Can suits look as formal as tuxedos?

Question

I want the groom and groomsmen to wear suits because we are willing to buy them and they are cheaper than tuxes. The thing is, can they be as formal as tuxes? I think a suit is more practical because they can wear it to church, business meetings, job interviews, weddings, etc. So it just seems to me that it is more practical and we can buy them for around the price it costs to rent a tux in our area. I don't want a too formal wedding, but I do want it to be nice and elegant. Would suits work fine?

Answer 1

A tuxedo will never be as formal as a nice suit.  However, if your wedding is not going to be a black tie event, suits would work brilliantly.  Your wedding party will look fabulous.  Congratulations!

Answer 2

Suits are not as formal as tuxedos, but that is OK. Make sure that the level of formality v. casual is constant through the whole party, I mean, make sure that the bridesmaids look good with the groomsmen... and so forth. Tux's are not a must for weddings, and  suits are actually quite common. I think that the groomsmen will appreciate the suit more, also.

Remember, it is your day, make it exactly the way you want it!

Answer 3

I think it looks just as formal, since alot of tuxedo styles are now being made in cuts similar to suits. And I definitely think that it's more practical than renting the tux for the same price! I've also noticed that this is a growing trend in weddings now. I really regret not having had done that for my own wedding.

Answer 4

[edit]

That sounds like a fantastic deal and a superb choice. The confidence is flowing already! Your men will look great!

Why is it that it's the women who always give the most thumbs down? I only thumbs up...

Asking a question about how a man feels in a suit is for a man to answer, so I believe.

And clothes are all about expression, not thumbs.

I bet your wedding will be absolutely top class!

[original answer]

Most definitely...

The suits I wear, I believe, inspire the confidence in me to carry myself with far more elegance and finesse than dressing up in a penguin suit.

Tailor them to fit and they will look splendid.

It is all to do with the tones of the colours and the subtlties between the trousers and jacket, jacket and shirt, shirt and tie and tie (which comes from the eyes) and trousers.

I usually start with the tie and shirt and work backwards from there.

It is a very circular thing. Much like the representative symbol of marriage - the ring.

A never ending cycle of golden promise that has no end until the wearer takes it off.

Find the right suit, like the right ring, from the right person and for the right person - you will never have to take it off.

Class and style and character, the confidence it suggests and the awe it inspires in others is timeless.

A tuxedo, apart from being a ghastly thing, is usually rented. Much like a cheap motel room and an even cheaper hooker.

I would prefer my bride or groom to be for keeps, not returned to the shop in slightly damaged condition meaning I do not get my deposit back.

Suits are more than just fine - they are refined; defining.

Especially with a hat to compliment the wearers shoulders and jawline.

In England, I would never wear a dinner jacket (tuxedo) to a wedding. It is simply bad taste.

And in America, I would not wear a tuxedo, because it is simply bad taste.

Answer 5

There's no way you'll be able to buy a QUALITY suit for what you can rent a tux for...go with the tux

Answer 6

Not as formal, but just as dashing and handsome! A nice navy or charcoal pinstripe would be totally awesome. Pair it with a nice white shirt, silk tie and pocketsquare - wow!

Answer 7

My finace and his groomsmen are wearing navy suits, and they look 10 times better in them than tuxes. I think tuxes are stuffy and too traditional, and suits are classy, structured and modern and make more of a fashion statement.

But they look nothing like tuxes, if a tux is the look you're going for, then you should just rent them.

However, all of our groomsmen love the fact that they're buying their suits and can wear them again. They're spending about $200 for the suit, excluding shoes and ties (we haven't gotten there yet). $200 is on the cheap side, for sure, but we got a really good deal at a department store (coupons and all!), so it was worth it to us.

Answer 8

Yes, suits would be fine.  There is a trend moving toward more formal suits rather than tuxes since they allow a little more individuality.  They can still be very elegant.

Answer 9

My husband and his brother (best man) got their tuxes from JC Penney for a really affordable price, you can check it out.  Suits would look nice with a semi- shiny shirt and a very elegant tie.  

Answer 10

They won't look as formal, for sure, but the whole thing could still be fine with everyone wearing suits.

Answer 11

my husband was married in a black suit and he looked great.  very formal.  I personally dont like the look of a tux and buying his suit was cheapen then renting a tux.  I say go for the suit.  a proper shirt and tie will dress it right up.