What is the best way to communicate with the groomsmen and best man regarding tuxedos? How do most men respond best - by an email note, a phone call, or meeting in person to discuss?
Formal wear, when done correctly, must still be done the old fashion way; face-to-face. A consultation with the Bride and Groom is still the most important part of getting it right. To be deemed a Formal Wear Specialist, the bride should be able to view how her groom will look BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY. Usually, no final selection can be made without the bride and rightfully so. Only the bride knows what formal wear will properly coordinate with the theme of her gown, whether it will be formal-traditional, contemporary or a custom application. Once the selection has been made, computers take over and properly match the appropriate outfit to the role of the best man, the groomsmen, ring bearer, fathers, uncles and guests.
For over 25 successful years, we have been relying on the wedding couple to distribute the information to their wedding party and family members, once the wedding is registered with us. We find that by doing this, it includes them in the fitting process and gives added leverage to getting the guys in to be measured in a timely fashion. Of course we offer support via our customer service department but the added personalization and communication between the person that booked the wedding and the bride/groom throughout the process insures the men will be in, with plenty of time to spare. Also, the added advantage of the couple dealing with a Specialist and our inventory, it's easier to handle last minute fittings and necessary switches done on the fly, should the need arise. With today's realities and people living in a wide area, it is most advantageous to have the process centralized in the location of the event. We find it's easier to match styling and coordinate accessories, gather the group together for final fittings and eliminate potential pitfalls. The tuxedo shop has also grown to become the meeting place, on the way to the rehearsal dinner. Another feature has become popular, where a designated person returns all the outfits after the event.
How does a couple figure out the style of tuxedo? What if the groom has very different ideas than the bride? What is your advice on negotiating as a couple?
Our consultation and Fashion Show for the bride usually takes an hour, sometimes longer. As part of the process, no groom leaves the showroom without trying on a complete outfit. From tails to classic looks and everything in between, we rule out what does not appeal to the couple by process of elimination. Our seasoned professionals always start the selection process by discussing the wedding theme; the venue, the colors and overall feel. They ask whether the wedding will be going past six in the evening, the modern day and accepted break point for the proper use of tails. If the wedding is over by 4 in the afternoon, a Cutaway could be an option for the formal daytime event . A Stroller is appropriate for a semi-formal, Daytime theme. We find that displaying the options and allowing the couple to select at their own pace, there are less overall problems created than if they're asked to look at stuffy mannequins. We do not understand how anyone could ever be asked to look at a catalog and not know how the groom will look on the day of the event, BEFORE the event. We ask anyone that will listen, would the bride ever select her gown through a book and never try it on?
In the current economy, are more grooms helping pay for tuxedos if they chose an expensive tuxedo they want their men to wear?
The answer is yes. Currently, 1800mytuxes is working with financial institutions to expedite new and innovative ways for the couple to help pay for their wedding party's outfits. As a result of the current economic crisis, tuxedo rental prices are declining. The information gathered from our network was recently published in "The Wedding Report" earlier this year. The price of complete tuxedo rentals are expected to dip below the hundred dollar mark by year's end, for the first time since 2003.
What is your best advice to brides, who may be dealing with a procrastinating groom AND procrastinating best man/groomsmen?
With such a big step and test of responsibility associated with marriage, it could be a good time to set a new standard. No one likes rules and regulations but they are a fact of life. We have often and effectively assisted the bride, with her consent of course, in contacting the men in her party and encouraging them to step it up. We simply point to the honor it is to be included in such a special event and how important it will be years from now, not to have added undue stress to the already stressed couple's day. It's basic, 101 courtesy and are hopefully reinforcing what they were taught by their parents when they were little. It could be called a mini refresher course. Most often, the bride is relieved when her vendors take a proactive approach, stepping in to assist.
Special Thanks to 1800mytuxes for their helpful information.
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