The first thing to do when looking for formal wear is get the groom involved in the choice. Everyone knows how important it is that the bride feels beautiful in her wedding gown -- well, the same goes for the groom! He needs to feel confident and comfortable in his tuxedo. Many men have never worn a tux before they were told to rent one for the ceremony. If he is pulling at his collar, tugging on his sleeves or limping from ill fitting shoes throughout the ceremony, he won't be able to concentrate on this important day. While the bride might have her heart set on black silk bow ties, if he feels silly, you need to find a compromise. Tuxedos are available in so many styles and colors, so you can surely find something you both can agree on.
Consider letting the groom and his best man start the initial search. To be sure, they will not approach this like you and your girlfriends would, but that's fine. Let them joke about five inch lapels and bright orange ruffled shirts. Once these two have selected a few styles, then go with them to hammer out the details. If your groom feels like a million bucks in a gray tux, but like a dressed-up penguin in a black one, you must honor his choice. Jacket styles, tie selection or the addition of accessories such as vests can alter the overall effect to match the tone of the wedding. For example, if you are planning a Christmas wedding in Macon, use silver accents in your flowers to compliment those gray suits. Find a gray tux with upscale accents such as satin lapels or a split-tailed jacket if your plans are more formal. For a summer garden themed wedding in Kirksville, agree on more casual two button tuxes and add vibrant yellow vests to match your sunflowers. The key here is compromise.
One way to get a general idea of available choices is to search sites such as The Villager On Broadway in Columbia. This will allow you two a peek at the different styles of formal wear. Then when you head out into the stores, you won't be arguing about cummerbunds or white jackets.
There are some basic do's and don'ts for tux rentals. Do make sure each man is fitted before he leaves the store with his tux. Mistakes happen and you don't need to find out everyone's pants are too short an hour before the ceremony. Do consider letting the men provide their own footwear. While you can specify black shoes with a shiny finish, don't punish these poor guys by making them wear ill fitting shoes through your entire ceremony. Pinched toes, slippery soles and blistered heals do not make for happy groomsmen.
While searching the web is a great place to start for basic tuxedo styles, you will need to plan on shopping for tuxes in person. Just like a bridal gown, what looks great on the model on the internet may not suit the groom. Make a day of modeling tuxes with lunch at a favorite spot and some non wedding chat. Ask your other wedding suppliers, such as your photographer or videographer for suggestions of reputable retailers. They could also advise you on complimentary colors for accessories which would photograph well.
Respecting the comfort of the groom and his attendants is a choice you will never regret. If the men feel confident and comfortable in their formal wear, that feeling will be reflected in every other aspect of the wedding.