Groom and Groomsmen attire question

MoniqueAbrahamsen

This might be a silly question but I'm unsure. Do I go with the men when they go to pick their tuxes? Or do I just let them know what the bridesmaids dresses look like (give them a picture, color swatch) and they just go ahead and make the decision. I'm not sure what the appropriate thing is to do.

[Deleted User]

I think you can really do what you want with this. Fi and I went together and picked out what the groomsmen will wear.

mlg78

I went with my fiance last night and we chose the tuxes.  I would go just the two of you so the groomsmen aren't giving their two cents.  My fiance has now made plans for a few weeks from now to go with the groomsmen and make a day of it and do dinner and drinks afterwards.  That, I won't be at.  I would ABSOLUTELY be there to select the vest and stuff.  I have the color lapis from David's Bridal but I didn't like the lapis at the tux place so I changed it to eggplant because I like the vest's texture better.

Jager1219

I went with my FI.  Although my FI has very good fashion sense, he often likes me to help choose outfits for him from time to time.  We both are really happy with what we chose.

vanityink

FI wanted me to come with him as well (he's in no way into fashion and wanted to make sure I'd be happy with what he picked. It was very sweet). Since it's men's warehouse, all the groomsmen are just going when they can to get measured in their respective cities (three live near us, then one's in NY and one's in CA.)

itzMS

Everyone above gave really good advice, so I'll just do my traditional list-format summary for ease of reading.

1. Show your FI some wedding menswear looks from bridal magazines, etc, if he's not sure what he likes
2. Read up on tuxedo/formalwear etiquette and match to the time of day/formality of your wedding
3. Depending on prices in your area, determine if you would like to rent tuxedos, buy tuxedos, buy suits, or have groom/groomsmen wear a suit they currently own

Key points to remember:
-The colors of the vests and/or ties do not have to match the bridesmaid dresses or even be in the same color family
-It's your FI's wedding, too. So let him wear what he'd like to wear within the proper etiquette guidelines.

-Let your FI decide if he'd like you to come along to the tux/suit shop
-Remember, that just like bridesmaids, if you're requiring anything out of the ordinary you and FI should purchase the item for the groomsmen. For example, specific blue ties or green shirts that are not otherwise a part of a rental package should be purchased for the groomsmen by the bride and groom.

MoniqueAbrahamsen

Thanks everyone! You all gave very good advice. Two of the groomsmen are very fashionable men who wear suits very frequently and they are looking forward to the whole tux experience.
I think I'll go with my FI to get ideas, pick out some options that he likes and then have the guys all go together for the fitting. I don't think their ties or vests have to match the bridesmaids. As long as it all comes together nicely.

And thank you CMGr for that verty helpful link!