Tuxedo Basics

Confused by tuxedos? Wondering what the difference is between black tie and white tie? Read on for some tuxedo basics.


Tuxedo Vocabulary


Here are a few definitions that will help make you more comfortable with tuxedos.


Notch Lapel - Like the name implies, there is a notch cut out of the lapel. Most single breasted suits have notch lapels.


Peak lapel - This lapel is wider and comes to a peak. Most double breasted suits have peak lapels.


Shawl Lapel - This lapel is not split and has a rounded shape.


Single Breasted - This coat has one row of buttons.


Double breasted - This coat overlaps and has two rows of buttons.


Cummerbund - This is a pleated sash worn around the waist. The pleats should always be worn facing up. (In the past, the pleats were used to hold the theater tickets.)


Wing-Tip Formal Shirt - Traditional formal shirt with short triangle collar.


Lay-Down Formal Shirt - Collar is like a regular dress shirt with pleated front.


What style of Tuxedo to Use


This is going to be based on the degree of formality of your wedding. If you are having an informal wedding, you might even want to skip the tuxedo and just go with suits instead. The most popular tuxedo is the single-breasted, one button, notch lapel, black tuxedo. This style is probably the closest to a regular suit if your man doesn't enjoy dressing up. If your man is a fashionable dresser, you might consider different styles and colors of tuxedos. When choosing the tuxedos, consider the style of dress the bride will be wearing. The more formal the dress, the more formal the men's attire should be.


Black Tie vs. White Tie


These are two phrases that are frequently heard with formal events. A White Tie event is a very formal event. Proper attire for a White Tie function is white shirt, white vest, white tie, black tailcoat, black trousers with satin stripe and black patent shoes. Full Dress is another name for White Tie.


A Black Tie event is also formal, but not as formal as a White Tie event. Proper attire for a Black Tie event can be a tuxedo or tailcoat with white shirt, vest or cummerbund, black tie or tie matching the cummerbund, and black patent shoes.


Tuxedo Tips


The following suggestions will help you keep the men's formalwear from adding stress to your planning process.


Choose your tuxedos in person. Just like bridal gowns, tuxedos look different in person. That vest that is the perfect shade of blue in a catalog might not look nearly as perfect in the store. Trying on different styles of tuxedos will ensure you pick the one that is most flattering on your husband-to-be and his attendants.


Have your measurements taken by a professional. Giving your tuxedo shop sloppy measurements ensures you will need alterations. Furthermore, you run the risk of the shop not having the correct size for you. There is nothing more uncomfortable than wearing an article of clothing that is slightly too tight.


Measurements should be given to your shop at least a month to six weeks in advance. This gives the shop plenty of time to gather the correct sizes for your wedding party.


Give serious consideration to renting the formal shoes. Shoes do help complete the picture. This also helps maintain consistency between the groom and his attendants. If you choose not to have everyone rent shoes provide guidelines to the male attendants so there is no misunderstanding about shoe style or color.


Many tuxedo shops also have websites and allow you to return your measurements via the web. This is a nice option if you have groomsmen spread all around the country. The downside to this is you won't know if the groomsman has turned in his measurements without calling the groomsman or the shop.


Check your garments when you pick them up. Ensure that you have all the right accessories that go with your outfit. You are strongly encouraged to try on the tuxedo before you leave the shop to ensure you have the right fit.


Arrange to have someone return all the tuxedos after the wedding. You and your husband will be too busy getting ready to go on your honeymoon to have to worry about whether all the tuxedos were returned.