Now for the Groom
Who's looked at as much as the bride on the wedding day? Why, the groom, of course! And while he may be the handsomest man on the planet, some of the styles in the men's formalwear shop just don't cut it, do they?
Some men look great in casual wear but look uncomfortable in a cutaway, and other men love a chance to look dashing in formalwear.
All tuxes are not made alike. There are vastly different styles that flatter different body types. If the groom doesn't want you to go with him, perhaps his best man and his attendants can do so. As one men's formalwear Web site warns, neither you nor your fiancé wants him to walk out of the store with a polyester bell-bottom set from the 1970s.
Fact
Look out for discounts for the groom. The groom's tuxedo may come free if the groomsmen rent their tuxes from the same rental place. The groom can also help trim costs from the budget by forgoing extras like new shoes. Be aware that there could be surcharges if the groom or his groomsmen order their tuxes less than four weeks before the wedding.
Check Bridal Magazines for Him, Too
Glance through bridal magazines to get a sense of what type of men's formalwear is appropriate for the type of wedding you're having, and then consult with your local tuxedo-rental store. The biggest designers for men are Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Perry Ellis, and FUBU. Tuxes made by these designers are also available for sale.
The rules dictating what type of tux should be worn at which time of day are no longer operative. Just like women, men are refusing to be ruled by fashion tyrants.
Essential
A visit to eBay might encourage your fiancé to buy a tux rather than rent one. Men's sizes tend to be more consistent than women's, so sizing shouldn't be much of a problem. If attending more formal events is in your future together, it makes more financial sense to buy a tux rather than rent one.
Wearing a tux is not even necessary. A simple, good-quality suit in black or dark gray (even brown for summer) is appropriate for many weddings. If you're having a Western wedding, for example, then you might want to go with a Texas formal style: tuxedo jackets with new jeans and a Stetson hat.
Virtual Shopping
Sit down with your fiancé and take a look at some of the Web sites that feature tuxedo-rental stores. Good ones to check out are Men's Wearhouse and Brides.com Groom Style. You can look through the sites together and see what styles and colors would be appropriate for your wedding.
