Tux vs Suits

Melokiel

So I have no idea about men's fashion. I really don't see what the difference is between the two. FI wants to get a nice, tailored suit that he can keep after the wedding. I had no issues with this-  its his outfit and he does work in an industry where it would be helpful to have a nice suit on hand.

But then mom starting saying she couldn't wait to see my brother and dad in a tux. It didn't occur to me to think about what my father was supposed to wear walking me down the aisle. Or FFIL for that matter?? Is he supposed to match the other groomsmen? I'd actually really love for him to wear his military blues but I'm not sure what his feelings are about that or if he's permitted to as a retiree. And would my brother even wear a tux as he's not part of the wedding party and would be a VIP guest? SIL in law will be my MOH hopefully so I understand him needing to be the same level of dress as she is.

Mom also mentioned that if we just went with suits for the groomsmen that they would inevitably show up in completely different ones (i.e. blue vs black, etc.). I'd like them all to match ( I know they don't have to but I like the symmetry of the look) and I don't forsee the two brothers having much objection to getting matching suits to FI as they are in the same business and could use a suit.

Our ceremony will start around 5 pm if that makes a difference. I tried seeing how much a tux rental at men's warehouse would cost vs buying a suit but couldn't find anything on pricing on their website. I have no idea what these kinds of things would run $$ wise.

I'd really love to make FI happy about this, its one of the few things he's brought up but I'm not sure about the rest of it.

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_tux-vs-suits?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:267cc70f-8d48-4c52-a48b-40246226b8eaPost:7d04c4e2-f66e-4195-82e1-6ff1cdff8234">Tux vs Suits</a>:
[QUOTE]So I have no idea about men's fashion. I really don't see what the difference is between the two. FI wants to get a nice, tailored suit that he can keep after the wedding. I had no issues with this-  its his outfit and he does work in an industry where it would be helpful to have a nice suit on hand. But then mom starting saying she couldn't wait to see my brother and dad in a tux. It didn't occur to me to think about what my father was supposed to wear walking me down the aisle. Or FFIL for that matter?? Is he supposed to match the other groomsmen? I'd actually really love for him to wear his military blues but I'm not sure what his feelings are about that or if he's permitted to as a retiree. And would my brother even wear a tux as he's not part of the wedding party and would be a VIP guest? SIL in law will be my MOH hopefully so I understand him needing to be the same level of dress as she is. Mom also mentioned that if we just went with suits for the groomsmen that they would inevitably show up in completely different ones (i.e. blue vs black, etc.). I'd like them all to match ( I know they don't have to but I like the symmetry of the look) and I don't forsee the two brothers having much objection to getting matching suits to FI as they are in the same business and could use a suit. Our ceremony will start around 5 pm if that makes a difference. I tried seeing how much a tux rental at men's warehouse would cost vs buying a suit but couldn't find anything on pricing on their website. I have no idea what these kinds of things would run $$ wise. I'd really love to make FI happy about this, its one of the few things he's brought up but I'm not sure about the rest of it.
Posted by Melokiel[/QUOTE]


Tux rentals will run between $100-225.00 usually.  Tuxes are also usually only reserved for evening weddings, but people wear them during the day all the time (our guys did) and it doesn't bother me at all, but I know it bothers some people.

The difference between a tux and a suit, is the cut, sometimes, the fabric, and the detail. Tuxes have the shiny, satiny stripe down the side of the pants and the lapels are often shiny as well. It just depends on the tux choice. 

A nice black suit is totally acceptable for a wedding.  If you are worried about the guys buying different colors, tell them all to wear black. 

As far as your father and brother... they aren't members of the wedding party, and can wear whatever they want.  A tux on your brother might look a little silly, since he isn't in the wedding party, and it isn't a black tie event.

Melokiel

Thank you! My brother looking out of place in a tux was my concern as well. I'm sure you can get a nice suit for about the same amount, especially if they all go in together. I've seen quite a few BOGO deals and brother could really use a suit too as he's job hunting. That and he would be so much more comfy in a suit anyways.

itzMS

I agree with PPs. Suits are fine for your FI and his GM if that's what he would like.

However, I don't really think you can stop your brother & dad from showing up in tuxedos if they so choose.

Melokiel

I don't think that should be a problem itzMS. If I recall correctly I think my brother wore jeans to his own wedding. I don't mind what he shows up in. And once I shared with my father how much rentals cost, he's in for suits as well. My mother I'm sure will have other opinions but that's her battle.

Thank you ladies. I feel better prepared for next time it comes up.

Avion22

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_tux-vs-suits?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:267cc70f-8d48-4c52-a48b-40246226b8eaPost:7fb8fcb5-4393-4061-b5b2-5007542afc41">Re: Tux vs Suits</a>:
[QUOTE]A tuxedo has satin lapels and a satin stripe down the pants.  It is only worn in the evening, technically after 6:00 PM, but you can stretch that to a 5:00 PM ceremony, followed by an evening reception.  It should be black. A suit can be worn at any time of day.  It can be gray, charcole, black, navy or tan.  It can have a matching vest, but not a satin vest like a tuxedo.  The photo below is my son-in-law, wearing a black suit for his daytime wedding. Dress uniforms are correctly worn any time of day. The groomsmen should match the level of formality that the groom is wearing, so if he wears a suit, then they wear suits also. I like men wearing suits at weddings.  I think your FI is being very practical.
Posted by CMGr[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Just a note about formal uniforms.  There are two kinds -- a "daytime" formal uniform (that is more like a suit, with a normal tie, in the Air Force we call this Service Dress), this is the type that would actually be worn to work for an important meeting or briefing -- and an "evening" formal uniform that is more like a tuxedo, with cummerbund or vest and bowtie, that would normally be worn to formal dinners or balls (in the Air Force called Mess Dress).  </div><div>
</div><div>Just like civilians shouldn't wear tuxedos during the daytime, military members shouldn't wear their Mess Dress (or whatever their service calls it) during the daytime.  </div>