Weddingbee Blog

What do these penguin suits have in common?

Source, Source

That’s how Mr. Lobster’s gonna look on our wedding day. Previously in the Lobster Wedding, we were deciding between a tux and a gray suit.

Mr. Lobster has decided to wear a tuxedo. Since he’s worn a suit to work almost everyday for the past 7 years, only a tux would make our special day feel special to him. Our next step would be to find him a new one.

Honoring My Lobster Brother-in-Law

This year, Mr. Lobster’s older brother and best man passed away.

Mr. Lobster’s brother Ralph had a penchant for the “finer things in life” including the arts, his Weimaraner dogs, historical societies, and custom tailored suits.

In an effort to honor Ralph, Mr. Lobster and I have asked Ralph’s long-time tailor and friend Alan Rouleau to custom make Mr. Lobster’s tuxedo for our wedding. Mr. Lobster met Alan when he came to visit Ralph in the hospital while Ralph was sick. While Ralph will not physically be at our wedding, we know he will be there with us in spirit as we marry just as it would have been if he was alive.

The Tux Puzzle

Deciding on the components in a tux are a plenty. I quickly learned a tux is not just a black suit with a bow tie. In fact there are 8 major components:

• lapel type - peak, notched, shawl
• lapel finish - satin, matte
• button - 1, 2 (like on most suits), 3
• button placement (Mr. Lobster was specific about this. I, however, had no idea)
• “tails” or vents - center (typically American) or side (more Euro), morning tails (the long ones)
• fabric - all season, wool, etc.
• pants fit
• accessories

And how many accessories…

• bow tie or black tie
• cummerbund or vest
• tux shirts for different ties
• pocket squares
• cuff links
• patent leather shoes
• suit lining

It turns out that Mr. Lobster is quite traditional. He is asking for a black tux with a peak, matte finish lapel, 1 button with lower placement, side vents, flat front pants, bow tie, cummerbund… which coincidentally looks very close to the original J.Crew inspiration I pulled:

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Meeting Alan Rouleau

Alan was in New York last week and stopped by to take Mr. L’s measurements for his tux. He travels all over the country and even the world to meet his clients. Alan is based in Boston and has been many times recognized by Boston Magazine’s Best of Boston series.

Measuring, discussing the options

Looking at potential fabrics for the tux

Yes, spacey-eyed Mr. L wears (just acquired) pink shorts. Alan taking his measurements.

In a month, Mr. Lobster will have his first fitting around the same time I should have my first dress fitting! How cute. Haha.

Did you incorporate something special to honor a loved one in your or your SO’s outfit?