Ajanta Roy

Does the groom know a notch from a peak? A four-in-hand from a Euro tie? Here are the terms he needs to know, so he can ask for exactly what he wants.

SUIT STYLES
Cutaway and Stroller: For formal daytime weddings, the groom can wear a cutaway/morning coat. Accessories include a wing-collar shirt with an ascot and a coordinating vest.
Dinner Suit: A white or ivory jacket with black formal trousers is an ideal option in spring and summer months for formal and semiformal evenings.
Tuxedo: A single or double-breasted jacket with matching trousers for formal or semiformal evening weddings, tuxes come in a variety of fabrics. Accessories include a dress shirt with cuff links and studs, a bow tie with a vest or cummerbund, or four-in-hand tie with a vest.
White Tie: This is the classic choice for the ultra-formal evening wedding. The tailcoat is short in front with two long back tails. Tailcoats can be worn for formal daytime or evening weddings in black, white, or ivory with matching ties and cummerbunds.

LAPELS
Notch: A triangular indentation is cut where the lapel joins the collar.
Peak: A broad V-shaped lapel that points up and out just below the collar line.
Shawl: A smooth, rounded lapel.

SHIRTS
Band Collar: Stands up around the neck and above the buttons.
Classic Shirt: The traditional formal shirt is white with buttons or stud closures.
Lay-down Collar: Similar to the collar on a standard button-front shirt, with a wide division between points in front.
Wing Collar: A band that encircles the neck with turned-down points in front.

ACCESSORIES
Ascot: A wide necktie. Worn with a wing-collar shirt and the daytime wedding cutaway jacket.
Bow Tie: A short tie shaped like a bow that can be worn with a wing or lay-down collar.
Cuff links and Studs: Decorative jewelry used to close cuffs and button formal shirts.
Cummerbund: A silk or satin sash worn at the waist that covers the trousers’ waistband.
Euro Tie: A long knotted necktie worn with a lay-down collar shirt.
Four-in-hand: A standard long necktie worn with a lay-down collar shirt.
Pocket Square: A small pocket handkerchief tucked into the left breast pocket.
Suspenders: Two supporting bands worn over the shoulders to support the trousers. They can be coordinated, in color, or pattern with a cummerbund.
Vest: Worn in place of a cummerbund to cover the trousers’ waistband.

The groom’s outfit should allow him to stand out and should echo the mood the wedding.