Tuxedo vs. Suit: What’s the Difference? A Guide for Your Wedding
When planning a wedding, there are plenty of decisions to make, from the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses to the flowers, venue, and of course, what the groom and groomsmen will wear.
One question we hear often at Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique in Watertown, Wisconsin is:
What is the difference between a tuxedo and a suit?
While tuxedos and suits can both look polished and stylish for a wedding, there are some important differences between the two. The right choice depends on your wedding style, level of formality, venue, time of day, and the overall look you want for your wedding day.
At Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique, we offer both tuxedo and suit rentals through DuBois Formalwear, giving Wisconsin couples plenty of options when creating their wedding day look.
What Is a Tuxedo?
A tuxedo is traditionally considered the more formal option. Tuxedos are commonly associated with black tie events, formal evening weddings, and classic wedding styles.
One of the easiest ways to recognize a tuxedo is by the satin details.
Tuxedo jackets
A tuxedo jacket typically features satin on the lapel. Depending on the style, you may see a peak lapel, shawl collar, or notch lapel.
Tuxedo jackets may also have satin covered buttons, adding another formal detail to the overall look.
Tuxedo shirts and accessories
A tuxedo is traditionally worn with a formal dress shirt and bow tie. Depending on the style, the look can also include a vest or suspenders, cufflinks, a pocket square, and formal shoes.
The result is a classic, sophisticated look that works beautifully for a formal wedding.
What Is a Suit?
A suit is a little more versatile than a tuxedo and can work for a wide variety of wedding styles.
A traditional suit consists of a matching jacket and pants made from the same fabric, color, or pattern. Unlike a tuxedo, the lapel is generally made from the same material as the rest of the jacket and does not feature satin.
Suit pants typically have belt loops and can be worn with a belt or suspenders.
Suits can also be paired with a variety of dress shirts, long ties, bow ties, pocket squares, and shoes. This gives you plenty of opportunities to create a look that fits your personality and wedding style.
Tuxedo vs. Suit: What Is the Difference?
The biggest difference between a tuxedo and a suit is formality and detailing.
Here is a simple comparison:
Tuxedos have satin detail on the lapel and covered buttons. Suits have neither of these details.
The difference may seem subtle at first, but those details can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your wedding party.
Should the Groom Wear a Tuxedo or a Suit?
There is no single right answer.
The best choice depends on the type of wedding you are planning and the look you want to create.
Choose a tuxedo if you want a formal, classic look
A tuxedo may be the perfect choice if you are planning:
A formal evening wedding
A black tie wedding
A ballroom or elegant venue
A classic or traditional wedding
A wedding with a sophisticated, upscale feel
A classic black tuxedo is timeless, but today's tuxedo styles are not limited to black. Modern formalwear can include different colors, textures, and jacket styles.
Choose a suit if you want a more flexible look
A suit may be a better fit if you are planning:
A daytime wedding
An outdoor wedding
A rustic or barn wedding
A relaxed or casual celebration
A modern wedding
A wedding where you want more color options
Suits give you plenty of flexibility when it comes to colors, patterns, shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories.
That flexibility can make it easier to coordinate the groom and groomsmen with the bridesmaid dresses and overall wedding colors.
Does the Groom Have to Match the Groomsmen?
Not necessarily.
The groom can wear a slightly different tuxedo or suit while still coordinating with the rest of the wedding party.
For example, the groom might wear a different colored jacket, a different vest, a different tie, or a slightly different style while the groomsmen wear coordinating looks.
This is a great way to make the groom stand out in wedding photos without making the entire wedding party look mismatched.
The goal is not necessarily for everyone to look identical. Instead, the goal is for the entire wedding party to look coordinated.
Can You Wear a Suit to a Formal Wedding?
Yes, depending on the dress code and the overall level of formality.
A suit can be an excellent choice for many weddings, but if your invitation specifically says black tie, a tuxedo is generally the more appropriate choice.
If you are unsure, consider the venue, time of day, wedding style, and dress code when making your decision.
And if you are still not sure, that is exactly what your formalwear appointment is for.
Can You Wear a Tuxedo to a Less Formal Wedding?
You can, but you may want to consider whether it fits the overall feel of the wedding.
A tuxedo can certainly be worn for a wedding that is not technically black tie. Some couples simply love the polished, formal appearance of a tuxedo and want their wedding party dressed accordingly.
