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| Sunday, 13 June 2004 |
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Although it's a festive occasion that most every woman on the planet looks forward to (even if she's not the bride), weddings are sure to cause some uncertainty in the hearts of unsuspecting men everywhere. In addition to the stress over who to bring as a date and how much to give the bride and groom, comes the dilemma of what to wear.
Let's start by decoding the wedding invitation, in order to see what kind of event you will be attending: Black Tie: A tuxedo is required, and can include more formal tuxedos, such as evening tails. Black Tie Optional (a.k.a. Black Tie Invited): A tuxedo is welcome, but you can also wear a suit. This is a formal/semi-formal occasion. Black Tie Preferred: While you are allowed to wear a suit, the hosts expect you to wear a tuxedo (wear suit at your own risk). White Tie: The highest on the formalwear hierarchy. Wear evening tails.
The Wedding Wardrobe However let's assume that you're invited to a black-tie affair. Once you know whom you're bringing along (unless you want to fly solo and meet the available women at the party), it's time to get cracking on your wedding wardrobe. Of course, the kind of tuxedo you're going to wear has a lot to do with your personal sense of style, but if you're going the whole nine yards and spending money on a tux, we recommend getting the basics. Unless you change dimensions often, chances are your style will remain the same, which is why a classic tuxedo is a good investment. The tuxedo The first step in deciding which style of tuxedo to wear, is taking the time of the event into consideration. An evening reception followed by a party usually calls for a classic, sharp, black tuxedo and white tuxedo shirt, with either a tie or bowtie (and tails and a white tie for "white-tie" events - go figure). A morning or daytime wedding can call for a grey morning suit cutaway (morning coat that is short in front and long in back) with a striped tie. If wearing a cutaway suit or stroller (semi-formal suit jacket), wear black pants without the satin stripe going down the sides, or even grey or grey and black pinstriped pants. Speaking of the satin stripe going down the side of your trousers, it's one of the trademarks of the tuxedo, along with the satin in the lapels of the coat, and shiny, patent leather shoes. If you are purchasing a tuxedo, we suggest you go for a classic look, and leave the novelty accessories behind. Get a shirt on, and adorn yourself with accessories You have some options where your tuxedo shirt is concerned, such as the wingtip, the laydown, or the mandarin (stand-up collar without points). While the wingtip shirt is the most popular choice, you can't go wrong with the wingtip or laydown, both classic options.
Cufflinks While you can use the cufflinks that are available with the tuxedo shirt you purchase (if a pair do come with your shirt), you can get a bit more creative with this form of jewellery. For a small, negligible accessory, the appropriate pair of cufflinks can make the difference between a nice outfit and a smashing one. By the same token, try to use studs to fasten your tuxedo shirt rather than the plastic buttons already on the shirt. You don't have to, but it can make you look like the royalty you are. Where cufflinks are concerned, you can wear anything from silver and gold cufflinks, to those with colourful enamel and precious stones, such as mother of pearl or topaz. For a more unique pair, try going to an antique show, where you can find vintage cufflinks that are truly one of a kind. Hey, you never know who could have worn them before you. Accessories Bow tie: The most common form of neckwear, you can choose between a black bow tie (satin looks sleek), or matching your bow tie with your vest, if you're wearing one. Not to worry, they are already tied, just for you. Tie: You can choose between: 4-in-hand tie: similar to a business suit tie, only it is usually satin, longer, and pre-tied; Euro tie: also longer, but the knot in this style is smaller and the bottom of the tie squares off (this is no longer as trendy); Sharpe tie: wide tie with a wrinkled knot; Ascot: reserved for morning or daytime receptions, it is wide and folded over. Vest: There is a wide array of colours to select from where your vest is concerned, from solid, basic colours like black, burgundy and gold, to funkier colours such as ice blue, mocha and champagne. Full-back vests are more popular than open-backs ones, and if you are wearing a vest, you can choose between any of the aforementioned neckwear options. Pocket square: A fancier name for a handkerchief that goes in your coat pocket. It should be the same fabric as your vest. Suspenders: While they are more traditional in Britain, suspenders can be a nice addition to your tuxedo. Not only do they provide a lengthening effect for those who want to look taller, but they also make your waistband feel more breathable, perfect for summertime weddings. And since you know you have suspenders holding your pants up, you might also feel freer to go crazy on the dance floor as braces provide a greater sense of security. Top hat: These used to convey an image of elegance, but today, we suggest you leave your top hat at home (the same goes for the walking stick). Shoes Opt for black patent leather shoes or simple black leather if you don't want to spend money on a new pair. Note: if you do wear simple black leather shoes, do make sure to shine them beforehand. Rent or buy? The decision of renting versus purchasing a tuxedo should primarily be based on the number of weddings and other black-tie affairs you attend per year. If you're going to have to rent a tuxedo more than twice in one year (or even that much), then we recommend purchasing one to call your own. Purchasing a tuxedo is an investment that you'll make use of for years to come, which is why it is so important that you opt for a classic style in order to avoid thinking to yourself What? I have to wear that? the next time around. Trouble is, some weddings call for different attire (white tie vs. Saturday afternoon), so a tuxedo for a black-tie event might not cut it every time - but you'll have to cross that aisle when you get to it. As well, if you're on a new training program, for example, and you anticipate your measurements changing drastically from one year to the next, then you might want to hold off on that purchase. If you only have one formal affair marked on your calendar, and you don't want to go through the trouble of renting or buying a tuxedo, you may even get away with a black suit, white dress shirt and black tie. Ask other guests you may know for their advice before the big day, and find out what they are wearing. But if you're the groom, then splurge on the tuxedo and make your bride proud. Now that you have your tuxedo guide for your next black-tie affair, you can spend more time working on your dance moves. So have fun, bust a move, and try the pate. |
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| Produced by Lake House |
Don't you wish you could just step out in your favourite cool pair of
jeans, great button-down shirt and stylish pair of leather slip-on
sandals? If you're feeling that way, then we can almost guarantee that the
groom would also love to come out in his favourite garb and dine on a
juicy burger and fries. But weddings are formal affairs, and if you're not
going to get all decked out in a tux for this occasion, when else are you
going to? Now's your chance, so enjoy it - and enjoy it you will when your
date sees how much you resemble James Bond. So hold on to your martini and
check out this guide to formalwear.
If a formal occasion doesn't specify which dress code is required, it's
safe to assume that it falls in the "Black Tie Preferred"
category. When in doubt, ask other guests you know or even the hosts of
the party before the event. Keep in mind that it's usually better to be
overdressed than underdressed.
The mandarin shirt looks good on a select few, but it is not the
classic choice if you're looking for long-term use. Not to mention, ties
and bow ties look better with a wingtip or laydown collar. When choosing
your tuxedo shirt, try to select one with French cuffs, which fold up and
are fastened with cufflinks. Many poly-cotton shirts come with convertible
cuffs, which do not fold up - suffice it to say, French cuffs are the
classy way to go, just don't forget the cufflinks.
