Planning a wedding in the Pacific Northwest is a whirlwind of decisions, and one of the most exciting ones is choosing your wedding dress. But the wedding day is not just about the brides! Let’s not forget our men in the South Sound! Our groom and groomsmen will also need the perfect attire for their wedding day too! One of the first decisions to make for your menswear on your wedding day will be choosing a suit or a tuxedo for the groom and wedding party. And, today, we’re breaking down both options for you so that you can decide.
At Weddings with Joy in Olympia, WA, we not only specialize in one-of-a-kind wedding dresses, we also offer wedding menswear rentals and purchases for our engaged couples in the Seattle, WA and Portland, OR areas. We are happy to make wedding day attire a one-stop shopping affair for our Pacific Northwest brides and grooms – and their wedding parties!
As a wedding dress store in the South Sound, we often get asked about the differences between a wedding suit and a tuxedo. Both options offer a classic and sophisticated look, but each brings its own style and flair. Let’s dive into the details so you can make an informed choice for your joyful wedding day.
Understanding the Basics: Suit vs. Tuxedo
In order to decide if a suit or a tuxedo is best for your wedding day, you first need to understand the basic differences between a suit and a tuxedo. While they both appear formal and come in a variety of styles to suit different occasions, there are some fundamental differences between these types of formal menswear attire that are both perfect for a wedding.
A wedding suit is a versatile choice that can be tailored to a range of styles and formality levels. Typically made from wool, cotton, or blends, suits are available in various colors and patterns. They come with a range of options for lapels, buttons, and pocket styles, allowing for customization to fit your style and the wedding theme. There is usually a lot more variety and options when considering what type of suit to wear on your wedding day.
A tuxedo is traditionally the more formal option for a wedding. It usually features a satin or silk finish on the lapels and a more structured look overall. Tuxedos often include a black or midnight blue jacket paired with matching trousers, although contemporary styles can include other colors. The tuxedo is complemented by a bow tie, and sometimes a cummerbund or vest, adding an extra touch of elegance – and color!
Wedding Day Formality
Another aspect to consider when thinking about wedding day menswear is the type of wedding you are planning and how formal you want the wedding to look and feel. Are you planning a black-tie affair or a more casual, relaxed wedding day? Determining your wedding day dress code for your guests will help narrow down what type of menswear you are looking for.
Suits are incredibly versatile and can be worn to a range of occasions, from business meetings to casual gatherings, not just your wedding. In a wedding context, a suit is suitable for a variety of styles — from outdoor garden weddings to formal indoor ceremonies, depending on the cut and fabric.
Tuxedos are traditionally reserved for formal events and black-tie affairs. If your wedding is a classic, black-tie event or has a particularly elegant theme, a tuxedo is the perfect choice. It exudes sophistication and is usually associated with evening events.
In short, you can dress a wedding suit up or down a lot easier than you can a tuxedo. There is really only one style for a tux and that’s formal.
The Groom’s Choice
In addition to the type and style of wedding day you are planning, the groom’s style and personality should also be considered when deciding on menswear for your wedding day. If the groom prefers a classic, timeless look, a tuxedo is ideal. For those who lean towards a modern or unique style that can be dressed up or down, a custom suit might be the better choice.
Groomsmen Attire: Matching or Contrasting?
Now that the groom has decided on his wedding day attire, you will need to decide what the groomsmen will be wearing down the aisle. Will they match the groom in all-black tuxedos or matching suits? Or will they provide some contrast in coordinating attire that allows the groom to stand out?
If the groom is wearing a tuxedo, having the groomsmen wear tuxedos as well can create a cohesive and polished look. If the groom opts for a suit, groomsmen in similar suits can maintain uniformity without the formality of a tuxedo.
Some couples choose to have the groom stand out with a tuxedo while the groomsmen wear suits. This can be a great way to highlight the groom while still keeping the wedding party’s look unified. Alternatively, different styles or colors of suits for the groomsmen can add a touch of individuality while keeping the overall aesthetic cohesive.
In the end, choosing between a suit and a tuxedo for your wedding comes down to personal preference, how formal your wedding will be, and the overall theme of the wedding day. Above all, you have to choose what you’ll be most comfortable in.
At Weddings With Joy, we offer a range of suits and tuxedos to suit every taste and occasion for weddings in the Pacific Northwest. Our expert wedding outfit stylists are here to help you find the perfect attire for the groom and groomsmen, ensuring that everyone looks and feels their best on your big day.
Come visit us in Olympia, WA to explore our collection, and let us help you make your wedding a joyful and unforgettable event where everyone looks and feels their best!
About Weddings With Joy
If you’re a bride in the Pacific Northwest or planning a wedding in the South Sound, Seattle, and Portland, OR areas, come visit our amazing bridal boutique in Olympia, WA full of beautiful wedding dresses. At Weddings With Joy, we offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience for our joyful brides through our personalized attention and bridal styling support as they find their perfect wedding day look. Weddings With Joy features stunning wedding dresses in all shapes, sizes, and styles as well as the best tuxedo rentals and suits in Washington state. Request your bridal shopping appointment in the South Sound to find your dream wedding dress! We can’t wait to help you become a joyful bride!