Tag: Tuxedo

Posted on by

Guidelines for Setting a Perfect Wedding Date in 4 Simple Steps

bride and groom kissing with glass of wine

So, your fiancé popped the big question and you answered with an ecstatic “YES”! Now what? Where do you begin?

Planning a wedding is no small task. While the process of planning a wedding is different for every couple, setting a wedding date should be a top priority. Here are 4 simple steps to setting a wedding date with ease.

Set A Budget

We know…budgeting is not one of those things you want to think about when dreaming of your wedding. However, setting (and sticking to) a budget is a must. Talk with your family. Find out who’s contributing and how much is being contributed. Decide how much you and your fiancé can comfortably contribute. Knowing your budget in advance will help narrow down some of your most difficult wedding planning decisions, including the wedding date.  If your budget is tight, consider a weekday wedding or an off-season date to save some expense.

man and women sitting outside at table with laptops setting a wedding date

Make A Wish List

What kind of wedding have you been dreaming of? A rustic countryside setting with lush spring florals? An elegant ballroom adorned with rich fabrics and sparkling crystal? An intimate elopement with an ocean sunset? The possibilities are truly endless. Start sifting through your ideas. Make a list of all of your wants and must haves. List venues, décor, vendors for florals, food, music and more. Be sure to include your fiancé in the fun. After all, you’re in this together. You might be surprised at how similar your ideas are.

Choose A Time Of Year

Now that you have a good idea of what you want and what you can afford it’s time to start thinking about the when. But don’t get too caught up on choosing an exact date just yet. Instead, start thinking about your favorite season or weather. Keep in mind that list of wants and needs. Consider what you want to wear or how you want to decorate. Some things, such as florals, may come at a higher cost if out of season. Or, they may not be available at all.

Also think about the comfort and availability of your guests.  Holidays are usually a busy time for everyone, so it’s best to steer clear of those dates.

wedding table with flowers, plates, glasses

Contact Venues And Vendors

Start contacting your top venue and vendor choices ASAP. Find out what dates they have available in your preferred season(s).  If there are available dates and they are in your budget, go ahead and book what you can right away. You’ll find that these things book up fast and often far in advance. Don’t get discouraged if your first choices aren’t available. Keep an open mind. Think outside of the box. Maybe even check into the availability of different week day wedding options. Or, consider extending your engagement into the next year if the dates you want are not available.

Don’t forget to take time to celebrate and enjoy your engagement.

Whatever date you choose, it will be special, now and forever. And when you’re ready to start planning the details, count on Belmeade Men’s Wear to make you look great that day!  Get started by visiting Belmeade Men’s Wear online .

We deliver right to your groomsmen’s door within the continental United States. Enjoy!

     

    Posted on by

    Rent Allure Men Black ‘Bartlett’ Tuxedo at Belmeade

    Allure Men designed the ‘Bartlett’ tuxedo with classic elegance for your wedding!  The jacket features self fabric lapels with satin edge trim.

    A matching vest in black is available as well as a zillion colored vests from Belmeade’s collection to match your bridal party.

    The trouser is flat front without the satin leg stripe.  Our models selected the fitted microfiber shirt for maximum comfort.  This shirt feels soft like silk!

    Belmeade offers special discounts for the groom and up to two ring bearers.  Stop by our shop to register your wedding party.  We are located behind Target at 149 East Mountcastle Drive in Johnson City, Tennessee.  You may reach us on the telephone at: (423) 282-3892.  Ask for Gary. Thank you for shopping Belmeade!

      Posted on by

      Deep Inventory is Part of Belmeade’s Rental Success

      Tuxedo Success Story – The Johnson Triplets

      February 22, 2018

      At Jim’s Formal Wear, we’re dedicated to making sure that every one of our customers finds the perfect tuxedo for their big day. Whether you’re getting married or headed to prom, our talented team of professionals is ready to work with you to find that perfect look. Rest assured, your satisfaction is our top priority.

      That’s why it’s so rewarding to hear from our happy customers. Take, for instance, the rare problem that was facing Janette Johnson, the mother of triplet boys who were all headed to prom. Facing the dilemma of getting the perfect tux times three without breaking the bank, Janette visited one of our San Antonio locations with her boys, Jacob, Jordan, and Joshua.

      Finding All the Right Looks in One Place

      As teenage boys, of course, each one wanted something a little bit different. Fortunately, Jim’s Formal Wear can help you build the perfect tux, whether you want to shine brightly in a gold bow tie and vest or you prefer the classic look of a long, black tie and crimson vest. On top of that, our friendly, skilled sales team knows how to meet your needs from top to bottom.

