This isn't about rigid rules. It is about knowing what the traditional dress rules ARE before deciding to do something different.
About judging people - get real. Everybody judges people by how they dress and present themselves. Ever been on a job interview?
Aunt Sally judging your wardrobe choices at a wedding does not equate to a job interview. Will her judgement determine your future life choices? Not likely, so she can judge all she wants and it won't take away from the fact that I feel gorgeous in my outfit.
Knowing the "rules" doesn't matter if I'm not going to be traditional.
I disagree. Dress non-traditionally if you wish, but KNOW that it is non-traditional. Ignorance is not OK. Thoughtful decisions are.
I just don't get this need to push tradition where clothes are concerned. A person can be ignorant (willfully or otherwise) of any and all traditions that do not impact on their guests. That doesn't mean their choice of wedding attire wasn't a thoughtful decision. Clothing doesn't impact on anyone else at the wedding unless they are paying for it.
I disagree. Dress non-traditionally if you wish, but KNOW that it is non-traditional. Ignorance is not OK. Thoughtful decisions are.
I really don't think being ignorant about whether a suit or a tux is appropriate for a specific setting is a big deal at all, this is definitely a first world issue. What is an issue is people judging others for what they choose to wear, whether it's traditional or not.
Traditionally Tuxedos are ordered around 4 months prior to the wedding but you know your schedule best so don't fret! They can match the BP if you want but they don't have to. Personally I think the distinction of your grooms attire from the rest is symbolic and looks good in photos. (Edited due to TOS violation)
Re: Tuxes
Knowing the "rules" doesn't matter if I'm not going to be traditional.