Tuxedo choices for your wedding day
Page 2 — Feb. 27, 2009, Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition
Wedding day skin beauty tips (MS) - You bought the gown, scheduled the hairstylist, and picked out the bridal accessories. But are you forgetting about one of the most important parts of looking beautiful on your wedding day: your face? Every bride wants to shine on her wedding day, but she probably doesn't want her skin to shine, too. Problems like oily, dry, or irritated skin plague a good portion of the population. But on your wedding day you don't want skin inconveniences to ruin your festivities. "One of the best ways to put
your best face forward is to know your skin type, what causes you to breakout, and to avoid any products or foods that may contribute to the problem - at least until the last wedding photo has been snapped," says Brooke Tilson, a Toronto makeup artist. If you don't know the answers to these questions, you may want to visit a dermatologist a few months before the wedding to talk about your concerns and to get recommendations for proper skin care. In addition to professional skin advice, here are some other
ways to maximize your beauty potential come your wedding day. • Cleansing and Toning — Healthy skin starts with clean skin. Be sure to remove makeup every night and wash your face with a mild cleanser appropriate for your skin type twice daily. Toners can refresh the skin, dry up any extra oil on the surface and clean out pores. Now is not the time to experiment with the latest and greatest products out there. You don't want to risk irritation to your skin before your wedding day. • Be Gentle — When cleansing, drying, or even applying makeup, treat your skin with a soft hand. Blot gently with cotton balls or swabs, and avoid tugging or rubbing the skin. Not only can this cause redness or irritation, it may also contribute to long-term wrinkling. • Not So 'Sun'sational – Many brides-to-be believe that suntanning will cure many of their skin
WEDDINGHEADQUARTERS H EADQUARTERS
TUXEDOS •Coat •Pants •Shirt •Tie •Vests •Shoes
Starting At. . .
$
95
89
Huge Selection of Fashion Ties and Vests sets to choose from...
In The Men’s Department . Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover Card Accepted
Don't hide behind a veil your entire wedding day. Learn the way to healthy, vibrant skin.
ailments. This isn't the case. While sunbathing may temporarily alleviate acne or breakouts, it could actually compound the problem and make outbreaks
worse over time. Other ladies think that tanned skin will make them look better against their white bridal gown. However, on your wedding day you should look like the best version of you, not a complete stranger. Fairskinned individuals may look out of place with a deep tan. Err on the side of moderate whenever contemplating modifying your skin tone, as it will affect makeup choices and other things as well. And avoid tanning booths or sitting out in the sun. If you must be tan, look for artificial spray tans or bronzers that create natural-looking color. • Makeup — Conservative, natural-looking makeup should also be the rule. The photographs you take on your wedding day will be a testament to the era and moments you shared. But you don't want to look dated when you reminisce years later. Choose muted shades on eyes, lips and cheeks that enhance, rather than cover up your beauty. Select makeup that is smudge and waterproof so it will stand up to tears of joy and kisses from well-wishers. Pressed or loose powder can also be your best friend. It will come in handy when you have to touch up spots on your face or combat shine.
Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition, Feb. 27, 2009 — Page 3
Page 4 — Feb. 27, 2009, Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition
Capture great wedding day photo memories (MS) -- While couples about to get married may differ with respect to personal style or what season in which to hold their wedding, most agree that having photo memories of their wedding is essential. That's why a photographer is such an important part of the wedding planning process. Although professional wedding portraits and albums are a key component to good memories, candid shots from you -- the family and friends who attend the wedding -- are some of the most cherished photos a couple can have. Here are some tips for capturing all the incredible moments of this important day. • Familiarize yourself with the camera: Take some time to learn the ins and outs of your camera before you're called upon to take pictures of the wedding. Learn the best way to zoom and focus, and find out if your camera has any special features, such as black and white capabilities or panoramic views. Also, don't forget to charge or replace the batteries. For those with digital memory cards, purchase a new one with plenty of space so you can freely snap away. • Tell a story: Start taking pictures before the wedding even occurs. If you're a friend or a family member, capture the special events leading up to the wedding, such as dress fittings, choosing wedding rings, the bridal shower, or shots of the bachelor party.