Your wedding day is about your personal style, so if you love the way you look in a tuxedo, that matters too.
How Do You Choose the Right Wedding Formalwear?
Instead of starting with the question, "Should we wear tuxedos or suits?" start by thinking about your wedding as a whole.
Consider:
1. What is your wedding venue?
A formal ballroom may lend itself to a classic tuxedo, while an outdoor garden wedding may work beautifully with a suit.
That does not mean you have to follow a rule. It simply gives you a starting point.
2. What time of day is your wedding?
Evening weddings often lean toward more formal attire, while daytime weddings can offer more flexibility.
3. What is your wedding dress style?
The groom's attire should complement the overall wedding aesthetic.
A formal wedding gown and elegant ballroom wedding may pair beautifully with a classic tuxedo. A simple wedding dress and relaxed outdoor celebration may pair well with a modern suit.
4. What are your wedding colors?
Your formalwear does not have to match the bridesmaid dresses exactly.
Instead, think about coordinating colors and textures.
At Sandra D's, we can help you look at suit and tuxedo options alongside the rest of your wedding vision so everything feels cohesive.
5. What feels most like you?
This might be the most important question.
If you have always pictured yourself wearing a tuxedo on your wedding day, go for it.
If a suit feels more comfortable and more like your personal style, that is a great choice too.
Your wedding day should feel like you.
What Tuxedo and Suit Options Are Available at Sandra D's?
At Sandra D's Bridal Boutique, we offer a variety of tuxedo and suit rental styles through DuBois Formalwear.
Options can range from classic formal tuxedos to modern suits in a variety of colors and styles.
Our formalwear selection can include looks such as:
Classic black tuxedos
Modern suits
Navy and blue tuxedos & suits
Gray and charcoal tuxedos & suits
Tan and neutral suits
Different vest and tie combinations
Bow ties and long ties
This gives you the opportunity to create a wedding day look that fits your personality instead of simply choosing the first tuxedo or suit you see.
When Should You Choose Your Wedding Tuxedos or Suits?
We recommend selecting your tuxedo or suit styles about 4 to 6 months before your wedding.
This is when you can decide on the overall style, color, and accessories for the wedding party.
Measurements are generally taken closer to the wedding, around 2 to 3 months before the wedding. Measuring closer to the wedding helps provide more accurate sizing.
For groomsmen who live out of town, they do not necessarily need to travel to Watertown for measurements. Because sizing is universal, they can be professionally measured at a formalwear store near them and provide those measurements to Sandra D's.
When the formalwear arrives, typically 2 to 3 days before the wedding, we recommend coming into the boutique for a final try on to make sure everything fits properly before the big day.
Why Choose Sandra D's for Wedding Tuxedo and Suit Rentals?
Since 1989, Sandra D's Bridal Boutique has helped Wisconsin couples create their wedding day looks. What started as a bridal boutique eventually grew into a full service boutique offering wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, alterations, and men's formalwear.
Today, we offer tuxedo and suit rentals through DuBois Formalwear right here in downtown Watertown.
Our goal is to make choosing your wedding formalwear simple and personal.
Appointments are required so we can give you the attention you deserve while helping you choose styles, colors, and accessories for your wedding party.
Complete tuxedo and suit rentals are currently $213 -$228, and the groom's tuxedo is free with six paid complete rentals.
Tuxedo or Suit: Which One Is Right for Your Wedding?
At the end of the day, there is no universal answer to whether a tuxedo or suit is better.
A tuxedo is a great choice when you want a more formal, classic, sophisticated look.
A suit is a great choice when you want flexibility, color options, and a look that can range from polished and formal to relaxed and modern.
The most important thing is choosing a look that fits your wedding and feels like you.
And if you are still deciding, you do not have to figure it out alone.
At Sandra D's Bridal Boutique in Watertown, Wisconsin, our team can help you compare tuxedo and suit styles, coordinate your wedding party, and create a polished look that works beautifully with the rest of your wedding day.
Ready to find the right wedding tuxedo or suit?
Schedule your formalwear appointment at Sandra D's Bridal Boutique in downtown Watertown, Wisconsin. We proudly serve couples from Watertown, Jefferson, Beaver Dam, Lake Mills, Fort Atkinson, Oconomowoc, Madison, Milwaukee, and surrounding Wisconsin communities.
Your wedding day should look like you. Let's make sure the guys' attire does too.
