By Mary Booth Thomas

For Spring Bridal Guide

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The wedding spotlight that for so long has been focused on the bride is widening to include the groom. As men are taking a greater role in their wedding plans, what they wear down the aisle is just as important as what the bride wears.

"It's not just her day; it's their day," said Arlene Walrath, president of Savvi Atlanta Formalwear. "The bride is center stage, but so is the groom. He needs to look as good, and feel as attractive, as she does on their special day."

What the groom and groomsmen wear often coordinates with the bride's and bridesmaids' attire, and there are a variety of choices. It's not your grandfather's tuxedo anymore.

The traditional black-and-white suit, with a pleated shirt, bow tie and cummerbund, has given way to more than a thousand styles of tuxedos in a rainbow of colors, according to Angie Sams, owner of Distinguished Gentlemen Tuxedos and Menswear in Lithia Springs.

Even traditional gray or black tuxedos come in an assortment of styles. Trendier grooms are choosing white or ivory tuxedos, depending on the color of the bride's dress, with vests and ties matching the wedding's color scheme.

Selecting a tuxedo isn't only a matter of finding a suit that fits. The groom's look should tie in with the tone of the wedding and complement his body type.

"Comfort is another big issue," Walrath said. "There are many wonderful fabrics that are more comfortable to wear. Plain-front shirts are available for the first time. They don't get wrinkled, and they have a good, clean look."

Today's traditional tuxedos are available in solid black or gray fabric, or with subtle stripes, tone-on-tone stripes or chalk stripes.

Vests, available in a variety of colors, have become popular. A new trend is for groomsmen to wear ties with stripes that pick up the color of the bridesmaids' dresses. The groom can choose a tone-on-tone pearl or ivory tie to match the bride's dress, Walrath said.

Windsor ties are the most popular with grooms, but bow ties are making a comeback, she added.

Sams recommends that the groom and the person giving away the bride go for a distinct look, perhaps wearing a different color vest or tie or a different style suit.

"These are very important men in the lady's life, and they should stand out," she said.

For best results, start shopping for a tuxedo six to eight months before the wedding, Walrath suggested.

The final decision should be up to the bride and groom, not a committee of groomsmen, mothers and other family members, Sams said.

"If a lot of people are in the picture, there are so many different opinions that it creates a lot of confusion," she said.

Out-of-town groomsmen can go to any formal wear or men's store to be measured and send in their measurements or submit them online.

And don't forget the shoes. Members of the wedding party should wear identical shoes, which can be rented at the same time as the tuxedo.