A Spread-Out Wedding Party Does Not Have to Be Stressful
Planning wedding formalwear can feel complicated when the groom and groomsmen live in different cities or states. Everyone has a different schedule, and it may be impossible to gather the entire wedding party in one store months before the ceremony.
Fortunately, out-of-town groomsmen can still be fitted for coordinated tuxedos or suits without making an extra trip to the Lehigh Valley. At C.E. Roth Formal Wear, we keep our tuxedo inventory in our Allentown showroom, allowing us to prepare each outfit in advance and make many necessary size adjustments locally when the wedding party arrives.
A little preparation helps everyone look coordinated without adding unnecessary stress to the final days before the wedding.
Choose the Wedding Look First
Before out-of-town attendants submit measurements, the couple should choose the wedding party’s formalwear. This includes the tuxedo or suit style, shirt, vest or cummerbund, tie, shoes, and accessories.
The groom may wear a slightly different jacket, vest, tie, or pocket square to help him stand out while still coordinating with the groomsmen. Fathers, ushers, and other attendants may also have their own variations.
Finalizing these choices first gives everyone clear instructions and allows us to prepare matching outfits for the full group.
Get Measured by a Menswear Professional
An out-of-town groomsman does not need to guess his size or rely on measurements from an old suit. He can visit a professional menswear or formalwear store near his home and ask to be measured for a tuxedo or suit rental.
Accurate measurements are important because formalwear sizing may differ from everyday clothing. The store should record the information requested for the rental, which may include the coat size, trouser waist and outseam, shirt size, shoe size, height, and weight.
Once the measurements are complete, the groomsman can contact us and provide the information. We will use it to prepare his selected outfit before he arrives in Allentown.
Submit Measurements Early
Even though we can assist out-of-town wedding party members, measurements should not be left until the final week. Sending them early gives us time to review the information, prepare the garments, and identify anything that appears unusual or incomplete.
Wedding plans change, and people occasionally forget that formalwear still needs attention. The groom or another designated member of the wedding party should keep track of which attendants have submitted their measurements.
A simple shared list can make it easier to confirm that everyone has completed this important step.
Plan Time for a Final Try-On
Out-of-town attendants should visit our showroom as soon as practical after arriving in the Lehigh Valley. During pickup, each person will try on the complete outfit so we can evaluate the jacket, trousers, shirt, shoes, and accessories together.
A final try-on is important because measurements provide a starting point, but bodies and garment cuts can vary. Someone may need a different jacket size, trouser adjustment, or another change to feel comfortable.
We are our own tuxedo warehouse and keep our inventory in-house. If a size adjustment is needed, we can often take care of it without waiting for replacement pieces to arrive from an out-of-state distribution center.
Bring the Right Items to the Fitting
Groomsmen should bring any personal items they plan to wear with the outfit. This may include a specific undershirt, dress socks, suspenders, watch, or other accessory.
Trying on the full look helps identify trouser length, shirt fit, sleeve length, and overall comfort. It is also a good opportunity to confirm that every accessory matches the wedding party’s selections.
Once the fit is approved, keep the outfit together and hang the garments properly until the wedding.
Coordinate Pickup and Return Plans
Out-of-town groomsmen should know where and when to pick up their formalwear before traveling. They should also understand the rental return instructions, especially if they plan to leave the area immediately after the wedding.
The groom or best man may choose to coordinate returns for the full group. Discussing this in advance can prevent rental pieces from being accidentally packed for a flight or long drive home.
Make Formalwear Easier for the Entire Wedding Party
Distance does not have to make wedding attire difficult. Early style decisions, professional measurements, and a final in-person try-on can keep everyone coordinated and comfortable.
C.E. Roth Formal Wear has served Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the surrounding Lehigh Valley since 1904. We provide tuxedo and suit rentals, formalwear accessories, dress shoes, and personalized fittings for local and out-of-town wedding parties.
Call our showroom at 610-432-9452 to schedule a fitting or discuss formalwear for your wedding party.
