After watching all those colorful tuxedos on the red carpet at the Oscars last night, we’re thinking about my fiancé and his groomsmen wearing navy blue tuxedos at our fall wedding. What is the etiquette on groomsmen tuxedos that are not black?
–Fiancée, Providence, RI
More and more, the standard black wedding tuxedo is shunned in favor of a tuxedo in midnight blue, royal blue, navy blue, off-white, beige, grey, and even deep red. The groom sets the dress code for the groomsmen, which means if he is wearing a navy blue tuxedo, his groomsmen will follow suit.
From Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne in midnight blue to fellow British ‘Selma’ star David Ovelowo donning deep red, colorful tuxedos studded the red carpet in an array of vivid and soft tones — all equally stunning on stage.
Choice of color reflects the season or the climate. LA’s mild weather means any color goes. On the other hand, in the depths of a northern winter, beige, light blue and off-white tuxedos would look silly, because they’re too summery looking.
You would not inconvenience your male guests by listing a mandatory dress code such as ‘Navy Blue Tuxedo,’ a well-mannered host would give guests the unspoken option of wearing a standard tuxedo or best business suit by not listing a dress code on the invitation — however, you could list the wedding website — for example, by simply using ‘Business Suits.’
~Didi
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