Bride-to-be Blogger Kristy: Shopping For Tuxes & Registering at REI

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This weekend felt a bit like the opening scene to Deniece William’s music video for “Let’s Hear It for the Boy.” (I think that statement may have shown my age a bit, and now you’re probably singing the lyrics as you read—sorry!) Eric and I spent this past weekend focusing on the boys, starting with tux shopping.

With a quickly expiring Men’s Warehouse coupon in our pocket, we headed out to the chain store and starting searching for what would outfit the men for our wedding. While there, I kind of felt like I shouldn’t have been, since Eric won’t see my digs until the Big Day—but I guess that’s the beauty of being a bride.

We were quickly set up with an associate at the store, and started searching through the catalogue of selections. I was already eyeing up a dark grey suit under the Vera Wang sign, a newer suit that is now carried at the Men’s Warehouse stores. I’ll admit, I wasn’t sold on working with a large chain retailer, as I always try to support local, small businesses, but with groomsmen located up and down the east coast, it seemed like the most convenient and easiest option for everyone.

We were able to try on several different options of suits—both slim and regular cut, but because that particular Vera Wang suit is a recent addition to their selection, limited sizes were available. Luckily, though, we found one that worked, and so Eric has his tux! We decided to hunt for our own ties, though, since the selection of grey and yellow lacked at the store. All in all, we knocked the whole assignment off our to-do list in a little over an hour, making both of us happy and relieved.

As a reward afterwards, we decided to swing by REI to start our registry with them. A kayak didn’t make the list, but several items to help outfit our honeymoon were chosen. Since we are lovers of all things outdoorsy, we chose items that will help us enjoy our outdoor experiences for years to come. And, if purchased, we’ll have matching ensembles for our biking commutes! It was enjoyable and exciting to focus on ourselves this weekend instead of the ever-growing details surrounding the ceremony and reception. And seeing my handsome fiance in his wedding attire stirred up some exciting butterflies and a tear or two. So, let’s give the boy a hand …

How was your tux shopping experience? What compromises did you make for your fiance during wedding planning?

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