Many grooms leave choosing their wedding-day attire to the last minute. Some don't think the process involves much thought, while others are intimidated and tend to procrastinate. Time to educate yourself, fellas.

The first step is to determine the style of your wedding. What time is the ceremony? What is the size of the wedding party and the number of attendants? Will the ceremony be held in a church with a reception and dinner, or is it a more laid-back affair at a park or on the beach?

Tuxedos are often the attire of choice for weddings that are moderately or ultra-formal. A tuxedo with a bow tie and tails is a very formal look. For the majority of weddings, a tuxedo without tails, with a matching vest and regular tie, will be adequate. On some occasions, especially casual weddings, grooms choose to wear a sport jacket and slacks rather than a tuxedo.

Tuxedos are flattering for most men, especially when a black tuxedo is chosen. Black is slimming, and simply slipping into a tuxedo can enable anyone to look sophisticated. A tuxedo shop representative can help you find a tuxedo that fits well. These garments are available in a number of sizes, but a reputable shop will make minor alterations to ensure a perfect fit. You want to be sure there is no pulling in the jacket and that the pants are a good length. Also, shirt sleeve length is important (the cuffs should extend past the jacket a little bit), as well as the fit of the shirt collar.

Jackets come in many styles, with the basics being single- or double-breasted. Double-breasted jackets add bulk and should be avoided by heavy men or those who are very slim. Jackets come in different lengths. Choose one that is proportionate to your height so your body does not look overwhelmed by the jacket.

Wedding experts recommend renting the attire three months before the wedding. Use the same vendor for a uniform look. The shop will have measurement instructions for out-of-town attendants.It is customary to coordinate tux furnishing with the bridesmaids' gowns. Take a color swatch to the tuxedo store.

Rented tuxes usually need to be returned the day after the wedding or the next business day. Elect a member of the wedding party to handle tuxedo returns because you're likely to be on your honeymoon.

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Know your tux styles

Cutaway jacket: This jacket is shorter in the front and tapers to one longer tail in the back. Traditionally a formal daytime jacket.

Traditional tux jacket: This can be single- or double-breasted and feature varied numbers of button closures. The lapels also may be varied. A peaked lapel forms a “V” at the collar and points upward. A notched lapel has an indentation at the collar in the shape of a triangle. A shawl lapel has no indentation and smoothly curves around the neck.

Mandarin jacket: The jacket does not have a lapel but a collar that stands straight up. There are six buttons along the front. It is worn with a mandarin-style shirt without a tie.

Long coat: The long coat is best worn by tall, broad-shouldered men and is traditional in colder weather. The coat extends beyond the fingertips of the wearer.

Dinner jacket: This is a variation on the regular tuxedo jacket, but it is usually ivory or white in color. This can set the groom apart from other members of the wedding party.

Source: CTW Features