David Bogedin is co-owner of Michigan Tuxedo Warehouse in Southgate and Jim's Tuxedos in Taylor.
Photo by John Simon
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SOUTHGATE — When a groom-to-be walks through the door of Michigan Tuxedo Warehouse, it's usually step two in the wedding outfit process.
David Bogedin, who with Jim Young owns that shop and Jim's Tuxedos in Taylor, said that the bride's and bridesmaids' dresses usually already are picked out.
That's important, Bogedin said, because the best man's and ushers' vests usually are color-coordinated with the dresses of their female counterparts in the wedding party.
The vest, though, is one of many, many decisions that the prospective groom has to make.
Bogedin said he enjoys helping guide customers through the process, especially because it allows him to establish a one-to-one relationship.
"Brides and grooms are pleasant to work with," he said. "It's an exciting time of their life."
Most grooms-to-be aren't too nervous when they walk through the door, because many have rented formal wear for their high school homecoming dances and proms, Bogedin said. About half bring their fiancee, and about half of the prospective grooms already know what they want.
"You make them feel comfortable by educating them, letting them know the different styles," Bogedin said.
Customers' choices are many, with complete rentals starting at $29.95 at Michigan Tuxedo Warehouse.
Step one is the coat. Will it have two buttons, three or up to six? What's the length? Will it be a tailcoat or even a knee-length coat? There are various collar and lapel styles, too. Among the lapel styles are notched, rounded, pleated and narrow.
What will be the color of the coat? Will it be black, white or ivory? How about one of a rainbow of colors, from mint green to periwinkle to pink to burgundy to yellow to baby blue?
Next is the shirt and tie. The newest look, Bogedin said, is the lay-down collar shirt with a long tie. He said that about 50 percent of the men go with the bow-tie look.
The next step is the all-important vest, which usually is color-coordinated with the women's dresses. If those color decisions haven't been made yet, Bogedin said the vest color choice could be delayed.
In addition to those choices, the men also have to think about suspenders, cuff links and studs. Hats are available.
When those decisions are made, it's time for the shoes. Those choices are numerous, too, including black, white, ivory and a black-and-white mix. There are rounded- and square-toe shoes. Dress socks also are for sale.
A pair of size-20 shoes, the largest Bogedin has in stock, sits atop the shoe display case.
If customers are interested in offbeat outfits, Bogedin can help. He has zoot suits, and there's even a suit that includes patent-leather shoes that look like gym shoes, along with pants that look like they're workout attire, complete with stripes down the sides of the legs.
Michigan Tuxedo Warehouse keeps its stock in back rooms, where there are boxes upon boxes of shoes, and racks upon racks of everything else, like jackets, vests, shirts and pants. Everything has its place, Bogedin said. Keeping it all organized via computer helps.
On the front counter, Bogedin has a photo of the largest man his store has ever outfitted, checking in at 6 feet tall and 560 pounds. The man wore a 78-long coat, had a 74-inch waist and wore size-18 shoes.
Bogedin recommended that customers place their order one month before the big day, but same-day service also can be provided. In addition to rentals, Michigan Tuxedo Warehouses sells formal wear, especially to restaurants and lodges, and can alter clothes not purchased at the store.
For more information about the two shops, visit www.michigantuxedo.com.
