The Perfect Wedding Guide recently sat down with Suits Unlimited’s Marketing Manager Ashley Kerns to get the scoop on wedding tuxedo and suit trends for 2014. Ashley also had some great words of wisdom for our brides and grooms who are just starting to think about what the guys are going to be wearing during the wedding.
Perfect Wedding Guide: What are the big tuxedo and suit trends for 2014 going to be?
Suits Unlimited: The biggest suit trend we have seen is the navy or slate blue tuxedo. Grey suits and tuxedos have made a huge comeback and are still at the top of grooms fashions. However, for brides looking breaking away from the grey now have this new blue tuxedo option to love on their grooms. Also, camo is actually making a splash in wedding trends. We have the perfect camouflage tuxedo and a few camo vest and tie options for the more outdoorsy couple. A black tuxedo will always be the classic choice and there are so many styles to choose from.
PWG: Why would you suggest renting or buying tuxes and suits from a local store as opposed to a national chain?
Suits Unlimited: The service would have to be the number one reason to not shop at a national chain. At Suits Unlimited, we are with a bride and groom every step of the rental process, from the time they book with us to the time they pick up their rentals a few days before their event. We can also guarantee a perfect fit before they wear their garments on the wedding day. We have tailors on staff that change a hem quickly or sew a button in a few moments. We try to go above and beyond when making sure a couple is satisfied with their garments.
PWG: How many years has Suits Unlimited been in business?
Suits Unlimited: Suits Unlimited has been in business for 43 years. We were first and formally known as Mr. Casual since 1971, but changed our name to Suits Unlimited in late 1990’s because our product mix in our menswear started to move more toward suits and tuxedos versus casual menswear.
PWG: What services do you provide to grooms that really sets Suits Unlimited apart?
Suits Unlimited: We have great offers for them to utilize at our store. If they have 6 or more people renting full ensembles for their wedding, the groom’s rental is free and also we send him a gift certificate for a free suit after the wedding!
We also offer services like custom menswear. If a groom is looking for an absolutely custom look he can use our custom clothing services. He can pick everything from the fabric, fit, type of buttons, and even silkscreen whatever image he’d like into the lining of the jacket.
We also sell suits and menswear so if he would like to just purchase his wedding day garments we can tailor and make sure he has that perfect fit, even in as little as a day.
Last but not least, we have our own shoe shine services. If a groom wants to shine his shoes before the big day he can visit our shoe shine stand Monday-Friday from 10am-3pm or use our drop off services in the off hours.
PWG: What are some words of wisdom or tips that you have for brides and grooms just starting to think about their tuxes and suits?
- The groom and his groomsmen aren’t the only ones renting tuxes these days, so are the fathers, the ushers, ring bearers and more. Don’t forget to think about all who will actually need a tux for your wedding and jot down a list.
- Tuxedos are not what they used to be in the 80’s and beyond, there are no ruffled shirts, and you have plenty more options than tuxes with tails. Most tuxedos today are somewhat similar to suits. The only difference is they have satin covered buttons and satin on the lapel and pockets. In most cases the tux pant will also have a satin stripe down the side, where as regular dress slacks do not.
- Since bridesmaid dresses tend to take more time to order, it’s best to decide on colors and dresses first before coming into a formalwear store. It helps to come in with a swatch of the dress color to best match or compliment it with the guy’s attire. There are so many colors of vests and ties, it hard not to find a color that doesn’t work with your wedding.
- Consider if you would like to be more formal or more casual. Get on sites like Pinterest.com or TheKnot.com and look at wedding photos of different couples and their wedding parties. These are some great tools that can help you decide what you think looks best for your big day. When you have an idea in mind, go to your tux or menswear shop and the associates can help steer you in the right direction.
Brides and Grooms, if you are starting your search for the perfect tuxedos or suits for your wedding party, stop by Suits Unlimited first. Their decades of wedding attire experience and quality customer service are unparalleled in Albuquerque.
Thank you for the great advice, Ashley!
(505) 883-1060
5406 Menaul NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
For everything you need to plan your wedding, please visit The Perfect Wedding Guide.