      That expertise was put on full display for Janette Johnson and her triplets. The result was better than she could have hoped for! In fact, Janette was so pleased that she made a direct call to our Jim’s Formal Wear President, Steve Davis.

      Another Satisfied Customer

      johnson triplets together

      In her message, Janette expressed her joy at the result. She said each of her boys was thrilled with their tuxes, calling them comfortable and exclaiming that every item was “pressed and fit perfectly.” Paired with some exquisite shots from San Antonio-based photographer Mindy Carlettini, the Johnson triplets certainly cut a dashing figure in each of their individual tuxedos.

      More than anything, it seemed that Janette was eager to let the world know that she and her boys had such a wonderful experience and she promised to visit Jim’s again for any other formal wear needs.

      “We look forward to working with you in the future,” she said, adding, “Please send us the Facebook and Twitter accounts, so that we can like and follow. Thank you so much!”

      Experience the Jim’s Formal Wear Difference

      Janette and her triplets are just one of the many customers who’ve had their formal wear needs met at Jim’s Formal Wear. Come by today and let us help you prepare for your next black tie event. We’d love to make you just as happy as Janette, Jacob, Jordan and Joshua!

      Jim’s is Belmeade Formal Wear’s favorite vendor, because of Jim’s deep inventory.  Stop by for a free fitting on either a rental or a purchase.  Belmeade Formal Wear, 149 E Mountcastle Dr, Johnson City, TN,  (423) 282-3892.

      Posted on by

      Plan to Match Her Colors at Prom! Belmeade has Your Vest and Tie.

      The Prom Checklist for Guys

      Prom night will likely be one of the highlights of your high school career. Make it a great night, and be prepared with our prom checklist.

      Have a Plan

      It’s a big night, and you’ll have more fun if everything goes smoothly. So first things first…ask a date as soon as you know the date of the event. Or, make plans to go with a group of friends to celebrate this memorable night.

      Hire a limo, make dinner reservations, and decide where you and your friends should take pictures before the party starts. Let’s face it, you don’t always get dressed up, so you’ll want pictures to prove how great you look in your tuxedo.

      And don’t forget to buy your tickets to the prom and after-prom party. Those are definitely a necessity!

      Prom Tuxedo - Manhattan Slim Fit by Tony Bowls

      Picture perfect in the Manhattan Slim Fit Tuxedo by Tony Bowls

      Rent Your Tux

      Grab your group of guys and make a night of it! You’ll want to visit Belmeade in Johnson City, TN or Bristol VA at least 6-8 weeks before your event to rent your ensemble.

      Definitely come prepared with your date’s dress color, so you can either match or coordinate your tuxedo’s vest and tie with her ensemble. Whatever her dress color, we’ve got a match with thousands of accessory colors. Without a doubt, she’ll give you an A+ for effort.

      Most importantly, choose a tuxedo ensemble that expresses your personal style. Whether you feel more comfortable in slim fit styles or traditional fits, we have several options to choose from. You can even bring it up a notch and select a less traditional colored tuxedo or suit such as gray, navy, or tan.

      Prom Couple - Genesis Slim Fit Tuxedo by Tony Bowls

      Genesis Slim Fit Tuxedo by Tony Bowls

      Lastly, you can upgrade your ensemble with a pair of colorful socks or suspenders to really stand out from the crowd.

      Prom Couple - Colorful Socks and Suspenders

      Colorful socks and suspenders add the finishing touch

      Bring Her Flowers

      What girl doesn’t like flowers? In this case, you’ll want to visit your local florist several weeks in advance, so they have time to prepare your date’s corsage. Be sure to let the florist know what color your date’s dress is along with the styling, so they can determine if a standard corsage or wrist corsage will work best.

      Check Your Hygiene

      Need I say more? Your date will undoubtedly spend the day of prom pampering herself with makeup and hair appointments. Give her the same respect. Get a haircut, cut your fingernails, shave, shower, deodorize, brush your teeth. You know, all those things your mom nags you about.

      Use Your Manners

      Not saying manners shouldn’t be a part of your daily routine, but kick it up a notch on this special occasion. Go to the door when you pick her up for the night. Open car doors, pull out her chair at the restaurant, and offer your arm when she walks down the stairs in her 3-inch heels. She’ll appreciate the effort you give at being her Prince Charming for the evening.

