Groom Tuxedos come in many different styles, not as many as wedding dress styles, but nevertheless there are many styles to choose from.  It is a matter of choice for the bride and groom as far as the groom tuxedo style is concerned, but usually the color will either match or complement the color of the bridesmaid dresses.

Many times the groom tuxedo will be a different color than the attendant’s tuxedos in order to ‘standout’.  After all, we don’t want there to be any question about “which one is getting hitched?”  There are other ways to distinguish the groom from the groomsmen.  The groom could have a different color vest or cummerbund than the groomsmen.  The groom tuxedo could have a tailcoat while the groomsmen have a cutaway style or even  standard length coats.  It could even be as subtle as a different color tie for the groom.

If the bride’s gown is ivory and the groom tuxedo white, then you might want to consider an ivory color also for the groom tuxedo.  White and Ivory do compliment each other, but later when you look at the wedding pictures it may look better if both the bride’s gown and the groom tuxedo are in ivory.

Shirts for the groom tuxedo also come in a variety of styles often typified by the type of collar.   The most popular is the wing-tip collar.  It is cut away so that it allows you to see the whole bowtie.  You might want to avoid wing-tip collars if you have a large face or neck.  The laydown collar is a common collar and it reveals only the bow and knot.   Another option is the band collar.  In this case no tie is worn instead, there is a cufflink fastener that closes the shirt.

Ties also come in different styles and colors for groom tuxedo.  You could opt for the popular silk or satin bow tie or you might want to wear a gray or black satin classic tie instead.  As mentioned before, the tie colors should be coordinated with the tuxedos and bridesmaid dresses.  Again, the groom tuxedo may have a different tie than the groomsmen.

Vests or cummerbunds?  There are many options for the groom tuxedo.  The choice is yours.   If you are a ‘heavier’ man, then a vest may look better than the traditional cummerbund.  The vest needs to be fitted loose enough to allow you some movement.  What happens if you drop the ring and have to bend over?

Shoes of the groom tuxedo are most often black unless of course, the groom is wearing ivory or white.  The shoes should be formal wear and usually carry a high gloss shine although in some cases the groomsmen opt to wear “tennis shoes”.  This is of course, with the bride’s prior consent!  The groomsmen should at least all be wearing the same color and style of shoes.

The main considerations as mentioned above are the color and style preferences of the bride and groom.  Make sure that you start soon in reserving your groom tuxedo so that you have as many options as possible at your disposal.  

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