How to Choose the Right Menswear for Your Wedding or Special Event
Choosing what to wear for a special event should be exciting, but figuring out all the details can sometimes feel overwhelming. You want a look that feels polished and put together while still reflecting your personal style. If you are considering a tuxedo or suit, there are a few things to keep in mind when putting your look together. The right style sets the tone for the look, while the colors, accessories, and fit bring everything together.
Whether you are getting married, part of a wedding party, attending prom, or getting ready for another big occasion, having a clear idea of what you want can make the experience much easier. From choosing the right style to scheduling your measurements and making sure everything fits before the event, a little preparation goes a long way.
Start With the Overall Style
Before thinking about measurements or ordering, start by deciding what you want the overall look to feel like.
A classic tuxedo may be a great choice for a formal event, while a modern suit or a different color may work better for a more relaxed or contemporary occasion. Consider the overall style of the event when choosing your look, including the colors, level of formality, and other details you want to coordinate with.
Accessories can also make a significant difference. Ties, vests, shirts, shoes, and other finishing details can help bring the entire look together.
At AJ Bridal, the menswear process begins with choosing the overall style and look. Their Menswear Lookbook allows you to explore different styles, colors, and accessories before moving forward with the details.
Consider Who Needs to Be Dressed
For weddings, menswear planning often involves more than the groom. You may also need to coordinate looks for groomsmen, fathers, ring bearers, or other members of the wedding party. It helps to determine who will need menswear early in the planning process. This gives everyone enough time to provide their information, complete measurements, and place their orders.
AJ Bridal helps organize this part of the process by discussing the wedding party during the styling appointment and completing a Group Order Form and Rental Agreement (for those who are renting). This organized approach can be especially helpful when you are coordinating multiple people.
Decide Whether to Rent or Purchase
Rental is a practical option for many wedding parties and special events. It can also simplify the process when several members of a group need the same or complementary pieces.
However, rental is not your only option.
AJ Bridal also offers retail menswear for those who prefer to purchase their tux or suit. The boutique can also accommodate some customizations for customers who want a more personalized option. Because customization requires at least five to six months, be sure to discuss this well before the event.
Retail orders typically take about two to ten days to arrive in the store once you place them, making retail another option to consider depending on your needs and timeline.
If you are unsure whether renting or purchasing makes more sense for your event, discussing your plans with the team at AJ Bridal can help you determine which option best fits your needs.
Schedule Measurements at the Right Time
Once you finalize your style, accurate measurements are an important part of the process. Proper sizing helps ensure that your tuxedo or suit looks polished and feels as comfortable as possible.
For the Groom and the Wedding Party
For AJ Bridal’s wedding-party rentals, each member schedules a measurement appointment. The team takes measurements, confirms sizing, and completes the individual’s order.
Members of the wedding party who live out of town can also submit their measurements online or call the store. AJ Bridal then follows up to verify the information and provides a private payment portal for completing the order.
There is also a different timeline for younger members of the wedding party. Anyone age 16 or younger does not need to be measured until approximately 30 to 45 days before the event because they can grow quickly.
For Prom, Homecoming, and Other Special Occasions
For prom, homecoming, galas, and other special occasions, the process is a little simpler. During your styling appointment at AJ Bridal, you will finalize your tuxedo or suit and review colors and accessories. The team will then take your measurements and confirm your sizing, and you will complete your payment before the order moves forward.
Don’t Forget the Accessories
The tuxedo or suit is only one part of the finished look. Accessories can help coordinate the menswear with the rest of the wedding or event.
Depending on the style you choose, you may need a shirt, tie, vest, shoes, or other accessories. These details can be selected alongside the main garment rather than trying to coordinate everything separately at the last minute.
During an AJ Bridal styling appointment, the team reviews colors and accessories while helping finalize the overall tuxedo or suit style.
This gives you an opportunity to consider the complete look before they finalize your order.
Give Yourself Time Before the Event
Menswear planning is much easier when you are not waiting until the final week to figure everything out.
For rental orders at AJ Bridal, the team ships your tuxedo or suit directly to the address listed on the order form approximately five to ten days before the event. Each member receives automatic text reminders to watch for the package and try everything on immediately.
Trying everything on as soon as it arrives is important. If something does not fit correctly or a piece appears to be missing, contacting the store promptly gives the team time to address the issue before the event.
Keep in mind that rental tuxedos and suits do not come custom-made. They use standard size ranges, so you may notice some variation in fit. AJ Bridal’s team works with you to achieve the best possible fit for your occasion.
Know What Happens After the Event
Your menswear responsibilities do not end when the celebration does. After the event, return your rental tuxedo or suit to AJ Bridal. Before returning the garment bag, make sure it includes all of the pieces, such as the coat, pants, shirt, vest, tie, shoes, and accessories. Taking a moment to check everything before returning the rental can help make the final step of the process simple.
Find the Right Look for Your Event
The best menswear choice is one that works with your event and your personal style. At AJ Bridal, the team keeps the process organized from the initial style selection through measurements, ordering, delivery, try-on, and return. The boutique offers rental options for weddings and special occasions, along with retail menswear and select customization options for those who prefer to purchase their look.
Whether you are coordinating an entire wedding party or choosing a look for your next special event, AJ Bridal can help you create a tux or suit that feels right for the occasion.
