Although the bride’s gown gets the bulk of the attention at most weddings, grooms also have important choices to make when it comes to what to wear on that very special day.

Just like brides have many different styles of gowns to choose from, when it comes to tuxedos so do grooms.

While a groom’s wardrobe decision typically does not involve as much forethought or time as the bride’s, he should keep in mind several factors before choosing a tuxedo.

These include the degree of formality and the time of the event, in addition to the style of the tuxedo itself. For instance, if the event is going to be ultra-formal, then a traditional tuxedo complete with a tuxedo vest and tie is the most appropriate choice.

Grooms going this route can also add a top hat, cane and even tuxedo gloves. However, at less formal weddings, this would clearly not be the best option.

To help you make the right decision about what to wear, here is a list of tuxedo terminology to assist you in making a more educated choice:

• Single-breasted. Any man who has ever put on a suit, be it a tux or a business suit, likely knows that single-breasted means a suit with a single row of buttons down the middle. This has become the most popular choice of late and is appropriate for men of all body types.

Single-breasted suits come in many styles, however. You can order a single-breasted tuxedo with either one button or two, with the choice typically depending on the groom’s height (taller grooms often prefer two buttons, while shorter grooms like one button). Grooms can also order three- or four-button single-breasted tuxedos. These are generally only good for men who are particularly tall or thin.

• Double-breasted. The double-breasted tuxedo is one with two rows of buttons as opposed to one. Typically, these work best with heftier grooms, because double-breasted suits tend to hide girth and are more comfortable.

• Cutaway. A cutaway tuxedo looks good on men of all statures. Cutaway refers to the front edges of the coat sloping diagonally from the waist and forming tails in the back. These are the most appropriate option for daytime weddings.

• Tails. Tails are mainly reserved for ultra-formal and traditional weddings. Featuring a severe break between front and back, tails should be avoided by shorter or stockier grooms.

• High or low vest. High vests are typically good for taller men with longer torsos and go well with a high-button coat. Low vests are more appropriate for most men and can be worn by men of all body types.

• Peaked lapel. An extension of the coat collar, the peaked lapel is often a good choice for a shorter groom because it makes the body appear longer and leaner.

• Shawl collar. Unlike a traditional collar, shawl collars do not come to a point, making this a difficult choice to make depending on body type.

In general, a wider groom will want to stick with a wider shawl collar because a thin collar will make him look larger. Similarly, a more svelte groom should stick with a thinner collar, because a wider one could have a cartoon-like effect.

• Mandarin or banded collar. Again, this depends on the body type. This is the collar type that appears to not be a collar at all. It just wraps around the neck without any protruding points and is never worn with a necktie.

For grooms with short or thick necks, this style should definitely be avoided, because it will appear as though you are bursting out of the top of your shirt. A more slender groom, though, can wear a mandarin collar and still look good.