While a great deal of attention is given to the clothing of the bride and groom, sometimes the details and outfitting of the younger participants in the wedding are overlooked. There can be particular difficulties involved that should be dealt with in advance when preparing young boys or teens for a wedding ceremony.
Fitting for Boy Tuxedos
Young boys are rambunctious and uncooperative at times, which can make fitting for wedding tuxedos difficult to do on your own, particularly in terms of acquiring the necessary body measurements accurately.
- Get the fitting done professionally. While you may be able to take your own accurate body measurements, it is advised to seek out professional help for every formal event regardless of age. The best place to get tuxedo measurements taken are at dedicated menswear stores such as Moore's or Men's Wearhouse or stores that specialize in fitting for formal wear or tuxedos for boys.
- Nail down the details beforehand. Instead of bringing your young boy into the store without having a clue as to what style of tuxedo you'd like or what accessories, colors or collections, prepare in advance. Visit the store you've chosen to order the wedding clothing from in advance and take all of their catalogs for the season. Then you can prepare and have all of the paperwork in order before the fitting.
- Ensure that the child is well-rested and well-fed. This is advice that stands for family photos as well as for a tuxedo fitting. Formal wear and menswear professionals are not as familiar with working with squirming children – while portrait studio photographers generally are – and as such you won't likely get much assistance from the salesperson in quieting your child.
- Provide positive reinforcement. While the associate is sizing up the boy or teen for his measurements, play a game to keep his attention and promise a small treat following the successful completion of the session. While being measured by a tailor or a wardrobe specialist is not really as intimidating as visiting the doctor or the dentist's office, it can still be bothersome and aggravating to small children. A small reward is in order to keep the child from acting out or becoming irritated in many cases.
In closing, there are also a few general ideas to keep in mind when dressing up young children or even teenagers in formal wear for occasions such as wedding or a funeral.
Boys' ties vary and although children are not usually accustomed to wearing ties, they are probably the only eligible parties who are permitted to wear a bow tie without stares of disapproval in the modern fashion context. This comes off as cute, especially if the child is quite young. Teenagers, however, should avoid the bow tie at all costs.
Vests are a great solution for young children in terms of keeping everything in place – particularly the shirt and the necktie. Vests can also cover the bright white dress shirt from prospective stains that might be leering just beyond that tray of cookies or a platter of juice. Vests are also highly popular in terms of contemporary bridal and wedding style and as such are wholly appropriate.
Consider three button tuxedos for younger children for the same reasons. The offer more protection from prospective stains but also look better on a smaller frame. Tall teenagers may be interested in two button or one button tuxedos that help to silhouette trimmer, more athletic frames.
No matter how the event planning is going, stocking up on a few helpful tips for the fateful trip to the tailor or the menswear outlet will certainly help cut down on the stress. With these hints in mind, you'll be in a much better position to ensure that the children and teens in your wedding party look clean, well-dressed, and comfortably perfect.
Christina Majaski - Christina Majaski is a mother, legal assistant and freelance writer. She has written articles, quizzes and stories for print ...
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