Put the ‘DO’ in Tuxedo
Gentlemen, let’s agree on a few points:
• Dressing up in a tuxedo immediately places all men on par with James Bond in so far as suaveness and ability to order and drink martinis.
• After these first few minutes, one longs for nothing more than to lose the tie, the uncomfortable shining shoes and hang the jacket on some forgotten coat rack.
The tuxedo remains the paramount of the masculine wardrobe and will possibly continue as such long after our time. Do remember though, it is the man that makes the clothes. Also note that your groomsmen will not call you “Double-Oh-Seven” at anytime during the procession.
Tuxedo fashions remain rather constant, proving as stubborn as the gentlemen they clothe. Today’s reinvention is delightfully finespun. “They are still the traditional three-button, contemporary cut jackets with vests and long ties, but men are choosing more texture in the vests and shirts,” said owner of Formal Fantasy Stacia Smith. Even beyond that, this season’s themes of color have run into the men’s wardrobe as well. “Colored shirts are becoming very popular, though you want to try and keep it subtle,” said Smith. Not to lean too much on cliché but it is “her day”, gentlemen, and it would be poor taste indeed if shirt and tie detracted from the gown.
If you’re still unsure of what to wear, imagine looking at pictures of your wedding in fifteen years. Would you be caught in those threads again or were you too much a product of the times? “You want to keep with fashion without crossing into fad,” said Smith. A fine line to walk indeed, if you are not feeling up to the task surely the lovely bride would relish the chance to help, if she hasn’t already decided for you. Whether you decide on a robin’s egg blue shirt or a paisley print on your vest there are a few things that all men should try and accomplish while preparing for the occasion.
• Learn to tie your own tie. If nothing else, the Internet is a powerful tool.
• Take the initiative and get a few more pushups in during the days. The tux needs to look better on you than it did on the hanger.
Finally, live it up. You’ve just finished putting on the ritz and it would behoove you to act accordingly. You have landed your partner for life and celebration is in order. Just don’t spill anything on that tie.