Groom Service
Bernadette Duncan
Congrats — you found Mr. Right. When it comes to selecting his tuxedo however, is your handsome hubby-to-be Mr. Right or Mr. Wrong? Check the situations below and add up the points for a score at the end: THE CLOCK IS TICKING Mr. Wrong: knows the wedding is nearly a year away… but figures he’ll hit the stores about two weeks before the BIG DAY. (Minus 1-point) Mr. Right: decides on the formalwear ASAP - especially since most of the wedding party is flying in from all around the country. According to Jack Springer, executive director for the International Formalwear Association (IFA), formalwear should be ordered at least three months before the wedding and tried on by each usher as soon as it is picked up to be sure that it fits with all the accessories. Given that accessories such as shoes and vests must be set aside, the groom might as well get the job done sooner rather than later. (Plus 1-point) A FIT THAT’S FINE Mr. Wrong: picks out a tux that is so snug it’s impossible for him to lift his arms without trouble – rrrrip! — let alone lift and twirl you on the dance floor. (Minus 1-point) Mr. Right: finds the tux that lets him boogie the night away with ease. How? Whether he rents or buys his duds, he does all the right legwork. If he rents, he learns quickly that a problem fit in the shoulders or waist can be solved by choosing a different jacket size or style. The only parts of a rented tuxedo that can be tailored are the arm and leg lengths. Of course, if your intended purchases a tux, it comes with the perk of a perfectly tailored fit. (Plus 1-point) A RENT OR BUY GUY Mr. Wrong: has a calendar packed with formal dinners and anniversaries requiring that he wear fancy duds again and again. Nevertheless, he considers renting a designer tuxedo (which includes the shirt, studs, cuff links, tie, shoes and vest). While renting is a great option, it may not be worth it for every guy in the long term – especially if he’s got formal party invitations jamming his mailbox. (Minus 1-point) Mr. Right: thinks his budget through. He needs a tuxedo at least four times in the next six months for various formal dinner events on his calendar. "A man in his thirties in an urban area will find purchasing a tuxedo a good investment for the next ten years," says Springer. He’ll find he has a lot of functions – weddings, formal anniversaries — he can wear it to and realize it’s more cost effective to purchase in the end. Excluding accessories, a basic tuxedo will cost him at least $300; a better one will run $600 to $900 and more. (Plus 1-point) A BUDGETARY NO-BRAINER Mr. Wrong: spends lots of money buying a trendy tux. Unfortunately it will go out of style along with the bang for his buck. (Minus 1-point) Mr. Right: chooses to purchase a classic look that will be in style for many years. A notched collar with a single-breasted one-, two-, or three-button jacket is the way to go. A heavier-set fellow should opt for the double-breasted style. (Plus 1-point) COLOR HIS WORLD Mr. Wrong: is just wild about color - any color. And when it comes to choosing his tuxedo, your guy chooses – yikes! — brown. (Minus 15 points!) Mr. Right: opts for black or navy - either one is appropriate. While black will never go out of style, another popular color is gray - slate, charcoal and platinum. Gray is showing up at weddings more and more often, according to Springer. "An elegant color, it stands out from the traditional dark suit without being too dramatic," he says. (Plus 1-point) MATCH THE SWATCH Mr. Wrong: thinks it’s a must to match the swatch of fabric from your bridesmaid’s dress with the accessories of the tuxedo – tie, vest, and cummerbund. (Minus 1-point) Mr. Right: knows that the formalwear that he and his ushers wear doesn’t have to coordinate with the bridesmaid dresses. Nevertheless, some brides and grooms like the idea of the accessories matching. (Plus 1-point) IT’S THE MONEY, HONEY Mr. Wrong: spots a mega-sale in the paper at a place that rents formalwear. When he shows up he finds there are only three choices. He decides that he can’t resist the price and purchases funky-looking (but reasonably priced) duds. (Minus 1-point) Mr. Right: finds a full-service specialist who has plenty of inventory in the store. He quickly finds out that a store with a large stock will also be able to accommodate the guy who needs adjustments in the fit. How do you find a reputable store for renting or purchasing a tux? Springer suggests that you check "for references among friends and family." (Plus 1-point) FAR OUT ATTENDANTS Mr. Wrong: tells his attendants who live far away to visit any formalwear store in the neighborhood to rent the ensemble. Afterall, he figures, don’t all tuxedos look alike? (Minus 1-point) Mr. Right: knows that when it comes to attendants who live out of town, there’s only one way to be sure that all formalwear matches: order all the tuxedos from one store. As a courtesy, most out-of-town formalwear professionals will help your groom’s attendants by measuring them, then mailing or faxing those specific measurements to the groom’s appointed store. (Plus 1-point) THESE SHOES WERE MADE FOR WALKING (NOT WEDDINGS) Mr. Wrong: thinks his favorite pair of everyday business shoes look great with his formal duds. (Minus 12-points) Mr. Right: finds a great pair of patent leather shoes, the most popular and appropriate of all looks. According to Springer, "You’ll see what a difference the right shoe makes in the photos." The most traditional formal shoes? The black tuxedo patent-leather pump, which comes in various colors including white. (Plus 3-points) SCORING: Mr. Wrong or Mr. Right - How does your guy measure up when it comes to selecting formalwear? Add up the points from the above quick quiz and then refer to the scale below: 11 points: Perfect! Your groom is suited to be a picture-perfect hubby-to-be. 8 - 10 points: When it comes to dressing up, this guy is a keeper. He’s got a sense of style and even knows the "rules." 5 - 7 points: He knows enough to get by and with your help can learn more. 1 - 4 points: He should be glad you stumbled upon this quiz. Below zero: Oooh boy. Your guymay not know much about tuxedos but we’re sure he’s adorable anyway. Be sure to fill your emergency wedding day kit with shoe polish, safety pins, and other extras —just in case there are oversights.