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# 1 - Tuxedo or Not? Choices Today.
Grooms will be surprised by the scores of choices for tuxedos. Take a look at a few sites on the Internet before going to a tuxedo shop. Here are tips for what style of tuxedo compliments the groom’s body shape.
For the shorter groom, select a single-breasted tuxedo with one button. If the groom prefers a vest, stick with a low vest. Stay away from double-breasted coats and long tails. The vest should not be worn high.
For the stout groom, similar to the shorter groom, but he may want to stay away from the single-breasted with two or more buttons, and perhaps no vest.
For the tall groom, almost any tuxedo is exceptional.
If the groom is very thin, then wear the tuxedo with two or three buttons, and consider a double-breasted suit.
If you’re not sure what to select or short on time, or if many of the ushers will arrive from other cities, here’s a tip: all grooms and ushers look great in a classic black tuxedo—can’t go wrong.
Make the rental reservation about three months before the wedding. An important task is to delegate someone to return all the rented tuxedos to the shop (usually the next day or two)--a great job for the best man. Ask the shop about special rental packages. Many offer a free rental for the groom if the other party members rent from them. Most package deals include everything for the wedding party (even shoe rental).
The Trend for the 2005 Groom. A wide range of styles -- from extreme casual wear, such as linen pants and button-down silk shirt (not tucked in) for an outdoor event, to an upscale, fashionable or sophisticated business suit. Be different if it feels right to you.
# 2 - Usher Attire
Isn't great that your friends or relatives will be ushers (groomsmen) at your wedding? It's probable that this will be the first time they will wear a tuxedo. Help out by going with them to the tuxedo shop so they can be measured and suited. A hem here and a tuck there may be required. Make sure they have appropriate shoes to wear -- ask them if they prefer to rent a pair instead of buying a new pair. And don't forget about a pair of fine dress socks.
Review the rental requirements--that is, let them know when the tux must be returned to the shop so that extra fees aren't incurred. Delegate a trusted usher to pickup all the tuxedos from the shop and have that person call each of the other ushers to pickup their suit. Give that trusted usher full responsibility, such as taking inventory, paying the rental fee, making sure the other ushers return their suits in time.
# 3 - Selecting the Ushers
Having ushers in the wedding party is an option and the number of ushers depends on whether or not you want to have a small or large wedding. For a small wedding, you don't need to have ushers, just the best man, or you can have one or two. Why have them? You are probably planning a grand affair. Use Ushers to help in the planning and especially on the day of the wedding. Keep in mind, the more ushers, the more effort on your part to keep them organized. You don’t want to add to your stress—you want help from them. But the only way they can help is if you have a simple list of tasks for them. Some tasks may include seating guests, distributing maps to the reception, carrying gifts to a designated site, meeting with the band or DJ to review the events, transporting the grandparents, moving flowers to the reception, popping the champagne bottles if at a hall, preparing the send-off car, and delivering the suitcases to the honeymoon suite.
The 2006 Bride and Groom can chose a disproportionate number of bridesmaids and ushers. The attendants don’t have to walk arm-and-arm as a couple down the aisle. Some brides select two maids-of-honor, and the groom may also select two best men.
Selecting your ushers can be a challenge. Sometimes a bride wants her brother to be an Usher, but you have never been close to him and you prefer to have your best buddies on the team. Well, you will have to compromise and determine if any harm is done.
# 4 - The Toast
Here is a simple guideline for the person who will toast (always the Best Man, but others can contribute if the bride and groom agree). Here are some tips:
Nervous? If you drink alcohol socially, then have one drink to help you relax. If you don’t drink alcohol, then practicing the speech a couple of times takes the nervousness away.
Keep cards in your pocket with your “notes”.
Include the bride in the speech.
Thank the guests for their attention.
Smile throughout the speech.
Practice your speech at least three times before the wedding.
Ask for someone to listen to your speech and ask for their opinion.
If you have a story to tell, keep it short and sweet.
Here’s the don’ts:
Don’t prepare a speech that is so impersonal that you can plug any couples names in it.
Don’t wing it, unless you’re 100% confident this is one of your talents.
Take the time to create a meaningful speech.
Don’t tell a joke if you’re not a comedian. Especially don’t tell an inside joke that only you and the groom know the scoop. The guests will feel out of the loop.
Don’t have too many drinks that your voice slurs and most likely you will be captured on video.
Don’t get diarrhea of the mouth. The guests are ready to toast and anxious to move on to the next event.
Don’t forget to raise your glass and toast the newlyweds!
This strategy never fails: Be sincere and the speech will be a success.
# 5 - Preparing for the Wedding Day
Guys are simple. Shave, shower, and comb your hair. Be aware of the time. Get dressed and go. Just a couple of don’ts. Don’t party hard the night before --you want to look your best for the photos and your guests. Sure it might make a good story for later, but there’s no need to walk on a high wire right now. Don’t get overexposed from the sun while at a sporting event. Don’t get a haircut the day before the wedding; maybe one week is just right.
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