What Offbeat Grooms Are Wanting To Wear

[Kent]

Let's face it, tuxedos are boring and uncomfortable.

Show me a groom or groomsmen half-way through a reception who is still completely dressed up, and I'll tell you that you've spent too much time on Photoshop! I've been to more than one wedding throughout my life and I've been a best man and a groomsmen before. By the time the food and first dances were over, I was out of the coat and had the tie dangling around my shoulders with the top buttons of my shirt undone. It's just too much! Let's look at some things that this offbeat groom has looked at for wedding apparel:

I think this is a fantastic ensemble! It's comfortable, yet elegant, with a lot of the fancy trimmings you would see in a somewhat formal occasion. It's comfortable and debonaire without the stuffy tie and stiff, high shirt collar. The jacket can be removed and it will still have some fashion sense. This is what I'm hoping for my wedding.

This would definitely be better for a tropical wedding, but again, it's not constricting at all. It's loose, it's comfortable and it's got stamina. By stamina, I mean that it can be worn for SEVERAL hours without driving the individual completely insane. A simple collared shirt, untucked, with some nice slacks or pants and some comfortable shoes or even sandals/flip-flops.

Now, this might be a bit more theme-ridden, but it follows the same concept as the first picture. A long overcoat or duster that can be removed. In this picture he has a long-sleeved, button up shirt underneath (notice the lack of a tie), and he's wearing some tight, long suede (maybe leather) pants which could use suspenders, but certainly isn't required. Also, some leather boots which should be comfortable to the wearer, of course.

Those are some ideas! I'm interested to see what your thoughts are!

[C. Lane]

For the past few months I've been wondering what a fourth of July beach groom wears to his wedding. Then I watched the opening ceremony of the Olympics and BAM rapture. Ralph Lauren is a genius. Subtle incorporation of the R.W.& B. with classic cuts and nautical sheik, yes please. I'm actually really digging the gal's ascotts more than the neck tie and am still on the fence about the hat (maybe reception only, dunno). Since I've become obsessed with this site, as is evidenced by my per second postings, I'm putting it out there in the ether for Offbeat consideration. Just take it all in gents. B.A. or so gay?

[Martin]

Mneh, I've gotta say I prefer Gilbert's idea of a guyabera themed groom troupe, for example. Form follows function. Personally, for a beach, I wouldn't want to wander too far from what I would normally be wearing. For an autumn beach wedding, sure, could get chilly. But summer? And who's going to hold me jacket if it's too hot? A groomsman? My mom?
Just doesn't seem practical if I take a loupe to it.
Ascots can be mackin', granted, and much less constricting than a tie, but me, I'd want AIR on my neck in the summer. The less swaddle the better.

I don't know, blazers and caps remind me of yacht-club rich kids and I guess I'm unfairly biased towards those guyaberas, but that's my personal gut reaction.

Again, I think this has a lot to do with what one is comfortable wearing and a wise groom will do some field testing. Also, couldn't hurt to draw inspiration from clothing traditions in hot, sandy, beachy places. What about a sarong and a light vest, say?

[Justin J Hyman]

They Came!!

[Justin J Hyman]

I ordered my suit today....nothing to crazy. My end result was something cool that I could wear again.

The key is finding something you like on a major site then find someone selling it on ebay!

[J.P. Rutledge]

Is that the plastic bottle suit? If so, where did you get it?

[Justin J Hyman]

Nah, I could never find that suit, not even online. This one was bought used from j crew via eBay.

[Chris]

However uncomfortable (especially in oppressive July heat) I am planning to wear essentially exactly the regalia of the gentleman on this cover of This Side of Paradise. The pinstriped navy jacket I already have but it needs to be let out in the sleeves a bit, the shirt will be a plain white Express fitted 1MX, the slightly yellowed slacks are Gap, the tie is purple & brown collegiate striped, the vest is a gray pinstriped gift from a friend, and the red wing tips I also already have. Ours is going to be a loosely jazz era/20's themed affair and Jen is going to be in this number, but we're not expecting anyone (wedding party included) to wear anything more formal than shorts if that's what pleases them, makes them feel appropriately sexy, and keeps them from dying of heat stroke.

[Stewart D. Jenkins]

It looks a bit purple in this picture but it's more of a blue. Also when it's closed it used these two straps to close it and I'm going to go with buttons. Also I will have a ivory shirt instead of a yellow one, to match my brides dress