THE GROOM

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Although a grooms options of attire are more limited than those of his lovely bride's, he will still need to make a few important decisions.

Wedding formalwear, can be
separated into three categories:

Formal...afternoon weddings are formal.
Suggested attire - the classic black tie or
tuxedo. Also appropriate are white or ivory
dinner jackets, worn with black pants
trimmed with grosgrain or satin ribbon, a bow tie, and vest or cummerbund.

Semiformal...suggested attire - tuxedo or dinner jackets, livened up with a dash of color in the tie, vest or cumerbund, and suspenders. also accetable, some formalwear stores now offer a colorful variety of jackets and vests in brocades and other textures.

Informal...sugggested attire - a navy or dark gray. Also attrative and equally suitable is a navy balzer with neutral-colored trousers. The fabric should be appropriate to the season - cotton or linen for summer, flannel for fall. the groom and groomsmen should try to dress in the same color, and ties can complement the bridesmaid's gowns.

TIPS FOR THE GROOM

Reserve formalwear at least three
months in advance and have all the
measurements taken at least three
weeks prior to the wedding. If you
have out-of-town groomsmen, have
their measurements taken at a men's
formalwear store near them and
forwarded to the store where you've
reserved your tuxedo's.

Groomsmen traditionally pick up the
rental costs of their own formalwear.
Rented formalwear usually includes
a jacket, vest or cummerbund, pants,
suspenders, shirt, cufflinks, studs and
a tie. It is best to also rent shoes from
the same sote to maintain consistency.

Designate someone to gather and return all formalwear to the store after the wedding. Late fees can run from five to ten dollars per day, per outfit.

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