Tux:does the groom always have to wear a jacket? Can he wear just the shirt and vest and tie?

Question

We are getting married in the mountains on a balacony in July with the reception being inside. We thought it would be less hot without the jacket. But others feel the groom must wear the jacket. What do you think?

Answer 1

This is your wedding. If you don't want him to wear the jacket then don't have him wear the jacket. It doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks but you. People will talk and make all sorts of comments, but it is your wedding and if you are satisfied they can have nothing further to say.

If he doens't wear the jacket then the occasion becomes less formal, but, it can be as formal as you want it to be regardless of what he wears. And hun, it doesn't matter what your dress looks like because this is about what you want and your big day. The photographer can handle a man without a jacket, that is what you are paying him to do. The pictures will still turn out nice and all the groomsmen will probably look less stiff.

I am also going to say stick with the vest and tie and have them wear full back vests. This will help it to look more formal and uniform. If they were in just ties it would look funny because they all end up being different lengths etc. Besides you want your man to stand out as your man. If he is in a vest, believe me, he will. And the groomsmen will stand out too. i have been to lots of weddings and none of the guests, even at the most formal weddings, ever wears a vest.

If you go to a tux place to rent, they can give you a quote for just the vest and tie, and it will probably be cheaper. They are there to serve you and may try to talk you out of it, but stick to your guns! And don't ever, EVER change your mind about something you want or think would be nice just because it goes against "tradition". Even if it is your grandma telling you.
Good luck and Congrats!

Answer 2

For the ceremony, the jacket does look nicer. The whole tuxedo ensemble is actually intended to be worn with the jacket, so they all have a certain look that is definately complimented by the jacket, and can be lacking without it.

In the mountains, outside in July can be even cool. Are you sure the heat would really bother him to begin with? Get online and look up the zip code your wedding will be in, and see what the weather is like there at that time of year, at that time of day.

Taking the jacket off after the ceremony and pictures is perfectly fine.

If you do go with the no jacket look, find a tuxedo that will look good without it. You'll want to stay away from open backed vests probably, and possibly cumberbunds. Ask someone in a tuxedo rental place for suggestions.

Answer 3

What is the bride wearing? If she is in a more casual dress, then yes you could just be in vest and tie.

I have seen casual beach weddings where the groom had more of a Cuban linen outfit.

However if she is in a very traditional bridal gown--white sparkling ballgown--then yes you must keep on the jacket through the service. Good news--the actual ceremony is only 8 minutes long. Usually you add some parts to it but it's probably going to be less than 20 min. You should have it on for the pictures as well but you can take the jacket off for the reception immediately.

Answer 4

Personally, I think there's no point getting a tux, if you're not going to wear it...A tux implies formality, but without the jacket, you'd lose the formality of it. And in all truth, I think the vest is likely to be the thing that overheats him, as it is generally worn snug, while a jacket is worn loose.

Why don't you look at other options? There are plenty of attractive suits in light colors, for example, that would not be so hot. Alternately, he could wear dress pants and shirt, but instead of the bow-tie, vest and jacket, have a "lei" or "bolo tie" type item made by your florist...This would work with the mountain atmosphere, but still allow him to stand out in the crowd.

Answer 5

I think the groom can wear a speedo and pasties if thats what he really wants to wear and you are fine with it. You are both grown people. It sounds like a pretty casual wedding so there is no reason you have to put him in a full tux. Have you considered buying him a lightweight 3 pc. suit. He will have the jacket to make everybody happy and he can rewear it over and over for the same price as renting a tux. I've seen very few tux jackets make it past the entrance into the reception before they are abandoned on the backs of chairs so its not worth the expense to me.

Answer 6

IMO, if a tuxedo is being worn, the jacket must be left on during the main event...it can be removed later for dancing, etc...just vest and shirt is bad...just the shirt and dress slacks would be the next best thing to full tuxedo.

Answer 7

a tuxedo is formal attire and wearing only a partial tuxedo (i.e. no jacket) defeats the purpose....in this case he might as well just wear slacks and a buttondown with a tie.... so have your groom wear the jacket during the main portion (exchanging of the vows) and during photos.....then he can remove it as he pleases.....it is not necessary at the reception although he might consider wearing it for the toast and first dance....i have seen many couples change into semi-formal to casual attire for the reception

Answer 8

i think just the shirt and vest look kind of sloppy, the jacket pulls it all together. however he can do whatever you guys choose. if its really going to be that hot, then he should just wear a shirt and tie.. either the vest and jaceket or no vest at all

Answer 9

I think he can wear what ever the two of you decide on. Everything doesnt always have to be so traditional. Go with the tie and vest!!

Answer 10

I think it's fine... but I wouldn't bother renting the tux - just go w/ slacks, a shirt & tie :) of course my husband got married in an unbuttoned shirt & shorts on the beach - so i'm not really traditional :)