroller or a daytime suit instead of a tuxedo.
Learn about the best style for your body type.
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