Tuxedo vs. Suit FAQs

Tuxedo vs. Suit FAQs
Which is better, a tuxedo or a suit?
When it comes to the tuxedo vs. suit debate, there’s no “better” or “worse”. Choosing your attire is all about considering the venue, time of day, and overall style of your wedding. Hosting a daytime event in an outdoor garden? Wear a suit. Planning an evening wedding in a hotel ballroom? A tuxedo might be more appropriate. However, there are no hard-and-fast rules here (unless you’ve already determined that your wedding will have a specific dress code). The main thing to consider is that the groom (or grooms) match the formality of their partner and wedding party. It’s essential to discuss your wedding’s formality and dress code with your partner, so you’re both on the same page as you shop for attire.

When can you wear a suit instead of a tuxedo?
If you’re not hosting a black tie, white tie, or formal wedding, you can absolutely wear a suit. There are so many different suit styles available, from classic black suits that have a dressier feel, to more informal khaki or tan suits, to modern blue or burgundy styles. Think about your venue, the season of your event, and your wedding’s color scheme as you choose the color and style of suit you’ll wear.

When can the groom wear a tuxedo instead of a suit?
Tuxedos are typically worn at evening weddings, particularly those with formal, black tie, or white tie dress codes. Even if your wedding doesn’t have a specific dress code, the groom or grooms can certainly wear tuxes if they want to don a more traditional and fancier look. A tuxedo may look somewhat out of place at a super-informal setting, like a beach or in a barn, though.

Does a black tie dress code mean you have to wear a tux?
Yes. If you’re a groom or in the wedding party, you’ll definitely need to wear a tuxedo to a wedding that’s designated black tie. If you’re a guest, you should also wear a tuxedo. However, if the dress code is black tie optional, you also have the option of wearing a dark-colored suit in lieu of a full tux. A white tie dress code is rarely seen these days, but requires tailcoats and white ties.

Is it okay for guests to wear a tuxedo to a wedding?
Again, this depends on the wedding’s dress code. If the wedding is formal or black tie, a tuxedo should be worn. A black tie optional wedding gives you the choice of a tuxedo or a dark-colored suit. For most other weddings, a suit of your choice is likely fine (unless there’s a more specific dress code noted on the invitation or the wedding website).