"To Avoid Being Considered Unconventional: Is a Suit Acceptable for a Wedding? What's the Difference Between a Tuxedo and a Suit?"

2018.10.26 published

Is it okay for the groom to wear a suit?

When the bride is in a wedding dress, it is customary for the groom to wear a tuxedo at the wedding, right?

However, there may be some who think, "Can’t the groom wear a suit instead?"

Recently, there are many stylish suits that can be worn fashionably, so there may be thoughts like, "If I’m going to spend money anyway, I’d rather order a suit that I can use after the wedding than a tuxedo."

But what about the etiquette of having the groom wear a suit?

What exactly are the differences between a tuxedo and a suit?

In this article, we will take a closer look at whether wearing a suit for the groom’s outfit is appropriate at weddings, as well as the differences and histories of each.

What exactly is a suit?

First, let's consider the definition of a "suit."

A suit refers to "business attire." Business attire is a set of men's "casual wear" consisting of a jacket with a lapel and trousers.

Casual wear refers to everyday clothing or informal attire. In other words, a suit is actually not a formal outfit!

It’s surprising since there’s a vague image of "suits = formal."

The reason a suit is considered casual wear lies in its history.

Until the 19th century, suits were referred to as lounge suits in Britain, and they were actually worn as nightwear or loungewear! (That doesn't sound very relaxing, does it?)

In the early 20th century, American businessmen started wearing them as work attire, which then spread globally and created the current image of suits.

Therefore, suits are positioned as "casual wear," not formal attire.

Although nowadays, "suits" are somewhat regarded as clothing worn in formal settings, they strictly differ when viewed from a historical perspective.

What kind of clothing is a tuxedo?

So, what is the definition of a tuxedo?

A tuxedo, like a suit, consists of a three-piece outfit with a jacket, vest, and pants, but it is indeed formal attire!

In the late 19th century, the smoking jacket worn during social gatherings after dinners served as the prototype for what we now call a tuxedo.

Unlike suits, which were once considered nightwear or loungewear, tuxedos have historically been garments intended for social occasions from the start.

@1224.a.wd

The differences in construction between a suit and a tuxedo include:

☑ Different collar shapes

☑ Silk is applied to the collar

☑ The jacket does not have slits

☑ There are no flaps on the pockets

☑ Worn with a cummerbund

And many more fine details.

Additionally, while the term "tuxedo" is commonly used in Japan to refer to the groom's wedding attire, the original meaning of "tuxedo" is not limited to the groom's clothing but refers broadly to formal attire for evening events.

In Japan, the following are collectively referred to as "tuxedo":

☑ The original tuxedo

☑ Frock coats

☑ Morning coats

☑ Ceremony suits

While in Japan "tuxedo" is understood to mean groom's attire, knowing these distinctions can be beneficial.

Does the groom have to wear a tuxedo at the wedding?

Now that we understand that suits are casual wear and tuxedos are formal attire, let's reconsider the groom's clothing choices for a wedding.

Considering the historical and contextual significance, it becomes clear that "suits are inappropriate; the groom should wear a tuxedo."

Even if they may look similar at first glance, the origins and histories of suits and tuxedos are different.

Additionally, since the suit, being casual wear, differs in level from the bride's wedding dress (the highest level of formal wear), it creates an imbalance.

Wearing a tuxedo at the ceremony and reception is a matter of etiquette and respect for the guests, as well as sincerity towards the bride.

@3a3i_1008wd

In what situations is it okay to wear a suit?

That said, in recent years, there have been more flexible weddings that don't stick strictly to formality, so it’s not necessarily the case that "suits are absolutely NOT allowed at weddings!" or that "it’s impolite or unconventional!"

For example, at casual scenes such as pre-wedding photoshoots, laid-back parties for outfit changes, and after parties, there are grooms who enjoy coordinating in suits.

(Wedding dresses are also becoming more casual these days!)

In such cases, to stand out from the guests, wearing a boutonniere or similar can allow for a fun, groom-like outfit expression.

By the way... Is it okay for guests to attend in suits?

As we discussed, suits are considered casual wear, but you might be wondering, "Can guests attend in casual wear?"

At high-profile events like European royal weddings, it’s still customary to wear tailcoats or formal attire. However, the dress code for general weddings has become more casual in recent years.

Therefore, male guests can attend in suits.

Just a note: if you're planning to wear the tuxedo from your own wedding to a friend's wedding as a suit, it will need to be tailored, so be careful!

@nagisa_marry

In Summary: The Differences Between Tuxedos and Suits ♡

We’ve explored the differences between suits and tuxedos, their histories, and what constitutes an appropriate outfit for the groom at weddings.

If your husband says, “They look pretty similar, so a suit would be fine, right?” you can inform him!*

To ensure that the groom, bride, and guests can all enjoy the wedding comfortably, it’s important to adhere to the dress code!♡

@mi.8877