What is the difference between
a Traditional Wedding and a Contemporary Wedding?
The term, Traditional refers to a type of Wedding where the choices
made would model those of Weddings from generations before. Traditional
Weddings generally follow strict guidelines of etiquette and offer
limited flexibility. The term, Contemporary refers to all choices
that differ from the Traditional approach in a more modern, personalized
approach.
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What styles do tuxedos come
in?
Tuxedos today come in many variations. Historically, wedding attire
has been classified by the time of day and level of formality. In
contemporary weddings, however, regardless of time of day, the groom
and all wedding party members may select whatever style the bride
and groom prefer and will commonly wear vests that match or complement
the color(s) of the bridesmaids’ dresses. For a more traditional
wedding, there are specific styles that are appropriate..
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Daytime wedding options
(Before 6 o'clock):
For a formal daytime wedding, the groom and all wedding party members
may select whatever style the bride and groom prefer and will commonly
wear vests that match or complement the color(s) of the bridesmaids’
dresses.
For a traditional ultra formal daytime wedding, the groom can wear
a "morning suit" which consists of a cutaway coat, striped
trousers, white wing shirt, gray vest and an ascot or four-in-hand
tie. The groom's attendants and both fathers should be similarly
outfitted, though they can choose different ties from that of the
groom.
For a contemporary ultra formal daytime wedding, the groom may
select a cutaway, stroller or tuxedo jacket. Fathers should be dressed
in matching cutaways or tuxedos. If the groom wears a cutaway, he
may still have the other wedding party members dressed in a stroller
so the groom will stand out.
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Evening wedding options
(After 6 o'clock):
For a traditional ultra formal evening wedding, the groom wears
a black, full dress tailcoat with pique shirt, white pique vest
and matching white pique bow tie. The members of the groom's wedding
party, including both the father of the bride and groom, are all
dressed exactly the same. The groom may wish his boutonniere to
complement the bride's bouquet. Guests may also be invited to dress
formally.
For a contemporary ultra formal evening wedding, the groom may
select a tailcoat in various colors with either matching accessories
or white accessories to set a more formal tone. Groomsmen and fathers
typically dress in a similar fashion.
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Is it appropriate to have
a Contemporary Wedding?
Wedding choices are as unique as the couples who make them. Unless
you are opting for a Traditional ceremony, you are free to make
decisions based on your personal wants and needs. After all, this
is YOUR day to shine!
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What should the Groom and
Groomsmen wear for the Wedding to be considered Traditional?
When choosing the Groom and Groomsmen's attire, you must first decide
whether you want a formal or an informal ceremony. Also, the formalwear
you choose depends on the time of day the ceremony is taking place.
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Do all the men in the Wedding
Party have to dress alike?
In a very Traditional Wedding, it is appropriate for all members
of the Wedding Party to be identical in their attire. However many
couples choose a slightly less Traditional approach and distinguish
the Groom from the Groomsmen.
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Should all the men in the
Wedding Party wear the same shoes?
Absolutely! With either a Contemporary or Traditional Wedding it
is very important that the shoes be the same. Patent leather shoes
are the best choice and are available for purchase or rental for
a nominal fee.
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How could I distinguish
the Groom from the rest of the Wedding Party through their choice
of formalwear?
There are many popular ways to distinguish the Groom from the rest
of the Wedding Party. The following is a partial list showing some
examples:
The Groom may wear a tailcoat, while the Groomsmen could wear coordinating
tuxedos.
The Groomsmen could wear a vest or cummerbund that is color coordinated
with the Bridesmaid's gowns.
The Groom could wear a different style of vest or tie from the
Groomsmen that would compliment the Bride's gown.
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Is it appropriate for the
men to wear black formalwear during the day?
In a strictly Traditional Wedding, only gray formalwear is worn
before 6 p.m. However, many Wedding couples choose to create their
own tradition and wear black at any time.
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If the Bride's gown is
ivory, does it change any part of the men's attire?
If you are considering a white tuxedo and your bride's dress is
ivory, you should probably switch to ivory. The general rule of
thumb is that everyone should be all in ivory or all in white. While
you don't have to follow this, it will help everyone look the same
in your wedding pictures.
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Are there any guidelines
for the correct tuxedo choice for the Groom based on the Bride's
gown?
Yes there are! For a Traditional Wedding, the following factors
help guide the tuxedo choice: the time of day and the formality
of the Bride's gown. For a Contemporary Wedding, the tuxedo selection
is guided by the length and formality of both the Bride and Bridesmaid's
gowns. In addition, the following rule always applies: Neither a
Groom or Groomsmen should out dress the lady they escort.
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Should the Groom's father
be formally dressed?
Though he is not required to dress formally, it is a good idea for
him to be in formalwear. The Groom's father is an important person
in the Wedding, and will feature prominently in the Wedding photos.
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Should the Bride's father
wear a tuxedo?
This is a must! In many cases he will walk down the aisle with the
Bride and should compliment her. He will also be featured in the
Wedding pictures and should dress accordingly.
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Should the Ring Bearer
be dressed like the Groom or Groomsmen?
This is completely a personal decision by the Bride and Groom. Many
couples choose to match the Ring Bearer to the Groom, especially
if the Flower Girl is dressed similar to the Bride. However, the
general rule is that boys under six years of age should not wear
a tuxedo.
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Are tuxedos
made in Ring Bearer sizes?
Yes! Tuxedos shops usually carry tuxedos starting at size 3. Prices
are usually based on the style selected.. See your local store for
details and current packages.
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How long can we wait to
buy our tuxedos?
Please give yourself ample time to make sure that your tuxedo fits
properly. You will want to give yourself some leeway in case you
need to exchange an item.
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Can the Groomsmen measure
themselves?
To get the perfect fit, it is very important to have all the gentlemen
in the Wedding Party professionally measured. For help with your
measurements, please view our Measuring Guide.
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If the groom is in the
military, should he wear his uniform in the wedding?
If the groomsmen are also in the military they, including the groom,
may all wear their uniforms. If they are not all in the military
it becomes the choice of the groom to wear a tuxedo and match the
rest of the party or wear his uniform and set himself apart.
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