To achieve a formal look, but not ultra-formal there are several things you can do. The groom can still wear a tail, provided the bride's dress has a train and is formal. But the rest of the party should not. The groom can also wear double breasted, single breasted with a variety of button stance, etc.
Semi-formal is a pretty loose term. You can err on the side of formal, or have some fun with it. Again, choose the style that looks best on your body! Some guys look better in double-breasted; others look terrific in a high 4-button style. The best way to figure it out is to try them on!
If you want to add some of your style to the tuxedo, then consider a colored tuxedo shirt, a banded collar shirt, or a crosswick shirt. This will add some interesting detail to your look and set your tuxedo apart. It's not your ordinary white shirt and bow tie.
You certainly can wear the wedding colors in your vest and tie or pocket squares. Just be sure the bride is using these colors in her bouquet so that the colors tie together nicely in your pictures. If she is completely in white, and her bouquet is all white and green, you might want to consider keeping your tuxedo black and white.
| Groom |
Groomsmen |
Ushers |
Ringbearer |
Fathers &
Grandfathers |
| Tailcoat with white shirt, black vest and tie |
Traditional length coat with white shirt, colored vest and tie to match bridesmaids |
Traditional length single breasted coat with white shirt black vest and tie |
Tailcoat with white shirt, black vest and tie |
Traditional length single breasted coat with white shirt, black or silver vest and tie |
| Double breasted coat with white shirt, white or black vest and tie |
Double breasted with white shirt and colored vest & tie to match bridesmaids |
Single breasted with white shirt, black vest & tie |
Double or single breasted with white shirt white or black vest and tie |
Single breasted coat with white shirt, black vest and tie |
| Double breasted coat with white shirt, colored vest and tie to match wedding colors |
Single breasted with white shirt and black or colored vest and tie to match bridesmaids |
Single breasted with white shirt, black or silver vest and tie |
Single breasted with white shirt and colored vest and tie to match groom |
Single breasted coat with white shirt and black or silver vest and tie |
| Four button single breasted coat with white shirt, black or white vest and tie |
Two button single breasted coat with white shirt, colored vest and tie to match bridesmaids |
One button single breasted coat with white shirt, black or silver vest and tie |
One button single breasted coat with white shirt, black or white vest and tie |
One button single breasted coat with white shirt, black or silver vest and tie |
| White or Ivory Dinner jacket with black trousers, white or ivory shirt, white, black or ivory vest and tie |
White or Ivory Dinner jacket with black trousers, white or ivory shirt, colored vest and tie to match bridesmaids |
White or Ivory Dinner jacket with black trousers, white or ivory shirt, black vest and tie |
White or Ivory Dinner jacket with black trousers, white or ivory shirt, vest and tie to match groom |
White or Ivory Dinner jacket or Black Single breasted jacket, white or ivory shirt, black vest and tie |
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