With your big day just around the corner, it is time to tie up those loose ends and get ready to walk down the aisle. As a bride-to-be, it is natural to want to bask in the limelight, but it is also important that you let your future husband have his turn.

When it comes to dressing for a wedding, most people think that guys have it easy. What do they need to worry about? All they need to do is rent a tux and they are finished. Contrary to belief, looking dapper and feeling just as good is much more than simply “putting on a suit”. There are many things that grooms and brides should consider when shopping for that perfect tux. So when you and your honey hit the tuxedo place, keep these suggestions in the back of your heads.

Formality

At the most fundamental level, your groom’s attire should be appropriate for the venue. If your wedding is being held in the afternoon or outdoors, then he can go a bit more casual (think: lightweight fabrics in a lighter color). If you’re having an evening affair, it’s best to go with black-tie attire or a well-tailored suit in a darker hue.

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Separates

Your wedding is the first opportunity you have have to show off your style as a couple, so you need to make it a joint effort. Although you don’t want to try on your gown in front of him, you can make sure that your styles blend together. For example, if your wedding dress is a luxurious beaded gown, you would not want your groom wearing a casual linen suit. An example of a great combination that works well together is a vintage lace gown paired with a slim-cut dark blue suit.

Body Type

This rule holds true for both men and women. Not dressing for your body type can make or break a look. If your better half is tall and thin, then most tuxedos and suits will look smashing on him. If he needs to add bulk, then he can try a double-breasted suit, which will help give him a broader look. To slim his silhouette, he can try a suit that is slightly cinched at the waist. This will create the illusion of a leaner form.

Darker hues are slimming, so steer clear of lighter-colored suits that add girth. If your main squeeze is of short stature, it is best to choose a style that will elongate your body. Avoid jackets that are too short or tight. Avoid double-breasted jackets, as the additional fabric will not be as flattering as it is on a taller frame. Your best bet is to look for a suit that has a low button stance. This will help to elongate your body line.

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Perfect Fit

Even the most expensive suit on the rack will look dreadful if it doesn’t fit well. So, just like the gorgeous wedding gown, it should fit perfectly. He should be able to move around comfortably, so have him raise his arms and twist and turn to make sure there is ample room to move around. Regardless of whether he is renting or buying, most shops custom tailor purchases. Here are a few basic tailoring tips:

• The hem of the jacket sleeve should fall at the wrist with approximately a half an inch of shirt cuff showing below.
• The bottom hem of the suit jacket should cover his bottom and not pull open.
• The collar needs to lie flat on the sides of his neck and on the back without bulges or gaps.
• Trousers should be comfortable when sitting and standing, with the hem sitting at the top of their shoes.
• Bow ties should fit snuggly around the collar, but not be overly tight.

To Match or Not to Match?

Traditionally, groomsmen should dress similarly to the groom, but this is 100 percent up to the two of you. While it is perfectly okay for both the groom and the men in your bridal party to wear variations of the same suit, it is important that they have the same style and feel. You do not want your new husband in a tux while his groomsmen are dressed in casual suits. To achieve a cohesive look throughout the bridal party, strive to pair both the groomsmen and bridesmaids’ style. An example would be that the groomsmen could go with retro three-piece suits to match your bridesmaids’ vintage vibe.

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Accessories are Important

Now that you have everyone’s style coordinated, it is time to choose your groom’s accessories to top things off. Have your guy wear a special tie, vest, or cuff links in a different style or color. If you are coordinating two colors into your wedding palatte, he can don one shade while the remainder of the groomsmen wear vests or ties in the other shade. Encourage your better half to interject his own personality into his outfit. As the man of the hour, he needs to make a statement, but he also needs to be comfortable and resemble himself.

Above all, let your fiance make certain decisions for himself. Don’t be so set in your ways that you are unwilling to compromise. Because after all, it is his wedding too! It takes two to tango.

Happy Tux Shopping!