This way the photos can be put together to tell the entire story of the wedding, culminating with the big day. • Go for the close-up: Stand no more than 4 to 6 feet from your subjects when snapping a picture. You want to be sure the couple is the central focus of the picture, not the distracting background items. • Shoot candid shots: Posed pictures have their place, but candid shots can really capture the mood and excitement of the day. Snap away while everyone is dancing, when the couple isn't looking, or if you see a special moment that others may not be aware of. • Include pictures of party participants: The couple will have plenty of images of themselves and their wedding party in a photographer's album. What they may be missing are the people who actually attended the wedding. Be sure to take plenty of pictures of the people who came together to share in this special day. • Special surprise: Thanks to the immediate gratification that digital cameras provide, you can treat the happy couple to a preview of their wedding pictures even before the big day has ended. Use the time between the wedding ceremony and reception to have a few prints of the nuptials printed. Place them in a photo album and give this gift to the couple at the reception.
Wedding guests snapping pictures can fill in additional wedding memories with great photos.
Wedding folklore, myths and good luck charms.... ho doesn't hope for good fortune on their wedding day? That's why there are so many traditions and steps people take to ensure luck is smiling down on them for their wedding. Here are some traditions you may not have known about. • According to Greek culture, tuck a sugar cube into your glove on your wedding. The sugar will sweeten your union. • English tradition says that
W
Wednesday is the best day to marry. Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health. • The groom carries his newly betrothed across the threshold to protect her from evil spirits. • Hindu tradition says rain on your wedding day is good luck. • For good luck, Egyptian women are known to pinch the bride on her wedding day.
• In Holland a pine tree is planted outside of the newlyweds' home for good luck and fertility. • A law in 1775 said a wedding was not legal if the bride wore makeup during the ceremony. • Wedding and engagement rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was long believed a vein ran from that finger directly to the heart.
• Ancient Greeks and Romans said a wedding veil protected the bride from evil sprits. It has been a tradition to wear a veil ever since. • The term "tie the knot" comes from Roman times when the bride wore a girdle tied in knots that the groom was later able to untie. Some also believe it refers to the knots of rope that were tied to form the marriage bed.
Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition, Feb. 27, 2009 — Page 5
Plan Your Perfect Wedding
Come in and see why at Aracoma Drug only the very best is good enough!!! • Bridal Registry • Wedding Invitations
• Gifts
• Experienced Consultants
We have beautiful gifts for brides plus a great selection of bridal party gifts, favors and traditional wedding items •Memory Albums •Guest Books •Ring Pillows •Toasting Glasses •Cake Toppers •Cards & Gift Wrap and much more...Stop by and let one of our courteous and friendly salespeople and clerks help you with your wedding needs...
Aracoma Drug Company 3602 North Main Street Chapmanville, West Virginia
855-4541
Page 6 — Feb. 27, 2009, Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition
Wedding tresses made easy (MS) - Most brides don't want stress while getting welltressed for their wedding day. Besides hiring a reputable stylist and ensuring a practice hairdo run before the wedding, here are a few helpful tips. • Wear a button-down shirt when having your hair and makeup done on your wedding day - or for any other special occasion. This way you can take off the shirt without touching your hair or makeup. • Bring in your veil or headpiece in advance so your stylist can ensure that the haircombs attached will be in the right position for the style you've requested. If they're not, you'll have ample time to have that rectified. • Don't apply conditioner to your hair on the day of your wedding. Conditioner may make your hair too silky and smooth, which could be a disadvantage when you want hair to stay put and hold combs or pins in an up-do. • Opt for a two-piece veil if you desire a long cathedral-
style veil. This way you can keep the long portion attached for pictures and the ceremony and then simply remove a portion for the reception and dancing the night away. • If your headpiece has gemstones or crystals in the design, have the stylist cover the stones
up as much as possible before locking in your style with hairspray. After the wedding, talk to a jeweler about the right way to clean the stones. Otherwise the spray can tarnish the headpiece and potentially damage the stones. • Go with a simple style that matches your personality. You don't want to look like a completely different person on your wedding day - just a better representation of yourself.
