etiquette guide
Receive expert advice on both contemporary and traditional attire.

Contemporary Wedding Styles

     Very Formal Evening Semi-Formal Evening Very Formal Daytime Formal Daytime Second and Later Weddings
Groom Black full dress (tailcoat), white or other color tailcoat acceptable. Shirt coordinates with tailcoat, tie and vest match tailcoat in color, except if wearing black full dress - wear white wing collar pique shirt with white pique vest and bow. Shoe: Patent. Tuxedo or tailcoat, in range of colors - dark for fall and winter, pastels for spring and summer, white for any time of year. White shirt or coordinate with tuxedo in color, may be pleated or flat. Shoes: Patent. Updated cutaway, usually grey with striped or matching trousers; white shirt; striped tie or ascot. Or tuxedo in conservative colors, dark for winter. Or, all grey cutaway outfit with white wing or fold collar, formal shirt, and striped grey ascot or four-in-hand tie. Tuxedo or tailcoat in range of colors, dark for winter, white and pastels for spring and summer or tropical climate. Updated stroller coat, with striped trousers.  Formalwear appropriate to time of year, time of day, and style of bride and her attendants.
Ushers and Junior Groomsmen Similar to groom in style. Most formal: identical tailcoat suits. Formalwear similar to groom in style, however, if groom chooses a tailcoat, ushers can wear similar color tuxedos. White shirts or coordinate with tuxedos in color; ties and vests match tuxedos. Similar to groom in style, or can wear matching stroller coats with striped or matching trousers. Usually same color as groom.  Similar to groom coordinated in color. Similar to groom coordinated in color.
Fathers Same as groom, or same as ushers, or in classic tuxedo. Similar to ushers, or in classic black tuxedo. Same as groom or same as ushers, or in classic tuxedo Either similar to the male attendants or formalwear of own choice. Same as groom, or same as ushers.
Guests Formalwear similar to groom. For an elegant mood, specify "Black Tie" on invitation; guests will wear black tuxedos. Formalwear optional: For an elegant evening, specify "Black Tie" on invitation. Formalwear optional. Formalwear optional. Similar to groom. Specify on invitations if you want your guests to dress formally.
Ring Bearer Same as groom / groomsmen. Same as groom / groomsmen. Same as groom / groomsmen. Same as groom / groomsmen. Same as groom / groomsmen.
Source: International Formalwear Association


Traditional Wedding Styles

     Very Formal Evening Formal Evening Very Formal Daytime Semi-Formal Daytime
Groom Black full dress (tailcoat) with white wing collar pique formal shirt, white pique vest and bow. Shoes: Patent. May wear sprig from the bride's bouquet as boutonniere. Black tuxedo, white pleated formal shirt, bow tie, vest, or cummerbund to match tuxedo lapels. White dinner jacket with formal trousers for summer or tropical climate. Cutaway coat, grey striped trousers, grey vest, ascot, or striped four-in-hand tie. Optional top hat, spats, grey gloves. Shoes: Patent.  Grey stroller, with striped trousers, pearl grey vest, four-in-hand tie with white pleated formal shirt. Optional: homburg, gloves.
Ushers and Junior Groomsmen Identical to groom, with different boutonniere.  Same as groom, perhaps with different boutonniere.  Similar to groom in style, with possible variation in tie or shirt. Identical to groom perhaps with different boutonniere.
Fathers Identical to groom, with different boutonniere. Same as ushers. Same as groom, or same as ushers. Same as groom, or same as ushers.
Guests May wear tuxedos, or if you specify "White Tie" on invitations, guests should wear full dress identical to groom. Should be formally dressed. Specify "Black Tie" on invitations. You may suggest "Traditional Morning Attire" on invitations if you would like your guest to be formally dressed. They would then choose formalwear similar to the groom's. Formalwear optional.
Ring Bearer Identical to groom / groomsmen. Identical to groom / groomsmen. Identical to groom / groomsmen. Identical to groom / groomsmen.
Source: International Formalwear Association

Louie's Tux Shop
We make you the event!
716 Lincolnway West
South Bend, IN  46616
Phone (
574) 234-1061
Fax (574) 234-1448
Email formalwear@louiestuxshop.com

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