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Eclectic look for the boys?

AngelaReneeClaireAngelaReneeClaire member
10 Comments First Anniversary
in Attire & Accessories Forum
I'm getting started on figuring out the attire for the guys side of things. I think I have an idea of what I'd like (with FI's input in mind), but I'm not sure how to go about achieving the look, because it's not the normal suit or tux.

Here are my inspiration photos found on Pinterest. I'd like to take elements from each of them to get what I'm going for.

First: FI and groomsmen would like vests. I like the rolled up sleeves and the groom set apart with the colors he's wearing.

Second: I like the eclectic look. Different patterned ties, slacks, etc. Probably even different vests would be okay.


Here's what I'm thinking. 
- My dress is an off white/cream color, so I'd go for the same color for their button downs. 
- Neutral colored slacks and dress shoes. (Should I specify more than that?)
- Trying to decide on gray or brown vests. Could I give them both options and it could add to the eclectic look? Or would that be too much going on?
- Bow ties vs neck ties? They will be different patterns and shades of green. 

Because I don't need them to all be matching and the look I'm going for probably wont be found in a place like Men's Warehouse, how should I suggest the guys find pieces for their attire? Just shop around department stores? Should I send them links online? Goodwill? lol.

What do you think? I'd appreciate your advice/opinions!
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Re: Eclectic look for the boys?

  • itzMSitzMS member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers First Anniversary
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_eclectic-look-for-the-boys?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:b8789715-bd33-4a6a-b494-14317abecaf7Post:657f18e7-ba4d-4900-a667-1604dd5908cc">Eclectic look for the boys?</a>:
    [QUOTE]. Here's what I'm thinking.  - My dress is an off white/cream color, so I'd go for the same color for their button downs.
    <strong>Let them wear a normal white shirt. Off-white shirts are difficult to find and don't serve much purpose outside of your wedding. So if you really want them, you'll have to purchase them for the groomsmen. Their shirts don't need to match your dress.
    </strong>  - Neutral colored slacks and dress shoes. (Should I specify more than that?)
    <strong>Have your FI tell them "any gray or black dress pants and shoes"
    </strong>- Trying to decide on gray or brown vests. Could I give them both options and it could add to the eclectic look? Or would that be too much going on?
     <strong>I wouldn't require the vest. Again, unless you want to purchase it. Your FI could suggest to the groomsmen that they can wear a vest if they'd like
     </strong>- Bow ties vs neck ties? They will be different patterns and shades of green. 
    <strong>If you're not concerned if they are matching, then tell the groomsmen that any green tie will do. To further belabor my point, you must purchase the ties if you request something specific
    </strong> Because I don't need them to all be matching and the look I'm going for probably wont be found in a place like Men's Warehouse, how should I suggest the guys find pieces for their attire? Just shop around department stores? Should I send them links online? Goodwill? lol.
    <strong>Men know how to find clothes. You don't need to provide suggestions.</strong>
    What do you think? I'd appreciate your advice/opinions!
    <strong>I tend to prefer that men wear a suit at weddings. I'm not a fan of the casual look.</strong>
    Posted by AngelaReneeClaire[/QUOTE]
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  • bunni727bunni727 member
    Fifth Anniversary 1000 Comments 250 Love Its First Answer
    They probably already have a shirt that would work. I would be pretty specific, just to make them more comfortable when shopping. Maybe ask them to please wear a gray vest and pants with a green neck tie in any pattern. You could set your FI apart by having him wear a bow tie.
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  • Sara G to beSara G to be member
    100 Comments

    FI and his boys are all going shopping together. I predict they will take a couple of shopping trips because I know all of them really well and it will turn into video game/ electrocic stores and auto stores. I don't really care how long it takes them as long as they get it done. FI has very specific suit requests and all the guys are good with it. I trust FI to pick something nice plus we have looked at things we both like. Maybe they can do a little shopping together? I like the vest look and want it for our wedding, but one of the guys has a big ole belly and will not look good in a vest so we are thinking of just FI wearing it.