Getting engaged is just the beginning ... Now what? (MS) -- Are you one of the thousands of couples who got engaged over the holidays? This is the time for you and your soon-to-be to get everything you ever wanted -- the time to start from scratch; to upgrade, expand and replace. To turn a whole bunch of mismatched mine and yours into a lifetime of ours. A lot of couples become overwhelmed, feeling they have to get it all done at once. According to the experts at Bed Bath & Beyond, this is totally normal. When it comes to registering, Bed Bath & Beyond suggests you relax, take your time and have fun. Go back to the store as many times as needed, or update your registry online. Here are some additional tips to make wedding planning a breeze: • Plan ahead: Start a bridal registry as soon as you say "yes." This way you will be prepared for your engagement party and bridal shower, as well as your wedding. Periodically update your registry by adding more products if you need to, even after the wedding. Be kind
Top Shelf Blues & Soul Review
Now Booking Summer & Fall activities...
Fairs, Festivals & Special Occasions
For the hottest and professional show available call...
304-855-4486 or 304-688-1295
To listen to the band go to www.myspace.com/topshelfwv
to procrastinators. • Don't be shy: Register for gifts in a range of prices and categories. This will give guests and group givers lots of options to choose from. • Do the math: Here's an easy rule of thumb: Add up all the gift-givers for both your wedding and bridal shower. Register for at least two times as many gifts as givers. Your guests will appreciate having lots of choices when they shop for you. Be sure to refresh your list regularly as gifts get purchased. Register now, because you won't buy it later: You may think you will... but you won't. Now is the time to let others get you the stuff you'd never buy yourself. Your friends and family might even get together to purchase a higher priced "group gift." • Remember the rule of three: When it comes to setting your table, if you choose bold patterns for your china and flatware, pick a more simple style of glassware. Prefer intricate stemware? Pair it with simpler patterns of china and flatware. So, it's bold/bold/simple or simple/simple/bold. • Three sheets is a win: Register for at least three sets of sheets -- one for the bed, one for the linen closet and one for the hamper. This way you won't be forced to do laundry. Once you've set up your bridal registry, take advantage of Bed Bath & Beyond's Bridal Toolkit(R), the complimentary wedding planning tools available at www.bedbathandbeyond.com, including your own personal wedding Web site, budgeter, task manager, guest list manager, gift tracker and even a seating arranger. This way, all of your information can be stored in one convenient place. Congratulations and best wishes on your engagement. Now get registering and let the gift-giving begin.
Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition, Feb. 27, 2009 — Page 7
Tuxedo choices for your wedding day There are many grooms-to-be who leave choosing their wedding day attire to the last minute. After all, it's something that doesn't require much thought at all, right? Actually, choosing your attire requires careful consideration of several variables. As such, many men are intimidated by the process, another reason for procrastination. However, acquiring a few pointers will help make the process easier if you have limited experience with wedding day attire. It's first important to consider the style of your wedding. What time is it being held? What is the size of the wedding party and the number of attendants? Will it be held in a church with a reception at a fancy catering hall, or is it a more laid-back affair at a park or on the beach? All of these questions will help determine the formality of the event. Your wardrobe choices should coincide with this level of formality. Tuxedos are often the attire of choice for weddings that are moderately or ultra formal. A tuxedo with a bow tie and tails is a very formal look. For the majority of weddings a tuxedo without tails, with a matching vest and regular tie, will be adequate for the groom and groomsmen. On some occasions, especially casual weddings, grooms choose to wear a sports jacket and slacks rather than a tuxedo. Tuxedoes are flattering for most men, especially when a black tuxedo is chosen. Black is slimming, and simply slipping into a tuxedo can enable anyone to look sophisticated. Working with a tuxedo shop representative can help you to find a tuxedo that fits well. These garments are available in a number of sizes, but a reputable shop will make minor alterations to ensure a perfect fit. You want to be sure there is no pulling in the jacket and that the pants are a good length. Also, shirt sleeve length is important (the cuffs should extend past the jacket a little bit),
A tuxedo should coordinate with the formality and style of a wedding.
