Tuxedos -- Asking the Right Questions

The groom, groomsmen and the fathers of the bride and groom may not choose to dress in the same tuxedos but their attire should complement the bride's gown, the bridesmaids, and the formality of the wedding. The groom's tuxedo should flatter his build. Ties, cummerbunds or suspenders add cohesion if they are in the same color as the bridesmaids gowns. If all of the men dress in the same tuxedo, the groom can wear a special boutonniere or a different tie to be unique, if desired.

Some questions to keep in mind when tuxedo shopping:

• What tuxedo style is best with the time and style of my wedding?
• What packages do you offer? What do they include?
• Do you provide alterations as part of the rental fee?
• Are shoes, studs, cummerbund and cuff links part of the rental fee?
• When should fitting appointments be made?
• Can tuxedos be tried on when they are picked up?
• What if something is wrong with the tuxedo when I pick it up?
• When does the tuxedo have to be returned?
• How can you assist out-of town guests who will need tuxedos?
• How far in advance should I book your services?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Is a deposit required? How much?
• What other costs are associated with the rental?

Gown Styles and Train Types

Here is a quick reference to the most popular wedding gown styles and train types.

Gowns

A-Line - The A-Line gown has a fitted bodice and the skirt gently flares out from the waist to the hem. It gets its name from the shape it creates - an "A". This style os perfect for almost every figure.

Ball Gown - This is the most traditional gown style, the "Cinderella" gown, and features a fitted bodice and waistline with a very full skirt. This style is great for drawing attention to a small waist and hiding full hips.

Empire - The empire waist gown has a high waist that is right below the bust and has a slender skirt (usually). This style is good for hiding a thicker mid-section and adding height.

Mermaid - This a very form-fitting style that accentuates curves and flares at or below the knee. It is ideal for tall and slender frames and it will make a petite bride appear taller.

Princess - This style is similar to an A-Line. It has a sculpted bodice and a skirt that flares gently to the hem. It's vertical lines mmean it it basically has no waistline. It elongates a short waist and petite figure.

Sheath - This gown features straight lines that follow teh curves of the body. It is an excellent choice for slimmer figures, both tall and petite.


Trains

Sweep - The shortest train style, just brushing the floor.

Chapel - Extends approximately 1-1/2 yards from the waistline.

Semi-Cathedral - Extends approximately 2 years from the waistline.

Cathedral - extends approximately 2-1/2 yards from the waistline.

Monarch - The longest style, it extends approximately 3 yards from the waistline. Just keep thinking "princess, princess, princess"!

Panel - A separate 1-foot wide (approximate) panel attached at the waist, usually 1-1/2 feet to 4-1/2 feet long and detachable.

Watteau - A separate 1-foot wide panel that is attached at the shoulders and falls loosely to the hem.

For the Groom - How to Choose Your Tuxedos

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. Of course you and your bride will want everything to be perfect, including the tuxedo selection.

Although the tuxedos will be worn by you and your groomsmen, your bride will probably want to have some input on the style and/or colors selected. There are so many styles, colors and fabrics available now that it can be quite confusing and maybe even a little intimidating at first. Here are some suggestions that may help the process go a little smoother.

• Select a retailer who is in the same location/area as the wedding. This will be important when it comes to returning the tuxedos after the wedding, which is usually on the Monday following a Saturday wedding.
  
• Select a responsible individual (your best man, father, father-in-law, etc.) who will make sure that all tuxedos and accessories are returned to the retailer by the due date after the wedding. As I mentioned above, returns are usually due within a very short period of time following the wedding. Since you will more than likely be on your honeymoon or otherwise distracted, make sure you assign this job to someone who will ensure it gets done. This will prevent a lot of headaches and additional charges (see NOTE below).
  
• Most retailers are competitively priced, have an array of colors to select from and have very similar if not the same styles. Choose a respected retailer who will provide you and your wedding party the best service.
  
• Most tuxedo retailers can accommodate the entire wedding party within a month of the wedding unless you are getting married during high school prom season! At that time you may want to allow 2 months.
  
• Most retailers, especially those also handling the orders for the bride’s gown and/or gowns for her attendants, will offer discounts for multiple rentals. The groom will usually receive a substantial discount if not be free, with a minimum number of rentals. The minimum and the discount varies by retailer, so be sure to ask. Special discounts may also be available for the ring bearer.
  
