For our grooms: how to decide on whether to wear a tux, suit, custom suit or go casual on your wedding day

Brides say “yes to the dress,” but choosing what you should wear as a groom is a big deal too and can be just as overwhelming as shopping for wedding dresses.

Remember that what you decide on should compliment the bride or the other groom.

Whatever you choose will last a lifetime in your wedding pictures, video and — in your guests’ minds. Luckily, other decisions you make as you plan your wedding will help guide you on whether to wear a tux, suit, custom suit or go casual.

The tuxedo route.

So you’re getting married at an upscale venue, and your wedding will be lavish. If you’re requiring your guests to dress for a white-or-black-tie event, shouldn’t you look the part and not stick out like a sore thumb on your luxurious wedding day? If you’re giving your guests the option of a black-tie dress code then you’ll also want to wear a tux. After all, it wouldn’t look right if your guests are dressed to the nines and the man of the hour is in a suit. Keep in mind, if your wedding is in the morning or day then wearing a tuxedo may not be appropriate.

That suit life.

You can look just as striking and formal in a suit. Suits typically are worn during a daytime wedding, and if you’re asking your guests to dress in cocktail or semi-formal attire. If your wedding is outdoors, wearing a suit may not only be appropriate — it’ll also be more comfortable than a tux. Even if your venue and wedding are regal — don’t feel the need to dress in a tux. Your suit will look “suitable” in this backdrop, especially if you blend in with your significant other, wedding party and the rest of your wedding guests.

Customize it!

Buying or renting a suit can be an easy, cheaper process than purchasing a custom suit. But customizing your wedding suit may give more meaning to what you’re wearing when you say “I do.” You’re in control of the colors, buttons, lapels, vents and even pockets. With a custom suit you can decide on a fancier style or a more relaxed look. It’s also a great way to ensure that you match completely with your fiancé(e) in style and tone. While it'll be more costly than buying a suit off the rack, you can tailor a customized suit so that you can wear it on other occasions than just your wedding day.

Casual & Comfortable.

If you’re getting married on the beach or having a small affair — why not find an aloha or linen shirt. Go casual! Show up at the alter without shoes, roll up your pants leg and feel the sand between your toes. There’s something to be said about a couple who would rather focus on their nuptials than spend tons of money on what they’re wearing. If you’re going casual, then obviously, you expect the same from your wedding party (if you have one) and your guests.

Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you and your significant other compliment one another. You’ll also want to take into consideration your venue, what time of the day you’re getting married and what you want your wedding party and guests to wear as well. It’s an important decision, as a groom, and it’s OK to want to be elegant on the most important day of your life or save some cash and opt for a more casual option.

Written By Vows & Forever Founder and Veteran Journalist Maria Cid. V&F is a wedding vows & speech writing service that also specializes in speech coaching and wedding timeline coordination.

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