as well as the fit of the shirt collar. You want to be comfortable the entire duration of your wedding. Tuxedo jackets come in many styles, with the basics being single- or double-breasted. Doublebreasted jackets may add a little
bulk, which should be avoided by heavy men or those who are very slim. Jackets also come in different lengths. Choose one that is proportionate to your height so your body does not look overwhelmed by the jacket. Here are a few of the styles: • Cutaway jacket: This jacket is shorter in the front and tapers to one longer tail in the back. It is traditionally a formal daytime jacket. • Traditional tuxedo jacket: As mentioned, this can be single- or double-breasted and feature varied numbers of button closures. The lapels may also be varied. A peaked lapel forms a "V" at the collar and points upward. A notched lapel has an indentation at the collar in the shape of a triangle. A shawl lapel has no indentation and smoothly curves around the neck. • Mandarin jacket: Mandarinstyle jackets do not have a lapel but a collar that stands straight up. There are six buttons along
the front. It is worn with a mandarin-style shirt without a tie. • Long coat: The long coat is best worn by tall, broad-shouldered men and is traditional in colder weather. The coat extends beyond the fingertips of the wearer. • Dinner jacket: This is a variation on the regular tuxedo jacket, but it is usually ivory or white in color. This can set the groom apart from other members of the wedding party. Many grooms-to-be opt to rent their tuxedo instead of purchase one. Wedding experts recommend renting the attire three months before the wedding. All groomsmen should rent their tuxedos from the same shop for a uniform look. It is also customary to coordinate the tuxedos with the gowns bridesmaids will
be wearing. One way to do so is with a similar colored tie, vest or cummerbund. Take a color swatch of one of the bridesmaids' gowns with you to the tuxedo store for assistance with matching the look. Pick up the tuxedo a day or two before the wedding and try on every piece, including the shoes, to check for fit. This way you have time for an exchange if something is not right or to pick up a missing tie or cufflink, which is apt to happen. Rented tuxedoes usually need to be returned the day after the wedding or the next business day. Elect a member of the wedding party to handle tuxedo returns because you're likely to be on your honeymoon at this point.
Page 8 — Feb. 27, 2009, Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition
Wedding day skin beauty tips (MS) - You bought the gown, scheduled the hairstylist, and picked out the bridal accessories. But are you forgetting about one of the most important parts of looking beautiful on your wedding day: your face? Every bride wants to shine on her wedding day, but she probably doesn't want her skin to shine, too. Problems like oily, dry, or irritated skin plague a good portion of the population. But on your wedding day you don't want skin inconveniences to ruin your festivities. "One of the best ways to put
your best face forward is to know your skin type, what causes you to breakout, and to avoid any products or foods that may contribute to the problem - at least until the last wedding photo has been snapped," says Brooke Tilson, a Toronto makeup artist. If you don't know the answers to these questions, you may want to visit a dermatologist a few months before the wedding to talk about your concerns and to get recommendations for proper skin care. In addition to professional skin advice, here are some other
ways to maximize your beauty potential come your wedding day. • Cleansing and Toning — Healthy skin starts with clean skin. Be sure to remove makeup every night and wash your face with a mild cleanser appropriate for your skin type twice daily. Toners can refresh the skin, dry up any extra oil on the surface and clean out pores. Now is not the time to experiment with the latest and greatest products out there. You don't want to risk irritation to your skin before your wedding day. • Be Gentle — When cleansing, drying, or even applying makeup, treat your skin with a soft hand. Blot gently with cotton balls or swabs, and avoid tugging or rubbing the skin. Not only can this cause redness or irritation, it may also contribute to long-term wrinkling. • Not So 'Sun'sational – Many brides-to-be believe that suntanning will cure many of their skin
WEDDINGHEADQUARTERS H EADQUARTERS
TUXEDOS •Coat •Pants •Shirt •Tie •Vests •Shoes
Starting At. . .
$
95
89
Huge Selection of Fashion Ties and Vests sets to choose from...
