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14 | Thursday , February 6 , 2025 Forest Lake Times
Forest Lake Times Thursday , February 6 , 2025 | 15
Top trends in tuxedos
What to know before a wedding gown shopping trip
Weddings mark a turning point from one stage in life to another . The significance of that transition is perhaps one reason why couples and their guests dress so nicely for a wedding ceremony and reception . Formal garb is a wedding tradition , and guests anxiously await seeing which type of gown a bride will wear . In western cultures , white wedding gowns have been the standard since the nineteenth century and are believed to symbolize purity and grace . In eastern cultures , wedding gowns often have been elaborate , colorful creations that have their own symbolic meanings unique to various areas of the world .
Shopping for a wedding gown can spark mixed emotions . While it is exciting to try on some remarkable garments , there also is the pressure of knowing all eyes will be on you while wearing this couture creation . Narrowing down wedding gown prospects can take vision , time and patience . The following pointers can help when it comes time to visit bridal shops .
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Many bridal shops operate by appointment only . That ’ s because the staff wants to devote complete attention to a client , and having
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people simply walk in from the street can draw their attention away and / or lead to long wait times . Identify the stores you want to visit , and then call to secure your time slot .
NARROW DOWN STYLES
Think about what your personal style might be and how you want to look on your wedding day . If you ’ re not sure about the vocabulary surrounding dress silhouettes , visit Pinterest or Instagram and save images of dresses that you love . Then you can show the sales staff what you are thinking instead of going in emptyhanded .
KEEP AN OPEN MIND
Try on a few different styles even if you have a particular dress in mind . You never know if something might be a better fit for your body type or the scope and style of your wedding unless you give it a go .
START THE PROCESS EARLY
Unlike off-the-rack clothing , most wedding shops will have to order your dress and have it shipped . Then comes a few weeks for alterations . KWH Bridal notes eight to 12 months before a wedding is a good time to choose and order a dress . Brides magazine says most made-to-order wedding gowns take
about six to nine months to create . There also are three separate fittings to ensure the gown will fit like a glove .
INVITE A HANDFUL OF CONFIDANTES
It ’ s best not to arrive at the shopping appointment with an entire entourage . Pick , at the most , four people whose opinions you trust ; otherwise , it could be a case of too many cooks in the kitchen . As a bride-to-be you ’ ll already be anxious , and you ’ ll want soothing , supportive people with you .
PLAN YOUR BUDGET
Know well in advance what you can afford to spend . According to data from The Knot , wedding attire accounts for 7 percent of the average couple ’ s budget . Most wedding gowns are in the range of $ 2,000 . Don ’ t forget about additional costs , such as veil , shoes , alterations , undergarments , and any addons .
In addition to these tips , arrive to an appointment well-rested , fed and comfortable .
Weddings involve many moving pieces that must all come together successfully for one glorious day . Transportation is among the details that need to be sorted in advance , particularly when wedding parties and guests must move between ceremony and reception sites .
It is customary for the wedding party , which tends to include a couple ’ s parents , to be provided a ride to both the ceremony and reception . Furthermore , couples may have to figure out what to do when the wedding is over , particularly if the reception and ceremonies are a good distance apart . Here are a few transportation options couples can consider .
Theories on the origins of the tuxedo vary significantly . Some believe that this formal garment was created by wealthy aristocrats attending an autumn ball in Tuxedo Park , New York . However , the Wall Street Journal has reported that the tuxedo might be a British invention , spearheaded by the fashion-conscious King of Wales Edward VII in 1865 . No matter where the tuxedo originated , it has become standard attire for formal occasions , including weddings . It may seem as though every tuxedo is the same , but that ’ s not the case . Tuxes come in different styles , so those tying the knot or attending other formal functions can choose an option that fits their personality and physique . Here ’ s a look at what sets tuxedos apart and some noteworthy tux trends .
