Confero's Birmingham News Feature

Birmingham News - Lifestyle Section - Sunday August 16, 2009

Outfitting the Well-Polished Groom :

The ring is not the only must-have accessory for a bride on her wedding day. She'll also need a well-dressed groom looking his best.

Christopher Reed, the wedding and event designer of Confero Productions in Birmingham, offers tips on how grooms can stay polished, especially when a tuxedo is not always an option.

• Wear a folded pocket square instead of a boutonniere. The square should match the color of the tie or could be a different pattern. Don't wear a boutonniere, tie and pocket square at the same time, it's visually over-whelming.
• Consider wearing a gray suit, which can be an equal to a black suit. Plus, it fits any color scheme.

• Keep cool in a blue or tan seersucker suit, which is not only acceptable for outdoor summer weddings but also adds a great sporty look. "They look very beach chic," he said.
• Be proud of your heritage. Depending on your culture, you may want to don a kilt or sherwani. "Most guys would be more reluctant to wear something unusual. But if you have that guy who is super proud of being Scottish, why not wear a kilt. You can easily get online and find your family colors and tartan patterns," Reed said.
• Dress for the season. Linen and cotton are better options for spring and summer weddings. Fall and winter nuptials usually call for wool, tweed or cashmere.
• Go for a spa say and be sure to get a manicure, it's not just for women anymore. "Every bride wants a polished groom beside her at the altar," Reed said.
• Do not wear a tuxedo for a daytime wedding. A tuxedo is better for a late afternoon or evening ceremony.
• Look in the mirror before you walk out of the store. Cummberbunds are not the best option for men who are a bit round in the middle. Vests are slimming and don't draw much attention to that area.
• Be sure the groom doesn't look like one of the groomsmen; he should stand out at the altar. For example, his boutonniere could be different or a little nicer than the groomsmen. But make sure the boutonniere is not so big and heavy it weighs down the lapel.

• Keep formal wear formal. If you wear a tuxedo, it's not the time to show your love for a certain sports team or pastime with quirky adornments. Keep the attire tasteful and classic. "You don't want to have a beach wedding and have on a tuxedo, or be barefoot walking down the aisle at St. Patrick's Cathedral," he said. The groom's cake is a better place to show your personality.

Quick snapshot of me in my silver suit. Handsome?