Men's Formal Atire

Even in mens formal wear there is etiquette to what is appropriate to wear depending on the formality of the wedding and the time of day. When it comes to informal weddings almost anything goes. However, if there is a particular theme or style, the groom will typically wear a suit.

For a formal morning wedding to mid-afternoon wedding, a Cutaway or Stroller is recommended. In the case of a very formal wedding, held in the morning to mid-afternoon, the groom will usually wear a Cutaway, a coat which tapers back from the front waist button and into a wide back tail. This coat can be worn with matching or striped pants. The attendants may wear the same ensemble with a possible variation in the shirt or tie. Most often, the attendants will wear a matching Stroller coat to the Cutaway. A variety of ties and shirts are available, as well as, matching or striped pants.

The semi-formal and formal evening weddings offer choice of Stroller, Dinner Jacket, or 'Black Tie', a single or double-breasted black jacket with matching trousers.

For the ultra formal evening wedding, held after six o'clock, the classic White Tie is in order. For this most formal wedding the groom and all of his attendants are dressed in a black tailcoat (waist length in front with two long back tails). A white pique wing collar shirt, white pique vest and white pique tie is worn. Fancy studs and cufflinks are worn in place of buttons and patent leather shoes complete the ensemble. The boutonnieres are the only difference in the outfit between groom and groomsmen.

While these rules of formal wear etiquette may sound stifling, there are still many choices that are appropriate and with the help of a formalwear expert, couples can add a specific style to any wedding.