      Prom Couple - Michael Kors Berkeley Slim Fit Tuxedo

      Michael Kors Berkeley Slim Fit Tuxedo for Prom

      Have Fun

      Definitely, the most important step of prom, relax and have fun. You’ll look great doing it, and you’ll remember this night forever. Thanks for letting Jim’s Formal Wear be a part of it!

      Posted on by

      Enhance Your Wedding Tuxedo!

      4 Ways to Upgrade Your Wedding Tuxedo Style

      Your wedding day is quickly approaching! While most eyes will be on the bride’s walk down the aisle, her eyes will be on you. You’ll want to ensure she remembers your wedding style… from this day forward. And now more than ever, grooms have the flexibility to make their wedding day tuxedo or suit their own. It’s not just about a plain, black tux anymore. Feel free to choose a tuxedo or suit that complements you and your bride’s style. Here are four quick ways to upgrade your wedding style:

      Find the Right Fit


      Your wedding day will likely feel more like a marathon than a sprint, so you’ll want to be comfortable in the fit of your tuxedo or suit. For a more modern look, choose a slim fit style for your wedding party. The slimmer lapels and narrower body will offer a flattering silhouette for every man in your party – including those guys that wear big and tall sizes. If slim fit styles aren’t your thing… Jim’s Formal Wear offers modern or traditional fit tuxedos and suits as well. You can take your pick!

      Tony Bowls Slim Fit Genesis Tuxedo

      Tony Bowls Slim Fit Genesis Tuxedo

      Fabrics that Feel as Good as They Look

      Let’s face it guys; what’s better than a long embrace from your bride-to-be. She’ll love the way your first hug as husband and wife feels when you’re wearing a finer fabricated tuxedo. Choose an upgraded fabric like Super 130’s or Super 100’s versus worsted wool for your wedding tuxedo. You’ll feel more comfortable in the lightweight fabric. And, the feel will be amazing… for both you and the bride.

      Tony Bowls Super 130's Manhattan Slim Fit Tuxedo

      Tony Bowls Super 130’s Manhattan Slim Fit Tuxedo

      Add Some Color

      Planning a beach wedding or a garden locale for your nuptials? Choose a tan, gray or slate blue tuxedo or suit to accentuate your wedding style. Think about a white dinner jacket for your summer wedding. Or, choose a charcoal gray or chocolate tux for your fall wedding. Don’t be afraid to think outside the proverbial black tuxedo box.

      Slate Blue Aspen Slim Fit Tuxedo

      Stephen Geoffrey Slate Blue Aspen Slim Fit Tuxedo

      White La Strada Tuxedo

      La Strada white tuxedo jacket with coordinating black pants

      Stephen Geoffrey Chocolate Cambridge Tuxedo

      Stephen Geoffrey Chocolate Cambridge Tuxedo

      Accessorize Your Style

      Your bride will certainly accessorize her wedding dress with jewelry, shoes and even a veil. Grooms should be no different. Let the details define your style by upgrading your tuxedo with these optional accessories.

      Microfiber Fitted Formal Shirt

      The modern look of the clean, non-pleated front and tapered sides of the microfiber formal shirt creates a flattering silhouette

      Modern Slim Fit Tuxedo Pants

      Choose a modern slim fit pant as a contemporary alternative to traditional formal trousers

      Dunbar Comfort Shoe

      The Dunbar defines comfort in a formal shoe

      Tuxedo with Green Pocket Square and Tie

      Adding a splash of color with a pocket square is the perfect finishing touch for your tuxedo or suit

      No matter what options you choose, just be sure to make your wedding day ensemble your own. It’s your style… choose accordingly. Happy planning!

      Posted on by

      Wedding Planning for Men

      Wedding Planning for Men: 5 Tasks the Groom Will Love

      If you could spend every single minute of the day dreaming, planning, and prepping for your wedding, you would. But, if your fiancé doesn’t feel the same way, don’t stress! Some guys just don’t get as excited about some of the little details that women swoon over.

      If you’d like to see your fiancé participate more in the planning, why not give your husband-to-be some tasks you know he will enjoy? (And leave the rest to tackle with the girls!)

      Beverage Tasting for the Reception
      Multiple Cocktails - Groom Cocktail Planning

      Do you plan to offer a signature cocktail or array of craft brews at your reception? Organize a meeting with the bartender and invite the best man and groomsmen to join. Turn the tasting into an excuse to enjoy an evening out with the guys while you check one more item off your to-do list.

