Wedding Etiquette - Savvi Formalwear



formalwear basics

contemporary wedding etiquette traditional wedding etiquette		Most of today’s brides and grooms select a super light weight luxury wool tuxedo for the gentlemen in the wedding party. A fullback vest and tie combination that complements the bridesmaids’ colors is typical. The groom may be differentiated from his attendants by the color of his accessories, his boutonniere, the length or color of his coat, or any combination of these items. The overall style of the wedding should be reflected in the choice of tuxedos. High-fashion weddings may consider more cutting-edge tuxedo fashions, influenced by trends out of Paris and New York. Brides that characterize their wedding as “simple” or “elegant” may consider exclusive tuxedo designs by Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren. Very Formal, Evening: Black Full Dress with matching trousers, wing collar pique shirt, white pique vest and tie, and black patent leather shoes. Ushers should wear white gloves when seating guests but not during the ceremony. Very Formal, Day: Grey Cutaway, striped trousers, pearl grey vest, white wing collar shirt, ascot tie, and black patent leather shoes. Formal Evening: Black peak lapel tuxedo with matching trousers, white shirt, cummerbund, bow tie, and black patent leather shoes. Formal Day: Stroller with striped trouser, pearl grey vest, lay down collar shirt, four-in-hand tie, and black patent leather shoes. Semi-Formal: Black tuxedo or white dinner jacket, white dress shirt, cummerbund or vest, tie, and black patent leather shoes. Informal: Suit, dress shirt, four-in-hand tie, and polished dress shoes.

attendants		The following people should be attired in formalwear for the ceremony and photographs.

best man		In addition to being the groom’s right hand man, the best man’s responsibilities include: Planning the bachelor party Serving as a witness and signing the marriage certificate Standing with the groom at the alter Holding the wedding bands Delivering the first toast at the reception Returning the groom's tuxedo after the wedding

groomsmen		Most grooms choose one groomsman for each bridesmaid in the wedding party. Groomsmen are responsible for: Escorting the bridesmaids to the altar Standing at the altar during the ceremony Attending the reception

ushers		Ushers can be male or female: plan on one usher for every 40 – 50 guests. Ushers are responsible for: Escorting guests to their seats; the groom’s guests traditionally sit on the right and the bride’s guests sit on the left Offering assistance as needed to family, guests, and wedding suppliers Ushers in very formal weddings should wear gloves when seating guests

father of the groom		The primary responsibility of the father of the groom is to act as an escort to the mother of the groom, when appropriate.

father of the bride		Traditionally, the father of the bride escorts his daughter up the aisle and presents her to the groom.

ringbearer grandfathers		The ring bearer is usually a young boy responsible for carrying and presenting the bride's and groom's wedding bands. As an elder of the family, grandparents are included in family photographs taken at the wedding. Grandfathers should be attired in the same tuxedo chosen for the fathers of the bride and groom.