An engagement can be an exciting but often busy time in the life of a couple. Many couples may begin their wedding planning journey by discussing what their visions are for their big day. Other couples may already have a clear vision in mind. They may begin to shape this vision into a reality for their wedding together. Of course, the big decisions are often: The Date, The Venue(s), The Guest List, and The Budget. Once those are set, couples start to think of the finer details such as the bridal party, photographers, and what they will wear. Have you thought of a custom tux?

For traditional bridal dresses, most brides are advised to order a dress 8-12 months in advance. Shopping for a dress is a staple event in traditional, North American wedding culture. However, when picking a tux, the rules seem a lot more fluid and less widely known. For many weddings, the tuxes or suit decisions are made at the last moment in lieu of planning bigger, and more exciting portions of the wedding.

Photos and videos offer some of the lasting memories of your special day. Your suit or tux selection will be featured prominently. Not just on the day of your wedding, but also on your “thank you” cards, and social media profiles. It will also hang in your house for years to come.

We would suggest that planning for your custom tux or suit look, should start roughly 6 months in advance or earlier. This means, if you are getting married in July - September, you should probably start thinking about your suits/tuxes in February – April. This will allow time for research on where you can find the outfit you have in mind. The styling of your suit/tux, and the colour palette that will complement the rest of the bridal party’s outfit. It also allows ample time for sizing and any final alterations without stress.

1. ATTEND A FIRST CONSULTATION AS A COUPLE

The biggest error we see when someone comes in to buy a wedding suit is, they do not understand the look of the day. We often hear, 'My fiancée purchased a dress, I think she *maybe* said it wasn’t totally white and she wants me to wear a tuxedo or a black suit,' or, “I am supposed to buy a navy suit”. It’s easy to see how that train can fall off the tracks quickly.

We always encourage the couple to come together for an initial consultation. They can talk to us about the vision that they have for their day. They can show us photos of flowers, photography, venues, colour palette, etc. We then use all this information to help ensure everyone feels confident. Also, that the outfit(s) are in keeping with the vision for the day.

2. GET THE PEOPLE EXCITED!

Once you have had your initial custom tux consultation, it is time for everyone to get excited about the suit you will design. When people are excited about the clothing that they are wearing, that translates into excitement for the day. That excitement carries through to the photos and the dance floor.

Often in the initial consultation, we will encourage the couple to pick a detail that each person can customize. They can make their outfit their own while still maintaining the overall uniform look of the wedding. Some suggestions are a completely customized memory liner (made from your own photos), a special monogram, or a little something dangerous on the back of the dress shirt or under the cuff, or inside the collar.

3. MAKE GETTING THE CUSTOM TUX AN EVENT TO REMEMBER

Just like choosing the perfect dress, getting fitted for a custom tux can be a great night out for the wedding party. After the initial consultation, we encourage the wedding party to come as a group. They get measured, shoot some pool, and make an afternoon or evening of it.

Again, getting excited and engaged in the process will lead to a better atmosphere, and overall cohesiveness of the big day. If your wedding party is geographically dispersed, we suggest having the out-of-town people join us virtually. Many times, a wedding party may consist of the most important people from different parts of your life. The wedding party fitting is a great chance for all these people to get to know each other prior to the rehearsal dinner/big day in a low-stress, relaxed environment.

ABOUT JEFF ALPAUGH CUSTOM: Uptown Waterloo’s trusted source for custom clothing and alterations, specializing in wedding suits, tuxedos, and shirts, with 10 years of industry experience outfitting men and women.

Featured in the Spring/Summer 2023 edition of The Wedding Ring Magazine

EXPERT TIP BY: Jeff Alpaugh, Jeff Alpaugh Custom (♥) (jeffalpaugh.com

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JEFF ALPAUGH CUSTOM | To speak with Jeff Alpaugh Custom about your wedding options, you can reach them using the form below.