Planning a wedding can be stressful; there are so many different things to think about and so many important decisions to make. Trying to decide between a tuxedo and a suit is one of the most important choices you’ll have to make about what you wear on your big day.
This decision might feel challenging, particularly if you’re unsure of wedding etiquette or even the difference between a suit and a tux. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help grooms make the right choice for their upcoming wedding. This guide will cover the difference between a wedding tuxedo and a suit, when to wear them, and how to decide.
What’s the difference between a tuxedo and a suit?
The main difference between a suit and a tuxedo is satin. A tuxedo jacket will have satin lapels and a satin stripe down the trouser leg. This satin detailing is usually black, even on different-coloured tuxedo jackets.
However, suits won’t feature any satin, and the lapels will be made from the same material as the rest of the suit. Tuxedos typically have satin-covered buttons, while suits have non-covered buttons.
Another difference between tuxedos and suits is that tuxedos are traditionally worn with a bowtie. However, suits can be worn with a bowtie, a long tie, or without any tie. The shawl lapel (the continuous fabric that curves around the jacket’s collar) is also unique to tuxedo jackets.
A tuxedo is considered more formal than a suit and is traditionally only worn at very formal evening events or occasions.
When to wear a tuxedo to a wedding
If you’re thinking about wearing a tuxedo to your wedding, there are some specific tuxedo rules for weddings that you need to know.
The most important rule to remember is that a tuxedo is the most formal attire a person can wear to a wedding. A tuxedo is also considered primarily formal evening wear. If your wedding is a semi-formal event or takes place during the day, then a tuxedo is probably not the most appropriate choice.
If you’re worried about investing a lot of money in a tuxedo that you might not be able to wear at future events, renting a tuxedo might be a better option. Whether to rent or buy a tuxedo for your wedding depends on your budget.
When to wear a suit to a wedding
Suits are a popular alternative to tuxedos for weddings, especially if the wedding is semi-formal, casual, or a daytime event.
There are loads of different styles, materials, and colours of suits, so you’ll definitely be able to find a suit that pairs perfectly with your wedding theme. Or if your wedding is formal with a black tie dress code, then a traditional dark suit can look just as stunning as a tux. There’s no reason why you have to wear a tuxedo as the groom if you don’t want to.
Tuxedo vs suit for wedding: how to decide
The short answer is that, as the groom, it’s entirely up to you whether to wear a suit or a tuxedo.
You should choose the option that suits your style and that you look the best in. If you want to stand out from your guests, wearing a tux is a great choice, even if the dress code isn’t black tie. Or if you want to invest in an elegant luxury suit that you can wear on other occasions, then a suit might be the better choice.
However, it’s still important to follow the guidelines above about when to wear a suit or tuxedo. If you’re planning a beach wedding in the middle of the day and the rest of your guests are dressed in smart casual, wearing a formal tux might not help you stand out in the right way.
It’s also wise to make sure that, as the groom, you’re dressed more formally or equally as formally as the rest of the wedding party. If you ask your guests to wear black tie, you should opt for a distinguished tux to complete the look of your elegant wedding.
How Phillip Alexander can help
If you’re still unsure whether a tuxedo or a suit is the right choice, we can help you decide.
Philip Alexander Bespoke Tailors are experts at dressing gentlemen. We’ve been crafting bespoke wedding suits for elegant grooms since 1876. We offer various tailoring services based in Savile Row in London and Cheshire. Phillip Alexander offers bespoke suits, semi-bespoke ‘made to measure’ suits, and tailored suit hire.
Bespoke suits
If you’re looking for a unique and once-in-a-lifetime suit or tuxedo for your wedding, our bespoke suit service is for you. Our tailored wedding suits and tuxedos ensure you’ll stand out from your guests on your special day.
This is an unparalleled experience that is the epitome of luxury. Our master tailor handcrafts all our bespoke suits in a process that takes several months to complete.
Made to measure suits
Made to measure suits are ideal if you want a stunning and well-fitting suit or tuxedo for your wedding for a lower price than our bespoke service. Our made to measure wedding suits and tuxedos have fewer fittings so that they can be ready in less than two months. We combine handcraft and machine work to create a high-end tailored suit that will look stunning at your upcoming wedding.
Luxury tailored suit hire
If you’re not ready to invest in a suit or tuxedo of your own, luxury tailored wedding suit hire might be the best option. All our hire suits and tuxedos involve several fittings to make sure they fit perfectly. You’ll also receive invaluable styling guidance from our tailor about whether a tux or suit is the best fit.
If you want to know more about our range of services or are still trying to decide if a tux or suit is the right choice for your wedding, contact us today to request an appointment.