• Each groomsman should be prepared to pay:
  
  
  
  1. A deposit (down payment) of usually 50% of the total rental amount. This is required before an order will be placed.
     
  2. An additional security deposit may be required to ensure that all tuxedos and accessories are returned after the wedding. This additional deposit can sometimes be handled by simply providing a valid credit card number (sometimes the best man or the groom provides this) and or a check that will be held. The additional security deposit requirement varies by retailer so again, be sure to ask. See NOTE below for further information.
     
  3. A nominal charge for an “Accidental Damage Waiver”. This is sort of an “insurance” policy that protects you in case the tuxedo is damaged accidentally. Ask the retailer about the specifics of this coverage. The charge is usually as low as a few dollars and is required on most rentals.
     
  
  
• Don’t worry about the groomsmen who live out of town! They can be measured for their tux where they live and call the measurements in to the retailer of your choice. Payments can be handled via phone by credit card or by mailing a check in most instances.
  
• Guys, be aware that not all accessories are included in the price of the rental! For example, if shoes are being ordered, do not necessarily assume that dress socks will be included! Select each component. You’ll have to choose the specific shirt, neck wear, vest or cummerbund, shoes, etc. You’ll also need to select the jacket style; trousers are usually pretty standard. Cuff links and button covers are pretty standard also, unless you want to pay for an upgrade. Ask the sales associate for specifics.
  
• Don’t forget tuxedos for your father, father-in-law, grandfathers, uncles, special attendees, etc!
  

NOTE: A little more information regarding the security deposit. Additional security deposits are only applied if and only if tuxedos and accessories are not returned to the retailer when due. Retailers rarely own the tuxedos that are rented, but basically rent them from companies such as Jim’s Formal Wear. Tuxedos must be returned to “Jim’s” within a very short period of time after the event in order to have the garments, cleaned, pressed, etc., and sent out for the next customer. If the garments are not returned to “Jim’s” by the due date, the retailer is charged a penalty and within a very short period of time, may be charged the entire retail replacement cost of the tux.

Shopping for your PERFECT gown!

Engaged? CONGRATULATIONS! This is the most exciting time of your life and you want everything to be perfect and as stress-free as possible. We’re here to help you!

The first thing you will probably want to do is shop for your dream gown. Although most salons and boutiques will help you in every way they can, there are some things you should know before you step out the door.

1. It usually does not take a year or even six (6) months for your gown to arrive, even if it is special order (not custom, just special order). So don’t be intimidated by the sales consultant who exclaims “Oh, no! You’ve waited too long!” or something similar to that. Unless you want a gown worn by the Hollywood stars, you are probably in good shape. Most gowns require approximately four (4) months to be made.
2. Most stores will give discounts for multiple purchases. Make sure you ask for it! For example, if you have several bridesmaids, a flower girl, your mom and your future mother-in-law who will need gowns in addition to your bridal gown, the entire wedding party should qualify for a discount. Minimums differ per store, but make sure you ask.
3. Multiple tuxedo rentals for the same wedding party should also qualify for a discount although since men usually don’t have costly alterations associated with the rental, the discount may not be as much. Grooms are usually free with a minimum number of rentals. Again, ask your consultant.
4. Stay away from chain store-like bridal stores. This is the biggest and most important purchase of your life! The sales consultants are generally inexperienced and although prices may seem low, you may not receive what you expect. Ever heard the saying “You get what you pay for”? This most definitely applies here!
5. Most definitely, STAY AWAY FROM THE INTERNET-ONLY RETAILERS! Again, YOU GET WHAT YO PAY FOR! Although some brick & mortar stores (myself included) may occasionally sell discontinued gowns on the internet, we will not sell current gowns at deeply discounted prices and the internet is not the main source of our selling. Typically, people who sell current gowns at deep discounts generally are:

• NOT approved retailers of the gowns they sell
• do NOT have a brick and mortar retail store where you can preview the quality of any gowns that they sell (and so make a judgment as to whether or not they are a legitimate business you would like to make a purchase from)
• are receiving the gowns through a third party (this is called trans-shipping and is not allowed by most manufacturers)
• require you to pay in full before they order the gown
• since they are not approved retailers, you have no recourse if the gown is incorrect, damaged, poor quality, etc. In some instances, you may not even receive your gown!

Mistakes do happen that are out of the retailer's control (such as a problem at the manufacturer). An internet-only seller more often than not will not be responsive to these issues, but a genuine retailer will ALWAYS be able to work with the manufacturer if a gown arrives incorrect or damaged.

My advice to all brides is to work with a reliable brick and mortar retailer who stands behind the products they sell. You may pay a little more for your gown, but the rewards will be well worth the price!