How to Choose Your Wedding Suit or Tuxedo
This groom attire guide covers suits, tuxedos, colors, fit and accessories for your wedding. Start with the dress code you and your partner have chosen. Then consider the venue, season and how you want to coordinate with the wedding party.
Start with the Wedding Dress Code
Your outfit should fit the level of formality of the celebration. For a black-tie wedding, choose a tuxedo and formal accessories. For a semi-formal or more relaxed wedding, a suit may be the right choice.
However, the venue alone does not decide what to wear. A garden wedding can be formal, and a hotel reception can have a relaxed dress code. Agree on the overall look with your partner before choosing the details.
Think about the time of day, weather and activities as well. You will need to sit, walk and dance comfortably. Bring venue photos and color inspiration to your consultation so our team can help you compare options.
Groom Attire Guide: Suit or Tuxedo?
Choosing a Tuxedo
Tuxedos offer a traditional formal look. Satin lapels and covered buttons are common details. Some tuxedo trousers also have a satin side stripe, but details vary by style. Check the product description before selecting your outfit.
For a classic black-tie look, pair a black tuxedo with a formal white shirt, black bow tie and formal shoes. Midnight blue is another option to discuss. Other jacket colors or dinner jacket styles can create a different look, depending on your dress code.
Explore our tuxedo rentals or tuxedos available to buy.
Choosing a Suit
A suit usually pairs a jacket and trousers made from the same fabric, without satin lapel trim. It offers options for daytime ceremonies, less formal weddings and future events. Select your color and fabric with the season and dress code in mind.
Browse our suit rentals or new suits. For a closer comparison, read our Suit vs Tuxedo Guide.
Choosing Colors for Your Wedding
First, compare the jacket and pants together. Then add your shirt and accessories to see the whole outfit. A fabric sample can help you compare shades with your wedding palette.
- Navy or charcoal: Consider these colors if you want a suit you can wear for other occasions.
- Light gray or tan: Explore these options for a lighter palette, especially for daytime or outdoor celebrations.
- Brown or burgundy: Compare these shades with your wedding colors if you want a different look.
- Black or midnight blue tuxedo: Consider these for a traditional formal outfit.
For a warm-weather wedding, ask about fabric weight and comfort as well as color. A lighter shade alone does not tell you how warm an outfit will feel.
How Your Suit or Tuxedo Should Fit
Fit affects both appearance and comfort. The jacket should sit comfortably at your shoulders and allow natural movement. Try sitting down and moving your arms during the fitting. Tell our team about pulling, tightness or extra fabric so we can discuss options.
Modern Fit and Slim Fit
Modern Fit generally offers more room than Slim Fit, which follows the body more closely. However, sizing and cut can vary between styles. Compare the actual garments rather than choosing by the fit name alone.
Bring the shoes and any accessories you already plan to wear. This helps when checking trouser length and the full outfit. Ask our team about in-store alterations and confirm the timing that applies to your order.
Coordinating with Your Groomsmen
You can match your groomsmen or stand out through a few details. For example, choose a different tie, vest or boutonniere while keeping the same suit. Alternatively, compare coordinated jacket colors with our team.
Keep the group’s level of formality consistent with your dress code. Give everyone a clear list of clothing and accessories, then confirm sizes and next steps. Our Groomsmen Attire Guide explains how to plan the group’s look.
Complete Your Outfit with Accessories
Start with a shirt and neckwear that work with your jacket. Next, choose your pocket square and shoes. Check whether the shirt needs studs or cufflinks before selecting jewelry.
If you plan to wear a belt, coordinate it with your shoes and confirm that it works with your trousers. Ask about suspenders, vests or cummerbunds if you want to compare alternatives for your outfit.
Browse new accessories or rental accessories to see the categories available.
Plan Your Fittings and Pickup
Use this groom attire guide as a starting point, then confirm a schedule with our team. Stock, special orders, alterations and travel plans can affect timing.
Several Months Before the Wedding
Compare styles, agree on colors and decide whether to buy or rent. Arrange measurements for yourself and the wedding party. Share your event date and ask when each person needs to provide their information.
Before the Final Fitting
Review the complete outfit, including shirts, ties and shoes. Tell us about any sizing changes or missing pieces. Confirm your fitting, alteration and pickup arrangements rather than assuming every order follows the same schedule.
When You Collect Your Outfit
Check all pieces and try on the complete look. Ask about garment care if anything needs pressing. For rentals, follow the pickup and return dates on your order or agreement.
Should You Buy or Rent Your Wedding Outfit?
Buy if you want to keep the outfit for future weddings, dinners or business events. Rent if that better fits your plans for this celebration. Compare the full outfit and services when discussing your budget.
New purchases are available for shipping within our delivery area. All rentals require in-store pickup in San Jose; we do not ship rentals. Review our shipping information before planning delivery.
Get Personal Help with Your Wedding Look
Tuxedo Fashions has served the Bay Area since 1977, with 50 years of formalwear experience. Our team can help you compare styles, coordinate accessories and plan your wedding party’s outfits.
Bring your event date, venue photos, color samples and fit questions. Schedule an in-store appointment to try on options, or book a virtual appointment to discuss your plans by video.