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This Week’s Topics: wedding suiting tips, how to style the groom and groomsmen, Friar Tux virtual styling appointments, in-store suit fittings for weddings, tuxedo rental vs purchase, custom suit options for grooms, second-look wedding style ideas, wedding day coat swap trend, suiting for officiants and family members, inclusive wedding suiting for women, suiting trends for 2025 weddings, velvet loafers and accessory styling tips, modern wedding menswear colors, olive and caramel suits for weddings, how to get fitted for a suit online
In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Amanda Holder, Publisher of California Wedding Day, sit down with Danielle Conte, Vice President of Marketing at Friar Tux. The California-based company offers suiting solutions across 23 locations and a powerful virtual platform, serving everyone from grooms and groomsmen to officiants and brides who prefer a tailored look.
Danielle shares how Friar Tux has evolved with today’s couples, offering both in-store styling appointments and virtual style sessions that allow wedding parties to get fitted from anywhere. With high-definition video, real-time mannequin demonstrations and personalized consultations, the virtual experience mirrors the hands-on service Friar Tux is known for. Danielle highlights how this flexibility is especially helpful for out-of-town groomsmen or couples planning destination weddings — making it easier than ever to show up in style.
Friar Tux offers both rental and for-purchase collections, allowing for a seamless mix of affordability and personalization. Grooms can own their wedding day look while their party rents complementary ensembles. One of the most popular trends is the “coat swap” or second look—where a groom changes jackets between the ceremony and reception to create a fresh, elevated statement (think velvet dinner jackets or bold patterns). For couples looking to customize their suiting experience, the possibilities are as flexible as they are fashionable.
The conversation also touches on styling beyond the wedding party. Friar Tux stylists are trained to ask meaningful questions about the couple’s story, venue and wedding vibe in order to create a cohesive look — whether it's for the groom, an officiant or even female and androgynous clients choosing suits over dresses. The brand’s inclusive sizing and suiting options (available in white, black, navy and charcoal) allow women to build chic, tailored outfits for the ceremony, rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch.
Danielle gives listeners a peek into the latest menswear trends, from neutrals like olive green, sage and caramel to brighter pops of color, all of which photograph beautifully. Accessories play a key role in finalizing a polished look — think velvet loafers, textured shirts, pearl cufflinks and even the occasional turtleneck for cooler-weather weddings. Friar Tux offers style-forward suggestions that push clients just outside their comfort zones — often with stunning results.
Danielle closes by reflecting on what makes Friar Tux such a special place to work. Though she comes from a marketing background, it was the warmth of the wedding industry that surprised and inspired her most. She credits the collaborative vendor community, the passion of her in-store and virtual styling teams and the emotional impact of helping someone feel confident and radiant on their wedding day. “You can see it on their face when they put on the right suit,” she says — and thanks to Friar Tux, that moment is more accessible than ever.
This episode is powered by Dan Riggs Films and Friar Tux. Special thanks to members Linen Effects, Continental Diamond, Warpaint International.
Photo by Photography by Ben and Kadin
Photo by Claire Eyos Photography
Photo by Nathan Shute Photography