      Wedding Car “Shopping”

      Groom and Bride Standing Next to Luxury Car

      If you want to exit the wedding ceremony in style, let your fiancé pick the ride. Whether he chooses a limo, vintage racecar or decked-out monster truck, he’ll be happy that he gets a say in this non-frilly wedding day decision.

      Pro-tip: Remind him that you need to be able to enter and exit the car with ease, especially if you’re wearing tall heels, a mermaid dress, or a full ball gown.

      Embellishing Those Tuxes

      Captain America Graphic Tee Shirt Under Wedding Tuxedo

      While you should plan the menswear look together as a couple, let your groom pick out all the extras. If he wants each guy to wear a superhero T-shirt under his tuxedo, let him shop for them. Or, if the guys plan to wear sneakers instead of traditional wedding footwear, have him pick them out. Encourage him to get creative!

      Honeymoon Package Planning

      Bride and Groom - Honeymoon Planning

      Think beyond the wedding day and put the groom on honeymoon duty. While planning out the entire trip is probably best done together, he can browse travel sites at home on the couch, saving you hours of time. Ask him to narrow down his top three destinations or travel packages, so you can make the final choice together.

      Music List Ideas

      Wedding Band Planning and Selection

      Your DJ, live band or soloist will want a detailed list of your musical choices. Give your hubby-to-be free rein to brainstorm a list of song titles he’d like to hear at the reception or during a cocktail hour. As you go through the list together, pick the favorites for your special dances.

      Getting the groom in on the wedding planning action isn’t as tough as it seems. Delegate the tasks that you know he will enjoy and savor the rest of the outings with your female family members and friends.

      Also, make sure to check out the Jim’s Formal Wear Event Manager. If your fiancé wants to select the perfect tuxes for his groomsmen, the Event Manager makes life easier by giving him the option to save the ensemble he wants.

      Pro Tip: If you do this together, you can review the choices he made just in case he decides to order tuxedos that match his orange signature cocktail selection.

      Posted on by

      Wedding Tuxedos

      5 Tips for Finding the Best Winter Wedding Tuxedo

      winter wedding tuxedo

      Before you know it, your winter wedding day will be here! You’ve found the perfect dress for yourself, and the bridesmaids are starting alterations on their gowns. Now, it’s time to make some final decisions on your winter wedding tuxedos for the men in your wedding party. From the groom to the groomsmen, we’ve got you covered!

      1. Coordinate tuxes with your wedding scheme and colors.

      It’s common for men to wear accents of the colors found in the bridesmaid dresses and bouquets. Pick a dominant hue and use it for the tuxedo vests, pocket squares or ties.  Your wedding style can also be reflected in the boutonnières. Ask the florist to incorporate tiny snowflake charms into the flowers, or use a sprig of holly instead of blooms for your winter wedding.

      2. Accessorize tuxedos to add personality.

      winter wedding tuxedos socks

      Sure, all the men will be matching, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with add-ons that show off their unique styles. Let each guy wear his favorite rock band T-shirt under his dress shirt or flaunt a funky pair of socks. Doing outdoor pictures after the ceremony? Let each person wear a warm beanie showing off his favorite sports team logo. These create memorable, candid wedding pictures and let the men have extra fun dressing up.

      3. Choose fabrics that are best for winter wedding tuxedos.

      Tight-weave tuxedos made from wool blends, tweed, crushed velvet, or polyester are excellent choices for cool weather events. These fabrics are naturally heavy, keeping the bridal party men extra warm and cozy during the day’s events.

      4. Flaunt classic winter wear with your tux.

      The best part about a winter wedding is adding on those iconic, elegant extras. We love to see a groom traveling to and from the event in a velvet-lined winter poncho or tailored overcoat. Winter wedding tuxedos also look sharp topped with a black derby hat, wool top hat or felt fedora.

      5. Let the groom stand out among the men.

      Finally, the groom’s wedding day look should coordinate with the groomsmen, but have a few key differences to make him stand out as the man of the day. The groom’s vest can match the tone of the bride’s dress, or he can choose a differing jacket style. Often the groom’s pocket square or boutonnière will coordinate with his bride’s bouquet to unify their look.

      Are you ready to make some winter wedding tuxedo decisions? Browse the Jim’s Formal Wear website for more ideas and put together a look to share with your wedding party on the big day. The Jim’s website is www.jimsformalwear.com.

      Stop by either Belmeade Formal Wear location for a fitting.  Bristol is working by appointment due to prom traffic:  (276) 466-9911.  The Bristol VA store is located across from the Kroger Shopping Center on Gate City Highway.  That’s Virginia exit #1 off I-81.  In Johnson City, Tennessee, we’re at 149 E Mountcastle Dr, behind Target.

