Choosing the right tuxedo color for your wedding day is an important decision that requires some thought and consideration. The tux is a central part of the groom’s outfit, and the color you choose will set the tone for your wedding’s aesthetic. Here are some tips on how to select the best tuxedo color for your special day.
Think About Your Venue and Overall Wedding Theme
The venue and theme of your wedding should play a big role in choosing a tux color. Consider the following:
- A black or midnight blue tuxedo is classic and formal, making it well-suited for ballroom or hotel venues.
- Tan, light grey or ivory tuxedos pair nicely with beach, garden or barn venues.
- If your wedding has a specific color scheme, think about coordinating or complementing that color with your tux.
- Vintage-inspired weddings may call for a patterned jacket or vest.
- Outdoor mountain or woodsy weddings can be complemented with an earth tone tux.
Use your wedding vision as a guide when narrowing down tuxedo colors. The goal is for the tux to enhance the overall look and feel you’re trying to create.
Consider Your Complexion and Hair/Eye Color
Along with the wedding theme, your individual coloring should help guide your tux color selection. Here are some recommendations based on common complexions and features:
| Complexion/Features | Recommended Tux Colors |
|---|---|
| Fair skin, blonde/red hair, blue/green eyes | Light to medium grey, tan, navy blue |
| Olive skin, dark hair, dark eyes | Black, midnight blue, charcoal grey |
| Darker skin, black hair | Pure white, bright blue, maroon |
| Warm skin undertones | Ivory, camel, light brown |
| Cool skin undertones | Grey, light blue, slate blue |
The goal is to complement your skin, hair and eye color with tuxedo shades that enhance your natural features.
Consider the Wedding Party’s Attire
It’s important that the groom’s tuxedo coordinate with what the groomsmen, bridesmaids and bride will be wearing. Follow these guidelines:
- Match tux color with groomsmen for a cohesive look.
- Complement the bridesmaids’ dresses with a similar or contrasting hue.
- Avoid matching the bride’s white dress too closely.
Discuss colors with your bridal party and look at fabric swatches together. Make sure your tuxedo color complements your guests of honor.
Traditional Black and White
The traditional black and white tuxedo is a classic choice that always works:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Timelessly elegant | – Lacks originality |
| – Flattering on most | – Severe and somber for some |
| – Match with any color scheme | – Boring to some |
| – Easy to coordinate | – Too predictable |
The black and white tux is a safe choice that’s versatile enough for any wedding.
Navy Blue
Navy blue tuxedos offer an alternative to basic black while still looking formal and elegant:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – As classic as black but more striking | – Limited shade variety; hard to match navy |
| – Pairs well with diverse color schemes | – Not as formal as black |
| – Compliments diverse complexions | – Doesn’t stand out as much for night weddings |
| – Distinctive and memorable | – Can photograph as black in dim lighting |
Overall, navy blue is slightly edgier than black but just as timeless.
Light Grey
Light grey tuxedos offer a modern, stylish look for the modern groom:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Fashion forward | – Too casual and informal for some |
| – Youthful vibe | – Difficult to keep clean |
| – Good for daytime, garden/beach weddings | – Not as traditional or formal |
| – Distinctive color | – Can look dull in dim lighting |
Light grey suits the nontraditional groom looking for something more unique and modern.
Ivory/Cream
Ivory or cream tuxedos offer a warm, elegant look:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Warmer and softer than white | – Hard to pair with some color schemes |
| – Complements warm skin tones | – Can get dirty easily |
| – Fits summer/beach theme | – Too close to bride’s white dress |
| – Chic color for events | – Not as formal as darker colors |
Ivory can give off a warm, relaxed vibe perfect for summer and beach weddings. Just be wary of looking too close to the bride’s white dress color.
Brown/Tan
For a unique earthy look, consider a brown or tan tuxedo:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Earthy, natural color | – Too casual for some |
| – Great for outdoor weddings | – Limited options; hard to match shades |
| – Distinctive, memorable look | – Can photograph drab or dirty |
| – Informal vibe | – Not as formal as other colors |
Brown and tan tuxedos give off a rugged, earthy vibe perfect for laid-back outdoor weddings.
Tips for Accessorizing Your Tux
Once you’ve selected the jacket and pants, complete the tuxedo look with elegant accessories:
- Tie/Bow Tie: Match colors and patterns to the bridesmaid dresses. Silver, navy and maroon work well with most tux colors.
- Vest/Cummerbund: Gray, navy and maroon are versatile neutral options. Or match bridesmaid colors.
- Shoes: Black is classic. Brown leather adds a casual touch.
- Socks: Mid-calf dress socks in a color matching the vest or bow tie.
- Cuff Links/Buttons: Silver, glass or mother of pearl complement different looks.
- Pocket Square: White, patterned or colored silk pocket squares add flair.
Finishing touches like cuff links, pocket squares and fancy footwear complete the stylish wedding day tux.
Where to Buy Your Wedding Tux
You can find tuxedos in different price ranges from these sources:
| Tuxedo Retailers | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Department stores (Macy’s, Nordstrom) | $$ |
| Rental stores (Men’s Wearhouse) | $ |
| Suit shops | $$$ |
| Online (The Black Tux, Generation Tux) | $-$$ |
| Custom tailor | $$$ |
Try on different styles and colors to see which tuxedo looks and feels best for your big day.
How Far in Advance to Buy/Rent Your Tux
If renting a tux, reserve it 2-3 months in advance for the best selection. If purchasing, buy it 6-8 months ahead to allow for tailoring time. Here are general tuxedo purchase/rental timelines:
| Months Prior | Tuxedo Task |
|---|---|
| 10-12 months | Start researching tux styles and colors |
| 9-10 months | Select tux color and start looking at specific styles |
| 6-8 months | Purchase/order tux |
| 4-5 months | Schedule first fitting – check size, proportions and tailoring |
| 2-3 months | Schedule final fitting to pick up finished tailored tux |
| 2 weeks before | Rent tux if going rental route |
Leave plenty of lead time for ordering, tailoring and customizing your dream wedding tux.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect tuxedo color and style for your wedding day is a fun way to express your personality and style. Consider the season and formality of your wedding along with your own coloring and complexion when selecting a tux shade. Look for colors and fabrics that coordinate well with your venue, wedding party outfits and color scheme. Feel free to break with tradition by playing with unique colors like navy, grey, tan or patterned details. Just be sure to choose colors that photograph well. The most important thing is picking a tuxedo you feel great wearing that enhances the overall joy of your special day.