What do you wear to very special events? Most women have this engraved in their memory – but men have things on their mind that do not include “What will I wear tonight?” We hope this will help you…

WHAT IS A CLASSIC TUXEDO?

When you enter a room wearing the correct attire in formal wear – you are a classic dresser. The classic tuxedo has traditional lines, a traditional cut in shoulder style and hem length. Your lapels are usually of the peak design with flap or besom pockets. The back of the jacket is usually vented for ease of wear. Your classic style tuxedo will take you to almost any formal event in ease. When it says “Black Tie Optional” – wear your classic tuxedo. Keep this tuxedo in your closet…

The look includes the Jacket, Trousers, White Formal Shirt, Vest & Tie, or Cummerbund and Tie, Formal Shoes and Formal Jewelry. A white pocket square will always complete your look.

Classic looks – for Weddings, Proms or Special Events.

WHAT IS WHITE TIE?

Sometimes called “White Tie and Tails,” you will look your absolute best wearing this style. This man knows that “White Tie” is the most elegant of all men’s formal wear. He knows evening wear at its best, and sometimes includes with his outfit: white formal gloves, a black top hat, and perhaps a stylized cane.

This formal wear is for evening use, and is very elegant for evening weddings. Black Full Dress Tails – Formal Trousers – White Pique Wing Shirt – White Pique Vest & Tie – Black Formal Shoes – White Gloves… The entire wedding party, Fathers included, would wear the same White Tie selection of formal wear. This very formal wedding would have guests invited as “Black Tie” – “White Tie” – or “Black Tie Invited”.

“White Tie” on your invitation indicates all men are expected to wear Black Tails. Your tuxedo would be like the wedding party’s attire. White Tie is for evening formal events.

“Black Tie” on your invitation indicates all men are expected to wear a tuxedo. Your tuxedo could be complimented by a subtle color vest & tie or cummerbund and tie.

“Black Tie Invited” indicates the men are requested to wear a tuxedo or a fine suit.

WHAT IS A CUTAWAY – A STROLLER

Like an English Gentleman, he will arrive in the Cutaway sporting an ascot tie and gray gloves. Even the most Southern Gentleman understands the importance of this old tradition in formal wear. Notice the weddings in Europe where the wedding party and all the male guests wear the Cutaway. It is a fashion staple overseas.

The Cutaway Jacket has a rounded front design meeting an extended jacket back. Traditionally, this design is in gray wool. It is worn with striped trousers, gray vest, formal shirt, and an ascot. Grey gloves and a gray top hat or bowler compliment this look. Any color would be added in the lapel flowers.

The Cutaway was once called the “Morning Suit,” as it was supposed to be worn before 4:00 PM. This look is now worn at all times during the day and evening according to the wedding party’s wishes. The cutaway’s companion is the Stroller. The Stroller is the same fabric as the Cutaway and is a shorter ‘jacket’ length. It is worn with the same trousers and accessories.

A variation of the Charcoal Cutaway is the “Black Cutaway.” This current look can be worn with black trousers or the traditional stripe trousers.

WHAT WILL THE GROOM WEAR?

As he stands at the front of the church, all eyes are on the groom. His tuxedo was carefully chosen to coordinate with his bride’s gown.

Many thoughts will come together when choosing the Groom’s Tuxedo. What time of day is the wedding? Where will the wedding take place? Church? Outdoors? In a Wedding Facility? Is the Bride’s gown formal? Long Train? Traditional? Casual? Short? White? Ivory? Pink? Brush? What style is the groom comfortable in? Is he fair skinned? Is he dark skinned?

A traditional tuxedo is always correct for the groom. The 2 or 3 button peak lapel tuxedo will look good at the majority of weddings. The groom always coordinates with his bride. His shirt, vest and tie will usually match the bride’s gown color.

For the evening, the groom may gravitate to Black Full Dress, or “White Tie” if his wedding is very formal.

Weddings in the spring and summer include the very traditional and southern look of the White Shawl Jacket, Black Trousers and Black Accessories. Summer weddings also show the all white styles of Full Dress and Tuxedo.

These looks will take any groom down the aisle with his new bride.

On your invitation – suggest “Black Tie” or “Black Tie Invited.”

What Will Our Fathers, Grandfathers Wear?

It may have been many years since your Fathers or Grandfathers wore a tuxedo, but they will always remember the special feeling they had wearing these special garments. It’s time to dress up and celebrate with the family, and what better way than in a tuxedo? The carefully chosen pictures will be treasured showing the smiles of your older generation.

Your Fathers are a special part of your wedding party, and should dress as such. Your bride’s father will walk her down the aisle (perhaps with mom) and his tuxedo will have to compliment his daughter’s gown.

The groom’s father will wear the same as the bride’s father. Grandfathers will also match these men.

Fathers should wear accessories that coordinate with their tuxedos in black, ivory, or white.

WHAT WILL THE CHILDREN WEAR?

When the Bride or Groom has friends or relatives who have small children, these children are often included in the wedding party. A challenge often occurs when trying to get the children to follow wedding procedures. Oftentimes, the child will do what seems right to them at the time, and this can make a special moment at your wedding. Have the cameras ready.

Your Ring Bearer will wear an outfit that will match the groomsmen. He will walk down the aisle with the Flower Girl who will match the Brides Maids. The two coordinate…

Your Miniature Groom will wear an outfit that will match the Miniature Bride. The young boy will dress as the Groom. The young girl will dress as the Bride.

WHAT WILL YOUR GUESTS WEAR?

You will set the tone of your wedding in your choice of place for your ceremony as well as your reception facility. The time of day is also a consideration. You can set a dress code on your wedding invitation. Many couples want an elegant and impressive occasion for their wedding and allowing your guests to know in advance is considerate. List one of the following dress codes on your invitation.

	BLACK TIE: The gentleman is expected to wear a tuxedo. Many formal attire choices can be worn for “Black Tie”. The Classic Black Tuxedo is always correct. During the spring, and at Derby time, the White Shawl is a great look. Tuxedos are available in many colors as well as classic black, gray and ivory. Your choice of tuxedo will be appropriate to the season, the time of day and the location of the wedding. However, do not dress as the wedding party. Your lady will wear a formal gown, long, tea length, or short.
	BLACK TIE OPTIONAL: This dress code is used widely. The bride and groom want an elegant wedding but do not want to demand formal attire for the guests. The Bridal Couple wants the guests to know the preference is the Tuxedo. The choice would be the Tuxedo, as listed above in “Black Tie”. The only option would be a dark gentleman’s suit. The Blazer and trousers would not be appropriate here. The Gentleman’s lady will wear a formal dress or an evening outfit.
	BLACK TIE INVITED: This is the statement that is normally used by the Bride and Groom. This phrase tells your guests that you prefer formal attire at your wedding. The Gentlemen will wear Black Tie. His lady will wear formal attire also. Dark Business Suits would be acceptable if the gentleman does not have formal attire. His lady will wear eveningwear.
	SEMI-FORMAL: This dress at afternoon or evening weddings is very appropriate. The gentleman is requested to wear a suit, or a blazer with coordinating trousers. A tie is necessary. His lady will wear a nice suit or dress.
	CASUAL: A beach wedding is usually casual. The bride and groom may wear the traditional gown and tuxedo, but they may add sandals as footwear… Dress trousers, casual shirt, and sandals would be appropriate for the gentleman. His lady may wear a sundress with a sun hat.