Tuxes and other formalities – Then & Now!

The Black Tux just put together this lovely Then & Now comparison – and they are so right! Things have changed A LOT over the years when it comes to weddings; we here at A Day Like No Other – Wedding Coordination and Design have seen it happening! To me, maybe the most striking change that has happened over the years is the change from a  “standard/traditional” to a “totally unique/personalized” style. Two or three decades ago, couples prided themselves in having a “white wedding” in Church followed by a formal sit-down dinner, First Dance, and ballroom dancing, in compliance with all rules of etiquette. No more! Ceremonies are now taking place in the most unexpected spots. I did one wedding ceremony on deck of a historic tallship and one on a schooner in the SF Bay.

Photo credit: Vicens Forns for Ceremony Magazine

Photo credit: Vicens Forns for Ceremony Magazine

Most of my wedding ceremonies these days are held outside – in a Redwood grove, on the beach, or some other scenic spot.

Photo credit: Juniper Spring

Most of my wedding celebrations have a design and decor theme, anything from “Tuscany Elegance”…

Photo credit: Megan Reeves

Photo credit: Megan Reeves

…to “Vintage French Country” and Art Deco glamour. The food might come from an ethnic caterer and the late-night snacks (another trend) from a food truck.

Photo credit: Majesta Patterson

Guest entertainment is HUGE. (Who ever imagined that guests would be treated to a complete show?) A photo booth is standard, live caricature artists or a strolling “Champagne Skirt” are nice add-ons,

Photo credit: Colson Griffith

… and wine and whisky tasting experiences, a cigar roller and a perfume bar are among the other popular choices.

Having a furry family member in the celebration was unthinkable just 2 decades ago but has become mainstream now…

Photo credit: Juniper Spring

Photo credit: Redeye Collection

The getaway car could be anything from the groom’s own beloved “MINI”…

Photo credit: Augie Chang

… to a vintage 1927 Stutz limousine.

Photo credit: Alexandra Schall

And, yes, the exit has to be “grand” as well…

Needless to say that the bride’s and groom’s attire have also undergone significant changes!

Brides might wear anything but white, or go for a really bold, Haute Couture style…

Photo credit: Vicens Forns for Ceremony Magazine

Photo credit: Vicens Forns for Ceremony Magazine

 

… and grooms have many more options now beyond the bespoke tuxedo of times past. While renting wedding attire used to be frowned upon (probably because of mediocre quality and fit in the olden days…) – online companies like The Black Tux have changed that perception for good and are making renting suits and tuxedos easy.

Even unusual sizes can be accommodated to perfect fit … see here one of my VERY tall grooms at a VERY upscale wedding – in a perfectly fitting tux by The Black Tux!

It’s really exciting to see things evolve – and to grow with these new trends!