SUITS VERSUS TUXEDOS Some may wonder what sets a tuxedo apart from a suit . One of the more notable differences is that tuxedo lapels are designed with silk , satin or textured grosgrain to provide that signature V-look , says Brides magazine . Suit lapels are made from the same fabric as the suit jacket . Tuxedos traditionally are held up with suspenders , while suit pants have belt loops for use with a belt . Suits are styled with a dress shirt while tuxedos are worn with a particular tuxedo shirt that likely has a spread collar , bib , decorative studs , and French cuffs fastened with cufflinks .
CHANGE UP LAPEL STYLES
Wedding day transportation options
Did you know ?
Brides-to-be make many important decisions when planning their weddings , and one of the more notable ones is the choice of wedding gown . According to The Knot Real Weddings Study , the average wedding dress cost $ 2,000 in 2023 . Despite that hefty price tag , gowns remain a pivotal component of a wedding , as 98 percent of women who responded to The Knot survey indicated they wore a dress for their nuptials . If the sizable price tag is a cause for concern to some aspiring brides , The Knot notes that customization can drive up the final price tag by a significant amount , which undoubtedly affects the median price of gowns . Brides who opt for no or minimal customization can likely find a dress that costs significantly less than the $ 2,000 average price .
LIMOUSINES
Limousines are classic modes of transportation to and from momentous events . They typically feature seating to accommodate six or more people . Limousines typically bring the wedding party to the ceremony , then wait for the duration and transport everyone to the reception . Then the cars will leave from there unless other arrangements are made .
PARTY BUS Many couples opt for a party bus to transport themselves and / or their wedding parties . Party buses are larger than limousines , and as their name implies , often establish a festive atmosphere . Couples may ask their wedding party members to meet at the ceremony location , and then a party bus will take everyone to the reception location after vows are exchanged . Party buses often play music and have refreshments available . They can be entertaining on long rides .
SHUTTLE BUS
Couples can consider providing a shuttle to and from the airport or between other points to facilitate ease for the wedding party and guests . A shuttle can take individuals from the reception site to a nearby hotel if overnight stays have been booked . A shuttle can bring certain individuals back to the ceremony site , a transportation hub or another centralized location where they can get to their own private vehicles and back home . The couple also will need transportation home or to embark on the honeymoon , so it ’ s helpful to have reliable taxi service numbers or rideshare options at the ready .
Transportation is not a glamourous part of wedding planning , but it is a necessity that should be ironed out well in advance .
Men who want to set themselves apart can opt for what The Knot calls the most popular styles of tuxedo lapels . Notch lapels are the most common and feature two lateral points . Shawl collars feature a smooth , sleek looped lapel without notches or peaks . Peak lapels have the lower point of the lapel peak above the upper . Trying on the different jackets can give individuals an idea of which lapel look is best .
NEW COLOR SPECTRUM
A traditional tuxedo will be black , although navy tuxedos have gained a following . But individuals can find a tuxedo in any color . Those who want to add some extra flair to their weddings may opt for a tuxedo in a color that coordinates to the season or
aligns with what the rest of the bridal party is wearing .
ALTERNATIVE FABRICS
The majority of tuxedos are made from wool and will have the silk or satin detailing as described . Newer trends include incorporating fabrics like linen or flannel , although these are rare and may be harder to come by .
NECKTIES GRABBING HOLD
People can set themselves apart with everything from lapels to tuxedo shirts to different colors , but only bowties or neckties can be worn with tuxedoes . While bowties once were the gold standard , those personalizing their wedding looks and taking liberties with style are increasingly opting for neckties . Gents can choose a necktie in a complementary texture that will coordinate with the elegance of the tuxedo .
SLIM FIT
Modern tuxedo choices feature a slim fit in both jacket and pant . It ’ s a good idea to try on a few different options to see what feels comfortable before choosing a fit .
Tuxedos have been around since the nineteenth century and are the attire of choice for formal functions .
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