A recent blog post talked about destination weddings and what kinds of gowns brides are wearing for tropical ceremonies. Lest the grooms feel left out, today’s guest bloggers (Aldo and Alan Segama from Anthony’s House of Formals) weigh in with some great advice for guys who want to ditch the tuxedo in favor of something a little more “island appropriate”:

Destination weddings are becoming ever more popular these days and are not only changing the scenery of a wedding but are also changing its accompanying attire.  In general, destination events tend to break the norms of a traditional wedding and loosen up the formal rules when it comes down to fashion.  Although a destination wedding may be more casual, let’s not confuse laid-back with sloppy when it comes down to choosing attire.  Rules may be loosened but the basics still apply, especially with men’s fashion.

The most popular destination of all is perhaps the beach side wedding.  With the ocean at your back, sand at your feet, and hot sun blazing on your (hopefully) sunscreened face, you do not want to be trapped in a heavy wool tuxedo.  For a beach wedding, a traditional tuxedo is far too formal and even more uncomfortable (nothing against tuxedos, we love them, but there’s a time and place).  So what’s a guy to do?  The best option of course would always be a well-fitted (and infinitely lighter) suit.  Now all the rules still apply when renting or buying a suit.  Finding the best fit is always key and please don’t settle for “sorta fits”.  So choose a suit that corresponds with your correct height and build.  And of course it is a casual setting, but you always want to look put together, you just have to do it without seeming like you’ve tried too hard.  Sounds difficult, but it’s quite simple if you just follow the basics.   

For a beach wedding you want to look for suits that are lighter in weight and fabrics that are much more breathable.  Fabrics such as cotton and linen are great options.  Choosing a color is also very important, look for tan, cream, or even a nice navy suit jacket paired with khaki pants.  These all offer that casual feel and will fit perfectly into the landscape of a beach wedding.  Also look for thinner lapels and try a two button single breasted suit; three buttons are generally out of favor and out of style. As for shirts, options can vary immensely, but we recommend all natural cotton for its extra breathability — and try to stick to white or ivory. Fitted shirts are of course in fashion so don’t overlook the fit; and choose a laydown collar with barrel cuffs.  Tie options are endless, but be sure to choose the right colors that match the mood and overall scheme of your wedding.  Bright yellows, muted greens, and of course navy ties look great on a tan suit.  Now the big question, what about your feet? We recommend some nice leather sandals, preferably in dark brown when paired with a tan or cream colored suit.  Or if you feel so inclined, when on the sand let your feet roam free.  Nothing is more laid back than that.  Please leave the patent leather shoes with your tux at home, they have no place at a beach wedding and you wouldn’t want to ruin them.  Those are the basics so stick to them and you can’t lose. 

We at Anthony’s House of Formals embrace destination weddings, and always look forward to working closely with brides and grooms to find that perfect match to go along with the perfect setting.  We believe that if you follow these rules you will find the perfect balance between formal and casual that only a destination wedding could offer.  So loosen up those ties, knock your socks off, and breathe easy — you will look great!