      Posted on by

      History of the Tuxedo

      History of the Tuxedo

      July 15, 2013

      The tuxedo is the most recognized formalwear for men in modern fashion, but its origins are not as commonly known to people as the style of the outfit. We will discuss where the tuxedo came from, its evolution over time and the tuxedo we are familiar with today.

      1931 Tuxedo Advertisement

      Left to Right: A 1931 Tuxedo Advertisement, A Classic Tuxedo

      Origins of the Word

      The word “tuxedo” has deeply American roots and originally did not have to do with formalwear. The word P’tauk-seet-tough, which shares its phonetics with the word we use today, was an Algonquin word given to land in New York by the Algonquin Indian tribe.

      The word that evolved into “tuxedo” has been attributed both to an Indian chief with the name P’tauk-seet-tough and to the meaning “home of the bear.” In some circles, the word  tucsedo came from the Lenape language of the Delaware Indians. The word we know today as “tuxedo” in its current spelling may have been translated by the Dutch when they were granted the land we know today as southern New York State in the 1700’s. Regardless of its true origins – Lenape, Algonquin or Dutch – it is a certainty that the word “tuxedo” truly evolved from multiple cultures as history brought people from Europe into America.

      The Rise of Tuxedo Park and the Tuxedo Club

      Fast forward to the 1800’s, and Tuxedo, New York, a town in the same land the Indians had claimed before, grew in population. The Gilded Age was approaching, and American tobacco manufacturer Pierre Lorillard IV developed the idea behind the Tuxedo Club in 1886.

      Tuxedo Park Founder - Pierre Lorillard IV

      Tuxedo Park Founder – Pierre Lorillard IV

      This planned community was a country club that southwest of Tuxedo Park, a village associated with the larger town of Tuxedo. Lorillard had inherited 13,000 acres around Tuxedo Lake, and with help from other wealthy New Yorkers, he developed the prestigious club that became the birthplace of the formal outfit we know as the tuxedo.

      The Tuxedo Club in 1920 and 1959

      TOP: The Tuxedo Club in 1920, BOTTOM: The Autumn Ball at The Tuxedo Club, 1959

      The Emergence of the Tuxedo Club

      When we left off with the history of the tuxedo, we learned about Tuxedo Park and a country club established in New York for wealthy aristocrats by one of their own, Pierre Lorillard IV. From Tuxedo Park emerged a number of homes surrounding the country club, cementing the club as an important landmark for this community. Eventually, the society of Tuxedo Park developed an elite group of wealthy men that formed what was eventually known as the Tuxedo Club.

      This club revolved around a social calendar that included formal events, like balls, and sporting events that allowed the men to enjoy leisure time in the community. The club even established a golf course, tennis courts and allowed for members to enjoy boating on the grounds.

      Tuxedo Club Members

      Image Courtesy of The Tuxedo Club

      The Rise of Fashion Rebellion

      Before the tuxedo became a larger player in aristocratic circles in Gilded Age America, men who attended the country club would typically wear a formal white coat and tie. However, the way in which the tuxedo emerged is hard to discern because there are multiple tales about who exactly wore the first one to a formal event at the Tuxedo Club.

      Some of the lore surrounding the tuxedo attributes Lorillard’s son Griswold to bringing the fashionable, new outfit to the first Autumn Ball of 1886, which later became an annual event. According to this story, Pierre Lorillard, his father, commissioned a modified “tail-less” black jacket to wear to the ball inspired by a dinner jacket designed by Savile Row tailor Henry Poole & Co., who was England’s Prince of Wales’ tailor at the time. In this version of the story, Pierre decided last minute not to wear this radical new fashion, but Griswold and his friends modeled their outfits on his and made a splash at the ball.

      Another version of the tuxedo story, which comes straight from the Tuxedo Club itself, attributes the tuxedo to Tuxedo Club member James Brown Potter. The summer prior to the first Autumn Ball, Potter and his wife Cora, while visiting England, received an invite from the Prince of Wales to join him at Sandringham, his country estate, for the weekend. Mr. Potter was unsure of what to wear for the dinner, and after asking the Prince, was instructed to visit his tailor in London to get fitted for a short jacket, rather than a tailcoat, for dinner, as the Prince had personally adopted this style and had grown to like it. After Potter returned to the United States and showed other Tuxedo Club members this new fashion trend, they embraced it and had their own tailors copy his style