CONSERVATIVE, WITH A TOUCH OF FLASH, IS LOOK IN TUXEDO

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 7, 1993                   TAG: 9302120380
SECTION: YOUR WEDDING                    PAGE: NRV-9   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY  
SOURCE: By BECKY HEPLER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
CONSERVATIVE, WITH A TOUCH OF FLASH, IS LOOK IN TUXEDO
Maitre d'and penguin jokes notwithstanding, there is no substitute for the tuxedo as the attire of choice for the bridegroom. It is the perfect complement for the bridal gown and its flower bed of attendant dresses.
Even as we go toward a new century, the trend lately has been a continuing conservative, traditional one, with classic black the predominant mode. While a few flashes of color show in the cummerbund, tie or waistcoat, those accessories are most likely to be black. "It seems like everyone is tapped into the same look," said Alex Rygas, of Alex and Dana's in Pulaski.
This is not to say these are your fathers' tuxedoes. Those looking for a lot of style can get a designer tuxedo that incorporates the newer touches such as pleated or baggy plants, pegged near the ankle.
"This looks great on an athlete," said Paul Monoski, wardrobe consultant at Shelton and Walters Men's Shop in Christiansburg.
Monoski also recommended the Michael Jordon tuxedo. It has a shawl-collared jacket, pleated trousers, and the tie and cummerbund are decorated with pearls that match the cuff links and shirt studs.
Tux rental shops in the area also report an upswing in formality, as many about-to-be-wedded couples select tails for the bridegroom and ushers. Michelle Scott at Pearisburg Floral and Gift Shop said almost all the recent orders at that shop were for tails. "I think the brides really appreciate that elegant look," she said.
For those who want the contrast, ties and cummerbunds can be ordered in a whole host of colors, jewel tones and iridescent hues being the favorite this year. Some shops even offer to match the color of the attendant dresses. Just be sure to bring a swatch of material.
"Don't trust your memory on this," said Monoski. "You wouldn't believe how many different shades of mauve there can be."
There are even variations on the color white. Bridal gowns come in a wide range of white and Scott said that tux accessories can replicate those. Shirts and vests can be ordered in the same ivory or cream colors that match the bride's outfit.
Another new development in tuxedo style is in the way the ties and cumberbunds are made. Vertical creases are replacing the horizontal creases for a fresh look.
The Country Music Awards ceremony gave an idea to people who like to mix their metaphors. Monoski said there have been quite a few people who rent the tuxedo jacket and wing collar shirt, then wear it with black jeans and boots for a "country formal" look. A favorite is to use the gray tails for an extra special look.
If you want to go the other direction and add the Fred Astaire touch of hats and canes, they are available at all the shops. However, most of the "tuxedo engineers" say that look is more prevalent at proms than at weddings.
Some bridegrooms debate whether to buy the tuxedo or rent it. Comparing the $300 (or more for designer labels) cost for buying a new tuxedo (shirt and accessories are additional), to the $45 to $75 rental costs, it's no contest, especially if you are doing the budget wedding. Many shops offer free rental of the bridegroom's tuxedo if the party includes at least five. Check for other money-saving specials.
On the other hand, if your life includes at least four formal occasions in a year, Monoski said you can amortize the cost of buying one. Choosing a classic style rather than the latest fashion can extend its life even more. Rygas advised that used tuxedoes, often offered by the rental shops, may not be a good bargain because the styles have changed or the tuxes are too worn.
Most of the consultants said they could, if absolutely necessary, turn the order around in a week or less. They prefer to have much more time. Having time for the men to be measured and fitted properly and being able to send it back in case it doesn't fit is more than just a luxury, it is critical for the comfort of the ushers and bridegroom and the sanity of the bride.
Tuxedo rental is complicated by the fact that the prom season crowds the peak wedding season. Add to this the fact that, many times, the wedding participants are scattered all over the country and may only get together for the first time the night before the wedding.
Irene Robinson, owner of The Wedding Center in Pulaski said she will guarantee the fit if she does the measuring. Otherwise, it is imperative that it be done very carefully.
Rygas underscored this point. "You want to deal with experienced people, people who know what they're doing here," he said. "They can anticipate problems that the bride or bridegroom may not even think of and take action to avoid them." The goal, after all, are tuxedos that fit correctly and look good.
"People usually invest a lot of money in photographs for a wedding and those bad-fitting tuxes will haunt you the rest of your life," he said. "You'll see them every time you open that album."

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB