Here’s the deal, we all want to look good at our weddings, the problem is that since there are so many times of jackets and tux looks, it’s hard to know when to wear certain jackets, and what’s considered too formal for the time of day. The wingmen got the breakdown for you below. Please note, we’re not going to have a trouser section for this blog, your trouser color should match your jacket color, with that out of the way, let’s go!

Key: Daytime, Nightime, formal, informal

Jackets

Tuxedo, a.k.a. “The Tux”

This can be found at both formal and semi-formal events. Single breasted tux range from one to four buttons up front while double breasted tuxes have two to six button fronts. Keep in mind there are also three types of lapels: peaked, notched, or shawl.

Full dress, aka tails/tailcoats

This is worn at most formal evening weddings. There are two to six buttons up front and two tails in the back.

Mandarin, aka Nehru Jacket/Mao Jacket

Worn with the mandarin collared shirt, this has a stand up collar and no lapel. ( This way you won’t have to wear a tie)

Stroller Coat

Sometimes confused with a tuxedo, these are highly recommended to be worn early on in the day.

Cutaway aka morning coat

For daytime weddings, most grooms will wear a cutaway coat that is short in the front, long in the back. Highly recommend wearing striped trousers with either a black or gray coat.

Lapels

Notched Lapel

Has a triangular indention collar where the lapel meets the collar. (This is the least formal ) * Night or Day

Shawl collar

These are smooth rounded lapels with no notches in them,you will see them most on tuxedos and or dinner jackets.

Peaked Lapel

V-shaped lapel worn in the morning. Found mostly on double breasted jackets.

Shirt Collars

Wing Collar

Most formal collar, worn with tuxedo jackets

Crosswyck

You don’t see it as frequently, it is fastened with a button.

Mandarin Collar

Stands up around the neck and is the most contemporary style tuxedo shirt. Again, you don’t have to wear a tie with this collar

Spread collar

This is essentially your standard button-front shirt, because there is a wider gap between the collar points at the front

Neck Wear

Bow-tie

Wear this with the classic tux.

Necktie

Highly recommend you go with something in silver, black, or dark blue so that it fits your tux if you go this route.

Ascot Tie

Wide and formal, this tie can be fastened with stickpin or a tie tack. Recommend wearing this with a striped gray trousers *** Day

Bolo tie

Proceed with caution, we’ve seen it done, but if she wants it, she’s got it. * DAY TIME

Euro Tie

Long ties with a square bottom. A cross between the classy ascot and your regular necktie.