Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

What to wear on the wedding day: A Tux or a Nice Suit?

September 30, 2010 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Ask A Woman:  Can I skip the tux on my wedding day?

If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. And don’t worry, your identity will be protected too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com
.
—
Beth –

I’m getting married in next June and my fiancee and I are into the planning process.  It’s going to be held outside at a golf course, with the reception inside at their extremely nice banquet facility.  Overlooks a nice area, the whole nine yards.

My issue is this.  I hate tuxedos.  My fiancee says there’s nothing better though than a man in a tux and she’s lobbying hard for me to be in one.  I have a few really well tailored, and frankly expensive, suits that any of which I’d love to wear.

Can’t I just do that?

Calvin

.

Hi Calvin,

First,  let’s discuss the difference between a suit and a tuxedo.  A tuxedo jacket has satin lapels, while a suit jacket’s lapels are made of the same material as the rest of the suit.   A tux pant has a satin stripe going up the outside of the leg, while a suit pant does not.  Tuxedos are typically worn only with shiny patent leather shoes, while suits may be worn with a variety of dress shoes.  There is a specific tuxedo shirt with a pleated front, but I do feel like I’ve seen tuxes worn without pleated shirts.  Tuxes may be worn with cummerbunds.  There are some other details that separate tuxes from suits but the aforementioned specifics are the most noticeable.

Now, on to your question.  It’s becoming more popular for men to wear suits to their weddings, instead of renting or buying tuxedos.  I see nothing wrong with that, and I think convention takes a backseat to you feeling comfortable and stylish on your wedding day.  But, I’m wondering if you’re having a wedding party…

One of the upsides to renting a tux is that if you have a wedding party, all the men can rent the same tux, and thus be matching for the photos.  Other people prefer (or at least don’t mind) the more eclectic assembling of different suits that happens if you tell your groomsmen to just wear whatever they have in their closets.

But, be warned that your cousin Angus, who your mom made you ask to be a groomsman, may show up in a suit he hasn’t worn since he went to junior prom, when he took Janice Mulcher who liked her men in white polyester high-waters, and because he’s also had a six-High-Life-a-day habit since that time, he’ll be a blinding vision of button-busting flood-preparedness.  (Too much?  Look, I have a rich inner life, leave me alone with my imaginings.)…Ahem, all of which is to say that it may be a bit of a gamble to ask your groomsmen to dress themselves.  All I’m sayin’.

The last word: brides almost always pick their gowns without input from their fiancé, and I’m guessing your bride is no exception.  If hers is really just a preference that you wear a tux (and your tailored and expensive suits are truly in good taste), I think you should be able to wear a suit.

– Beth

Got a question for Beth? Send them to: askawoman@dappered.com
*Sidenote:
If you do need a tux, you can pick up a Hilfiger Trim Fit for just $205 total, right now at Macy’s:

Tommy Hilfiger at ShopStyle

Filed Under: Clothing, Women Tagged With: Ask A Woman, Formal Wear, Tux, tuxedo, wedding, what to wear to a wedding

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Mid Thursday Update: J. Crew has refreshed their final sale section.

The 10 Sweater Styles of a Stylish Man’s Wardrobe

The 10 Sweater Styles of a Stylish Man’s Wardrobe

Crews to Cardigans. Half Zips to Shawl Collars. Plus the pros and cons of each.

In Review: Nike By You Custom Sneakers – Blazer Mid ‘77

In Review: Nike By You Custom Sneakers – Blazer Mid ‘77

An in person experience with Nike’s custom sneakers program, where you have control over colors and materials.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • The 10 Sweater Styles of a Stylish Man’s Wardrobe
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Spier’s Sweater Sale, BR Factory new arrivals, & More
  • 7 Reasons Why L.L. Bean Boots are Timeless Classics
  • Steal and Stock Alert: Spier has new core suits in stock
  • In Review: Nike By You Custom Sneakers – Blazer Mid ‘77

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.