In The Men’s Department . Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover Card Accepted
Don't hide behind a veil your entire wedding day. Learn the way to healthy, vibrant skin.
ailments. This isn't the case. While sunbathing may temporarily alleviate acne or breakouts, it could actually compound the problem and make outbreaks
worse over time. Other ladies think that tanned skin will make them look better against their white bridal gown. However, on your wedding day you should look like the best version of you, not a complete stranger. Fairskinned individuals may look out of place with a deep tan. Err on the side of moderate whenever contemplating modifying your skin tone, as it will affect makeup choices and other things as well. And avoid tanning booths or sitting out in the sun. If you must be tan, look for artificial spray tans or bronzers that create natural-looking color. • Makeup — Conservative, natural-looking makeup should also be the rule. The photographs you take on your wedding day will be a testament to the era and moments you shared. But you don't want to look dated when you reminisce years later. Choose muted shades on eyes, lips and cheeks that enhance, rather than cover up your beauty. Select makeup that is smudge and waterproof so it will stand up to tears of joy and kisses from well-wishers. Pressed or loose powder can also be your best friend. It will come in handy when you have to touch up spots on your face or combat shine.
Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition, Feb. 27, 2009 — Page 3
Page 4 — Feb. 27, 2009, Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition
Capture great wedding day photo memories (MS) -- While couples about to get married may differ with respect to personal style or what season in which to hold their wedding, most agree that having photo memories of their wedding is essential. That's why a photographer is such an important part of the wedding planning process. Although professional wedding portraits and albums are a key component to good memories, candid shots from you -- the family and friends who attend the wedding -- are some of the most cherished photos a couple can have. Here are some tips for capturing all the incredible moments of this important day. • Familiarize yourself with the camera: Take some time to learn the ins and outs of your camera before you're called upon to take pictures of the wedding. Learn the best way to zoom and focus, and find out if your camera has any special features, such as black and white capabilities or panoramic views. Also, don't forget to charge or replace the batteries. For those with digital memory cards, purchase a new one with plenty of space so you can freely snap away. • Tell a story: Start taking pictures before the wedding even occurs. If you're a friend or a family member, capture the special events leading up to the wedding, such as dress fittings, choosing wedding rings, the bridal shower, or shots of the bachelor party.
This way the photos can be put together to tell the entire story of the wedding, culminating with the big day. • Go for the close-up: Stand no more than 4 to 6 feet from your subjects when snapping a picture. You want to be sure the couple is the central focus of the picture, not the distracting background items. • Shoot candid shots: Posed pictures have their place, but candid shots can really capture the mood and excitement of the day. Snap away while everyone is dancing, when the couple isn't looking, or if you see a special moment that others may not be aware of. • Include pictures of party participants: The couple will have plenty of images of themselves and their wedding party in a photographer's album. What they may be missing are the people who actually attended the wedding. Be sure to take plenty of pictures of the people who came together to share in this special day. • Special surprise: Thanks to the immediate gratification that digital cameras provide, you can treat the happy couple to a preview of their wedding pictures even before the big day has ended. Use the time between the wedding ceremony and reception to have a few prints of the nuptials printed. Place them in a photo album and give this gift to the couple at the reception.
Wedding guests snapping pictures can fill in additional wedding memories with great photos.
Wedding folklore, myths and good luck charms.... ho doesn't hope for good fortune on their wedding day? That's why there are so many traditions and steps people take to ensure luck is smiling down on them for their wedding. Here are some traditions you may not have known about. • According to Greek culture, tuck a sugar cube into your glove on your wedding. The sugar will sweeten your union. • English tradition says that
W
Wednesday is the best day to marry. Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health. • The groom carries his newly betrothed across the threshold to protect her from evil spirits. • Hindu tradition says rain on your wedding day is good luck. • For good luck, Egyptian women are known to pinch the bride on her wedding day.
• In Holland a pine tree is planted outside of the newlyweds' home for good luck and fertility. • A law in 1775 said a wedding was not legal if the bride wore makeup during the ceremony. • Wedding and engagement rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was long believed a vein ran from that finger directly to the heart.
• Ancient Greeks and Romans said a wedding veil protected the bride from evil sprits. It has been a tradition to wear a veil ever since. • The term "tie the knot" comes from Roman times when the bride wore a girdle tied in knots that the groom was later able to untie. Some also believe it refers to the knots of rope that were tied to form the marriage bed.
Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition, Feb. 27, 2009 — Page 5
Plan Your Perfect Wedding
Come in and see why at Aracoma Drug only the very best is good enough!!! • Bridal Registry • Wedding Invitations
• Gifts
• Experienced Consultants
We have beautiful gifts for brides plus a great selection of bridal party gifts, favors and traditional wedding items •Memory Albums •Guest Books •Ring Pillows •Toasting Glasses •Cake Toppers •Cards & Gift Wrap and much more...Stop by and let one of our courteous and friendly salespeople and clerks help you with your wedding needs...
Aracoma Drug Company 3602 North Main Street Chapmanville, West Virginia
855-4541
Page 6 — Feb. 27, 2009, Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition
Wedding tresses made easy (MS) - Most brides don't want stress while getting welltressed for their wedding day. Besides hiring a reputable stylist and ensuring a practice hairdo run before the wedding, here are a few helpful tips. • Wear a button-down shirt when having your hair and makeup done on your wedding day - or for any other special occasion. This way you can take off the shirt without touching your hair or makeup. • Bring in your veil or headpiece in advance so your stylist can ensure that the haircombs attached will be in the right position for the style you've requested. If they're not, you'll have ample time to have that rectified. • Don't apply conditioner to your hair on the day of your wedding. Conditioner may make your hair too silky and smooth, which could be a disadvantage when you want hair to stay put and hold combs or pins in an up-do. • Opt for a two-piece veil if you desire a long cathedral-
style veil. This way you can keep the long portion attached for pictures and the ceremony and then simply remove a portion for the reception and dancing the night away. • If your headpiece has gemstones or crystals in the design, have the stylist cover the stones
up as much as possible before locking in your style with hairspray. After the wedding, talk to a jeweler about the right way to clean the stones. Otherwise the spray can tarnish the headpiece and potentially damage the stones. • Go with a simple style that matches your personality. You don't want to look like a completely different person on your wedding day - just a better representation of yourself.
Getting engaged is just the beginning ... Now what? (MS) -- Are you one of the thousands of couples who got engaged over the holidays? This is the time for you and your soon-to-be to get everything you ever wanted -- the time to start from scratch; to upgrade, expand and replace. To turn a whole bunch of mismatched mine and yours into a lifetime of ours. A lot of couples become overwhelmed, feeling they have to get it all done at once. According to the experts at Bed Bath & Beyond, this is totally normal. When it comes to registering, Bed Bath & Beyond suggests you relax, take your time and have fun. Go back to the store as many times as needed, or update your registry online. Here are some additional tips to make wedding planning a breeze: • Plan ahead: Start a bridal registry as soon as you say "yes." This way you will be prepared for your engagement party and bridal shower, as well as your wedding. Periodically update your registry by adding more products if you need to, even after the wedding. Be kind
Top Shelf Blues & Soul Review
Now Booking Summer & Fall activities...
Fairs, Festivals & Special Occasions
For the hottest and professional show available call...
304-855-4486 or 304-688-1295
To listen to the band go to www.myspace.com/topshelfwv
to procrastinators. • Don't be shy: Register for gifts in a range of prices and categories. This will give guests and group givers lots of options to choose from. • Do the math: Here's an easy rule of thumb: Add up all the gift-givers for both your wedding and bridal shower. Register for at least two times as many gifts as givers. Your guests will appreciate having lots of choices when they shop for you. Be sure to refresh your list regularly as gifts get purchased. Register now, because you won't buy it later: You may think you will... but you won't. Now is the time to let others get you the stuff you'd never buy yourself. Your friends and family might even get together to purchase a higher priced "group gift." • Remember the rule of three: When it comes to setting your table, if you choose bold patterns for your china and flatware, pick a more simple style of glassware. Prefer intricate stemware? Pair it with simpler patterns of china and flatware. So, it's bold/bold/simple or simple/simple/bold. • Three sheets is a win: Register for at least three sets of sheets -- one for the bed, one for the linen closet and one for the hamper. This way you won't be forced to do laundry. Once you've set up your bridal registry, take advantage of Bed Bath & Beyond's Bridal Toolkit(R), the complimentary wedding planning tools available at www.bedbathandbeyond.com, including your own personal wedding Web site, budgeter, task manager, guest list manager, gift tracker and even a seating arranger. This way, all of your information can be stored in one convenient place. Congratulations and best wishes on your engagement. Now get registering and let the gift-giving begin.
Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition, Feb. 27, 2009 — Page 7
Tuxedo choices for your wedding day There are many grooms-to-be who leave choosing their wedding day attire to the last minute. After all, it's something that doesn't require much thought at all, right? Actually, choosing your attire requires careful consideration of several variables. As such, many men are intimidated by the process, another reason for procrastination. However, acquiring a few pointers will help make the process easier if you have limited experience with wedding day attire. It's first important to consider the style of your wedding. What time is it being held? What is the size of the wedding party and the number of attendants? Will it be held in a church with a reception at a fancy catering hall, or is it a more laid-back affair at a park or on the beach? All of these questions will help determine the formality of the event. Your wardrobe choices should coincide with this level of formality. Tuxedos are often the attire of choice for weddings that are moderately or ultra formal. A tuxedo with a bow tie and tails is a very formal look. For the majority of weddings a tuxedo without tails, with a matching vest and regular tie, will be adequate for the groom and groomsmen. On some occasions, especially casual weddings, grooms choose to wear a sports jacket and slacks rather than a tuxedo. Tuxedoes are flattering for most men, especially when a black tuxedo is chosen. Black is slimming, and simply slipping into a tuxedo can enable anyone to look sophisticated. Working with a tuxedo shop representative can help you to find a tuxedo that fits well. These garments are available in a number of sizes, but a reputable shop will make minor alterations to ensure a perfect fit. You want to be sure there is no pulling in the jacket and that the pants are a good length. Also, shirt sleeve length is important (the cuffs should extend past the jacket a little bit),
A tuxedo should coordinate with the formality and style of a wedding.
as well as the fit of the shirt collar. You want to be comfortable the entire duration of your wedding. Tuxedo jackets come in many styles, with the basics being single- or double-breasted. Doublebreasted jackets may add a little
bulk, which should be avoided by heavy men or those who are very slim. Jackets also come in different lengths. Choose one that is proportionate to your height so your body does not look overwhelmed by the jacket. Here are a few of the styles: • Cutaway jacket: This jacket is shorter in the front and tapers to one longer tail in the back. It is traditionally a formal daytime jacket. • Traditional tuxedo jacket: As mentioned, this can be single- or double-breasted and feature varied numbers of button closures. The lapels may also be varied. A peaked lapel forms a "V" at the collar and points upward. A notched lapel has an indentation at the collar in the shape of a triangle. A shawl lapel has no indentation and smoothly curves around the neck. • Mandarin jacket: Mandarinstyle jackets do not have a lapel but a collar that stands straight up. There are six buttons along
the front. It is worn with a mandarin-style shirt without a tie. • Long coat: The long coat is best worn by tall, broad-shouldered men and is traditional in colder weather. The coat extends beyond the fingertips of the wearer. • Dinner jacket: This is a variation on the regular tuxedo jacket, but it is usually ivory or white in color. This can set the groom apart from other members of the wedding party. Many grooms-to-be opt to rent their tuxedo instead of purchase one. Wedding experts recommend renting the attire three months before the wedding. All groomsmen should rent their tuxedos from the same shop for a uniform look. It is also customary to coordinate the tuxedos with the gowns bridesmaids will
be wearing. One way to do so is with a similar colored tie, vest or cummerbund. Take a color swatch of one of the bridesmaids' gowns with you to the tuxedo store for assistance with matching the look. Pick up the tuxedo a day or two before the wedding and try on every piece, including the shoes, to check for fit. This way you have time for an exchange if something is not right or to pick up a missing tie or cufflink, which is apt to happen. Rented tuxedoes usually need to be returned the day after the wedding or the next business day. Elect a member of the wedding party to handle tuxedo returns because you're likely to be on your honeymoon at this point.
Page 8 — Feb. 27, 2009, Logan Banner 2009 Wedding Edition
