How to Wear a Wedding Tuxedo

Q: When should you choose a tuxedo rather than a regular suit for a wedding?

A tuxedo is a highly formal outfit traditionally worn for evening weddings and celebrations (after 6 p.m.) or events with a clear Black Tie dress code. For a relaxed daytime wedding, a classic or light-coloured made-to-measure suit may be more suitable.

Q: What shoes should you wear with a tuxedo?

For a classic tuxedo, choose black patent-leather or highly polished leather dress shoes, usually Oxfords, without conspicuous decoration. Brown shoes do not suit a traditional Black Tie look.

Q: A necktie or a bow tie with a tuxedo?

A traditional tuxedo is worn with a black silk bow tie (ideally hand-tied). A regular necktie is not part of traditional Black Tie dress.

Q: What shirt should you wear with a tuxedo?

A traditional tuxedo shirt is plain white with double (French) cuffs for cufflinks. It may have a concealed button placket or a textured front, with a regular or formal evening collar.

What will you learn in this article?

A formal wedding calls for thoughtful evening dress. This guide explains how to choose and wear a tuxedo, from black, midnight-blue or white-jacket options to the shirt, bow tie and shoes. We also cover fit, fastening and when a tuxedo suits the time and style of the celebration.

Groom beside the bride in a black Cavalier tuxedo with a shawl collar and bow tie.

A wedding is a memorable occasion, and a classic tuxedo remains an option for a formal celebration. Here is how to choose one and wear it with the right accessories.

We describe the process from your first meeting to collecting your suit, step by step, in our article on what happens at the first consultation.

Choose the right colour and fabric

Tuxedos are most often black and made from wool or wool blended with cashmere or silk. Midnight blue and white dinner jackets are other options. Consider the celebration and coordinate your choice with the bride’s outfit.

Groom beside the bride during the ceremony, wearing a black tuxedo with shawl lapels and a formal white shirt.

Choose the right shirt and bow tie

For a classic tuxedo, choose a white shirt with French cuffs and a regular or formal evening collar. Traditional Black Tie calls for a black silk bow tie.

Correct shoes

Choose black Oxford lace-up shoes in patent leather. Avoid conspicuous details or unusual colours.

If you are just getting started, take a look at our guide to choosing your first suit, which can help you avoid common mistakes.

Newlyweds raising a toast; the groom wears a black Cavalier tuxedo, white shirt and bow tie.

Choose the right tuxedo accessories

Accessories complete the outfit. Coordinate them with the tuxedo and shirt: cufflinks, a white pocket square and a silk bow tie are classic choices.

For a closer look at pricing, read our guide to the cost of a made-to-measure suit and what affects it most.

How a tuxedo should fit

A tuxedo should fit well through the shoulders and body. The shirt cuffs should show by about one centimetre beyond the jacket sleeves, and the trouser hems should break lightly over the shoes. Wear it with ease and confidence.

Wedding portrait of the couple, with the groom in a black tuxedo with a shawl collar and silk bow tie.

When does a tuxedo suit a wedding?

A tuxedo is suited to a formal wedding, especially an evening celebration. If you are unsure whether it fits the setting and dress code, discuss the plans with your consultant. A different suit may suit a relaxed daytime ceremony better.

Portrait of the bearded groom in a black Cavalier tuxedo and bow tie, with the bride behind him.

Conclusion

For a formal wedding celebration, a tuxedo can be an elegant choice. Choose the fabric, colour, white shirt and bow tie together, then finish the look with appropriate accessories and a well-fitted cut.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

When should you choose a tuxedo rather than a regular suit for a wedding?

A tuxedo is a highly formal outfit traditionally worn for evening weddings and celebrations (after 6 p.m.) or events with a clear Black Tie dress code. For a relaxed daytime wedding, a classic or light-coloured made-to-measure suit may be more suitable.

What shoes should you wear with a tuxedo?

For a classic tuxedo, choose black patent-leather or highly polished leather dress shoes, usually Oxfords, without conspicuous decoration. Brown shoes do not suit a traditional Black Tie look.

A necktie or a bow tie with a tuxedo?

A traditional tuxedo is worn with a black silk bow tie (ideally hand-tied). A regular necktie is not part of traditional Black Tie dress.

What shirt should you wear with a tuxedo?

A traditional tuxedo shirt is plain white with double (French) cuffs for cufflinks. It may have a concealed button placket or a textured front, with a regular or formal evening collar.

Article author: Petr Soler

Founder of Cavalier