Attention Grooms: Tuxedos Aren’t Mandatory

If your wedding day is fast approaching and all details have been set—the bride’s gown, the music, the food, the decorations, the guest list—you may overlook the groom’s attire and wait till the last minute to think about it. Traditionally, the man of the day wears a tuxedo for his wedding, but there are other semi-formal styles that could also work. Of course, what you choose will depend on the formality of the wedding, but don’t be afraid to explore other options to make an impression.

Wear a Tux Jacket Without the Tux

Bringing a touch of formality but without the stuffy ensemble, a tux jacket can add just the right touch to your outfit without seeming too formal. GQ recommends trying a gold-buttoned blazer with a tuxedo trim, perfect for the preppy look. If you’re into the skinny jean look, try a double-breasted jacket paired with tight black jeans. Shawl collars are in again, but this time, the lapels are thinner for a sleeker look. You can pair any tuxedo jacket with any type of pants or jeans, but the jacket doesn’t have to be black. Feel free to explore other color combinations—from gray to beige to white—if you wear them right.

Experiment with Material and Color

If you’re a traditionalist at heart, this one won’t work for you. But if you like to experiment with color and fabric, try a tuxedo jacket that’s made of velvet in a dark, smooth color like maroon. GQ says this lends a smoking-jacket feel and a vintage appeal, best worn with black slacks rather than as an entire suit. You don’t want to overwhelm the senses! As far as color goes, why not try a midnight blue for a mysterious James Bond look? This is best worn in low-light atmospheres so it doesn’t appear too blue. Esquire recommends a deep midnight blue jacket that looks almost black in the right light, paired with black trim on the lapels and trouser stripes. One thing you don’t want to do is wear a stark white jacket in the evening or in the winter—the only time you can get away with that is in the summer during the day, says GQ.

Try a Double-Breasted or Three-Piece Suit

These options are still great for formal occasions, but they avoid the traditional stuffy tuxedo feel. GQ recommends a double-breasted dinner suit. Wearing a vest or waistcoat avoids the need for a cummerbund, plus if you don a black tie vest that’s scooped, you’ll be able to show off your crisp shirt pleats.

Consider the Event

The type of semi-formal wear you’ll choose depends largely on the type of event and the time of day it takes place. Ask Men magazine points out that a semiformal daytime event—such as for a wedding scheduled for midday—may call for a gray morning coat, gray or black striped pants, a double-breasted vest, and a gray tie or ascot. You can even add on gloves or a top hat, a boutonniere, and pearl cuff links, but that’s only if you want to really stand out.

Henry Laughton is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Texas. For those who are not interested in formal wear for their wedding, Henry suggests one of the versatile semi formal dresses from veryvenzant.com.

Image credit goes to ksbuehler.