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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] member
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    I agree with pp, let them wear white button down shirts, they should all have one in their closet & if they don't they should get one. Same for pants, tell them a specific color but if they are different styles of pants & shades of that color, no big deal. Again, most men should have tan or black dress pants in their closets. You can do suspenders & vest, gives different photo ops, but I think vests for ceremony would look better. I'm more of fan myself of ties, because with the look you seem to be going for, if they don't have a perfect tie & it's hanging a little lose it will still look good. If you want, gift the ties to make sure they all have green ties in the cool funky style you are thinking of & then you know they won't come with the same tie either. What color vest depends on what color pants. If you go tan pants, brown vest, black pants, gray vest & maybe put FI in black vest to make him stand out as groom. For shopping, if there not guys who are normally into fashion, do some scoping out of what stores carry vests & just give them a list of stores to go to. Make sure you include places like Target if they carry what you like.
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  • AngelaReneeClaireAngelaReneeClaire member
    10 Comments First Anniversary
    edited March 2013

    Okay itzMS, I'm confused. Am I not allowed to ask them to wear anything that they don't already own? Why is it okay for a BM to buy her own dress, or a GM to rent a suit, but not ask them to purchase a vest? 

    Some clarification would be grand.
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  • itzMSitzMS member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers First Anniversary
    edited March 2013
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_eclectic-look-for-the-boys?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:b8789715-bd33-4a6a-b494-14317abecaf7Post:410cd13c-1029-4758-9859-e314d92207cf">Re: Eclectic look for the boys?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Okay itzMS, I'm confused. Am I not allowed to ask them to wear anything that they don't already own? Why is it okay for a BM to buy her own dress, or a GM to rent a suit, but not ask them to purchase a vest?  Some clarification would be grand.
    Posted by AngelaReneeClaire[/QUOTE]

    BM dresses and tux/suit rentals are considered "normal" and "expected" bridal party attire. So long as what you select is within the WP's budgets, this is fine.

    Any time you start to require the purchase things like <em>specific</em> shoes, ties, vests, etc...it's really more of an inconvenience to the bridal party and you should offer to purchase them.

    If you say "Guys, we'd like you to wear any black/grey dress pants, black dress shoes, white dress shirt, and a tie with green in it", that's fine.
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  • AngelaReneeClaireAngelaReneeClaire member
    10 Comments First Anniversary
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_eclectic-look-for-the-boys?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:b8789715-bd33-4a6a-b494-14317abecaf7Post:53ef5831-720b-4ba5-8b8a-7571cf345016">Re: Eclectic look for the boys?</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Eclectic look for the boys? : BM dresses and tux/suit rentals are considered "normal" and "expected" bridal party attire. So long as what you select is within the WP's budgets, this is fine. Any time you start to require the purchase things like specific shoes, ties, vests, etc...it's really more of an inconvenience to the bridal party and you should offer to purchase them. If you say "Guys, we'd like you to wear any black/grey dress pants, black dress shoes, white dress shirt, and a tie with green in it", that's fine.
    Posted by itzMS[/QUOTE]

    <div> I seeee. Thanks for the reply! I'll definitely keep that in mind.</div>
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  • AngelaReneeClaireAngelaReneeClaire member
    10 Comments First Anniversary
    I am wearing a full length dress for the ceremony. No veil. Switching to a short dress for the reception. The BMs will be wearing short dresses of their choice. 

    It's going to be outside, in August. Only semi formal. I feel like a jacket would be hot and overkill. But I get where you all are coming from, so I'll definitely re-evaluate things. 

    Also I agree, they probably all have dress shirts and pants that would work. I wont micro-manage that. I had also already considered doing the ties as gifts, so I think that'll be the plan.

    You guys are so helpful. :)

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  • ViczaesarViczaesar member
    Ninth Anniversary 5000 Comments 500 Love Its First Answer
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_eclectic-look-for-the-boys?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:b8789715-bd33-4a6a-b494-14317abecaf7Post:19e730a4-2536-4dde-94d0-a6bb8bd8cdfb">Re: Eclectic look for the boys?</a>:
    [QUOTE]I am wearing a full length dress for the ceremony. No veil. Switching to a short dress for the reception. The BMs will be wearing short dresses of their choice.  It's going to be outside, in August. Only semi formal. I feel like a jacket would be hot and overkill. But I get where you all are coming from, so I'll definitely re-evaluate things.  Also I agree, they probably all have dress shirts and pants that would work. I wont micro-manage that. I had also already considered doing the ties as gifts, so I think that'll be the plan. You guys are so helpful. :)
    Posted by AngelaReneeClaire[/QUOTE]


    Buying the ties would not count as a gift. Gifts should not be for use in your wedding. That's really a gift to yourself to create the look you want.



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