Post # 1
Member
171 posts
Blushing bee
Originally FH was going to go with a vest with his tuxedo, but they make me think of prom and, since he doesn’t have strong feelings one way or another, he’s decided to forego the vest.
Problem is, neither of us really know how to pull off the no vest look for him. I’m not a fan of the cummerbund either so I would lean toward braces (suspenders) and a bow OR a regular tie. His best man is a BIG DUDE, so I’m wondering if he’ll look a little sloppy without a vest or cummerbund. If we do decide to scrap both, I’m not sure what type of tux would look best here either.
Anyway, I need help!! Fashionistas and sartorialists, please chime in!! I would appreciate any and all help.
Post # 3
Member
4771 posts
Honey bee
@lsvogel:
A vest dosn’t have to be prommy. Like he dosn’t have to match your dess or the Bridesmaid or Best Man dresses. It just makes it look more fancy IMO. I suggest trying things on taking pics and seeing what you guys like the best.
My Fiance was dead set against vests but when he saw himself in a vest, and we just went with one to match his suit, he liked it way more than without one. It just adds so much.
Post # 4
Member
4371 posts
Honey bee
Traditonally, a tux must always have a waist covering, either a vest or a cummerbund. Have you considered a black, deep cut vest with a bow tie? That is the most formal black tie look. Making sure it’s well fitted will keep it from looking prom-y. The deep cut, one or 2 button vest will also keep it from looking like high school prom, which often have uncoordinating 4-5 button vests.
Post # 5
Member
4371 posts
Honey bee
As a side note, a low cut vest cannot be paired with a 4-in-hand tie (business tie). That would look ridiculous.
Post # 6
Member
171 posts
Blushing bee
How much can the groom get away with taking off at the reception? Is it considered improper to doff the jacket and the vest? Or just the jacket and the tie?
Post # 7
Member
171 posts
Blushing bee
I swear we didn’t see any low-cut vests at Men’s Wearhouse or Jos A. Banks. They were all really high.
Post # 8
Member
966 posts
Busy bee
Since we’re having an outdoor wedding in May in Missouri, we’re foregoing the vest – it’d be soaked with sweat too quickly. FI insisted on a tux, though.
Post # 9
Member
4371 posts
Honey bee
Depends how formal the event is. During a black tie event, a man typically does not take his jacket off.
But it’s your wedding and you should break so rules so you can dance the night away 🙂
Post # 10
Member
4371 posts
Honey bee
http://www.finetuxedos.com/tuxedo-vests/backless-tuxedo-vests/backless-low-cut-tuxedo-vest.html
A low cut vest is like this one. They are typically backless. I was wrong about the buttons, they have 3-4. The 1-2 button rule is actually for the jacket, as the 1-2 button jackets typically look best (w/peak or shawl lapel for most traditiona/formal).
Post # 11
Member
171 posts
Blushing bee
@Soupy cat: yep, we’re gonna put those dancing lessons to good use and cut a rug! Thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely look for the low-cut 1-2 button vests when we go back to the tux places tonight.
Post # 12
Member
4371 posts
Honey bee
@lsvogel: We had the same problem. Many of the chain stores are not so knowledgeable about traditional men’s ware, surprisingly. Of course, it’s fine too if you choose to be less than old school traditional.
For my wedding, we went with cummerbunds, because it was hot out.
For more traditional events, even if your fella decides to take his coat off, I think he should still have some sort of waist covering, unless he is very fit. Think of it basically as like a corset, it keeps your stomach in so you look tailored.
During red carpet Hollywood events, you may see some celebraties wear tuxes without a waist covering. These men ususally look great because they are in awesome shape and don’t really need the extra support.
Just want to say I’m not saying your wedding has to be anyway, but these are traditional “rules” if you choose to follow them. Good luck!
Post # 13
Member
5110 posts
Bee Keeper
I dont think the vest will look to prom like if you do the colors right.. maybe black.. idk just an idea if the best man is bigger.
Post # 14
Member
171 posts
Blushing bee
@soupy cat: Thanks so much for breaking it down for me. My man is, actually, very slim, not because he exercises so much as he just has incredible willpower about what he eats. The groomsmen not so much. Maybe we’ll just ask them get cummerbunds.
@organized bride: thanks!
Post # 15
Member
46331 posts
Honey Beekeeper
I have never been to a wedding where the groom and groomsmen DIDN’T end up taking off their jackets along with most of the guests after dancing started- so you can relax on that point.
This is a nice look- cummerbunds with no vest.
Post # 16
Member
4371 posts
Honey bee
@julies1949: I’m not quite sure I can see the cummerbund on any of those gentlemen…
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