If You're the Groom
The best way to feel comfortable at any formal occasion is to bring along a friend. Your best bet is to ask someone who has tuxedo shopped before to go with you. Your father, the best man or an already-married brother or cousin are all good choices. Just be sure to select a person who will give you some breathing room and will provide honest feedback on the tuxedos you try on. Another option is your fiancée. She can be particularly helpful in matching your look to the style and attitude of her wedding dress. Consider all possibilities and make a day trip of it; stop at a great Maine eatery and sample the clams before heading for home. You'll be making great memories along with completing a pre-wedding task.If You're the Support System
The groom has asked you to come along on his tuxedo buying venture. Be honored; he wouldn't have invited you if he didn't value your opinion and your company. Your job is to be supportive, not too intrusive and to offer an honest opinion. Be tactful, but if something is very awry with your friend's formal wear, it's up to you to speak up.Follow the groom's lead on where he wants to go and what he wishes to do, and try to relax him during the process. Many individuals, both male and female, feel slightly intimidated in a formal wear store. No matter how many upscale events he may have been to in the past, this is one ceremony that has heartfelt meaning for your friend. So be on hand to offer sincere, polite advice and to bolster his confidence.
Finding a Shop
Maine natives should have no trouble pinpointing the best spots for wedding tuxedos. If you're still uncertain, ask friends or family members. One is bound to know of the best place to get fitted for your tuxedo. Or thumb through the Yellow Pages and take a few trips in order to find the shop that makes you most comfortable and offers a great selection.If you don't live in Maine, your search might be a bit harder. Don't despair; there's help everywhere you look -- from your wedding coordinator to the internet. If you and your fiancée have enlisted the help of a wedding coordinator for your Maine destination wedding, ask him or her for referrals on great formal wear shops. You can also try the location where your fiancée purchased her gown if the store offers both bridal and groom's wear. And don't discount the internet. Try sites like Maine Wedding Shows for listings.
Dressed to Thrill
The style this season is fewer buttons and a single-breasted tuxedo jacket. Try just one button for the hottest and most "daring" look. If you prefer a more traditional look, double-breasted jackets with longer tails make for a classic cut that never goes out of style. Try to avoid light colors, pastels and white; you'll be doomed to a going-to-a-disco-prom appearance as you walk down the aisle. Instead, stick with grays (charcoal to medium), blacks and very slender pinstripes, if desired.Always be sure to dress for your shape. In general, taller men can wear more fabric; average to shorter height males should pare down a bit in order not to look overwhelmed in the tux. If you'd like to add the appearance of height to your silhouette, go for somewhat shorter tails, a shorter cut jacket and a single color and style from the jacket to the slacks. Let the staff at your Maine formal wear store help guide you in this process, and listen to your well-chosen companions if you've brought some along. You'll wind up with a wedding tuxedo that truly fits your style.
