So you're getting married. Congrats! Now comes the fun part: figuring out what you're actually going to wear when you say "I do."
If you're like most grooms, you're probably wondering whether you should go with a tuxedo or a suit. It's one of those decisions that seems simple on the surface but gets more complicated the deeper you dig. Both look sharp. Both photograph well. And honestly? Both can be the right choice depending on your wedding.
The good news is that there's no wrong answer here, just the right answer for your specific day. Let's break down the differences, talk about when each one makes sense, and help you figure out which direction to go.
What's Actually Different About a Tuxedo vs a Suit?
Before we get into the "when" and "why," let's talk about what separates these two.
The biggest visual difference is the satin. Tuxedos have satin accents on the lapels, buttons, and typically a satin stripe running down the outer seam of the pants. Suits? They're made entirely from one matching fabric with no satin embellishments.
Beyond that, tuxedos traditionally come with a few other signature elements:
- A bow tie (though long ties are becoming more common)
- Patent leather shoes
- Cummerbunds or vests (worn properly under the jacket, not over it)
- Studs instead of regular buttons on dress shirts
Suits, on the other hand, pair with standard neckties, regular dress shoes, and button-front shirts. They're more flexible in terms of styling options and generally feel less "locked in" to a specific look.
When a Tuxedo Is the Right Move
Let's say your wedding is at a fancy hotel ballroom, starts at 7 PM, and the invitations say "Black Tie." Yeah, you're wearing a tuxedo.
Tuxedos are built for formal evening events. If your wedding has any of these characteristics, a tux is probably your best bet:
Evening ceremonies. Anything starting after 6 PM leans tuxedo. There's something about that combination of low lighting, candlelight, and satin lapels that just works.
Formal venues. Country clubs, historic estates, luxury hotels, grand ballrooms, these settings practically demand the polish and elegance that a tuxedo brings.
Traditional weddings. If you're going classic, think cathedral, sit-down dinner, champagne toasts, string quartet, a tuxedo matches that level of formality perfectly.
Your bride is wearing a ball gown. If she's going full princess mode with a dramatic gown and cathedral-length train, you'll want to match that energy. A tuxedo creates visual balance in photos.
The other advantage of a tuxedo? It photographs incredibly well. The contrast between the black fabric and satin details creates dimension and definition in photos. You'll look sharp from every angle.
When a Suit Makes More Sense
Now, if your wedding is at a vineyard at 2 PM on a Saturday in June, a tuxedo might feel like overkill. That's where suits come in.
Suits work beautifully for daytime and less formal settings. Consider a suit if:
Your ceremony is during the day. Morning and afternoon weddings tend to feel lighter and more relaxed. A suit fits that vibe without sacrificing style.
You're getting married outdoors. Beach, garden, barn, backyard, outdoor venues usually call for something a bit more laid-back than full formal wear. A well-tailored suit in a lighter fabric keeps you comfortable and appropriate.
Your wedding has a casual or semi-formal dress code. If "cocktail attire" or "dressy casual" is on the invitation, a suit is the perfect middle ground.
You want versatility. Here's the practical side: you can absolutely wear that suit again. Job interviews, work events, other weddings, nice dinners, a quality suit is an investment that keeps paying off. A tuxedo rental is a one-day deal.
Suits also give you way more options when it comes to color, pattern, and fabric. Navy, charcoal, light gray, even tan or linen for summer weddings. You can play with textures, add a patterned tie, switch up the shoes. There's more room to inject personality.
The Budget Factor (Let's Be Real)
Let's talk money for a second because this matters.
Wedding tuxedo rental typically runs anywhere from $150 to $300 depending on the style and where you're renting from. It's a one-time cost, and you return everything after the wedding. If you're also renting for your groomsmen, some shops offer package deals that bring the per-person price down.
Buying a tuxedo outright? You're looking at $500 minimum for something decent, and easily $1,000+ for a high-quality, well-fitted tux. Unless you're attending multiple black-tie events every year, that's a tough sell.
Buying a suit, on the other hand, makes more financial sense for most guys. A solid suit from 700 Shop ranges from $300 to $800 depending on fabric and construction. Yes, it's more upfront than a tuxedo rental, but you're getting something you'll wear again and again. That's actual value.
If budget is a concern and you're leaning formal, renting is smart. If you're going the suit route and don't already own a great one, buying makes sense: especially if you need a good suit for work or other events anyway.
Comfort and Practicality
This doesn't get talked about enough, but you're going to be in this outfit for 8+ hours. Comfort matters.
Tuxedos are more structured. They're designed to look crisp and hold their shape, which means they're often a bit stiffer and less forgiving, especially if you're dancing, eating, or (let's be honest) sweating through an outdoor cocktail hour in July.
Suits tend to be more comfortable, particularly if you choose a lighter fabric or a more modern cut. You can also dress a suit up or down throughout the day: lose the jacket for dancing, roll up the sleeves, swap the tie. Tuxedos don't give you that same flexibility.
If your wedding involves a lot of movement: think beach ceremony followed by lawn games: a suit is probably the more practical choice.
Making Your Final Decision
Here's the simplest way to think about it:
Match your outfit to your wedding's overall formality, venue, and timing. Don't pick based on what you think looks cooler or what you saw in a magazine. Pick based on what actually fits your day.
Ask yourself:
- What time does the ceremony start?
- Where is it happening?
- What's the dress code?
- What is your partner wearing?
- How formal do you want the overall vibe to be?
If most of your answers point toward "formal and elegant," go tuxedo. If they point toward "stylish but relaxed," go suit.
And remember: the goal isn't to look like you stepped out of a wedding magazine. The goal is to look like yourself: just the absolute sharpest version.
How 700 Shop Can Help
Whether you're leaning tuxedo or suit, we've got you covered at 700 Shop.
We offer wedding tuxedo rental options that give you the formal look without the commitment of buying. Every rental includes a fitting consultation to make sure everything fits perfectly: because an ill-fitting tux is worse than no tux at all.
If you're going the suit route, our suit collection includes a range of styles, fabrics, and colors that work for weddings of all kinds. We'll help you find the right fit, coordinate accessories, and make sure you walk down that aisle looking like a million bucks.
Not sure which direction to go? Come visit us and let's talk through your wedding details. We'll help you figure out what makes sense for your day, your budget, and your style.
Because at the end of the day, the best choice is the one that makes you feel confident when you're standing up there marrying the love of your life.