Prom: A night to remember? Not if you’re waiting ‘til the last minute to order your tux

By Michele Hester

For young ladies prom preparation began months ago. The beautiful dress has been bought and taken to the seamstress to ensure the perfect fit. Hair and nail appointments were lined up and limousine reservations were made. Concentration has now turned toward acquiring the perfect tan for their night to remember.

There is one problem though. The young men who these well-prepared young ladies plan to accompany to the prom haven’t given anymore thought to the evening than who they plan to take. Many haven’t gotten that far.

Wendy Canup, owner of Elegant Impressions, a formal wear shop in Dawsonville, said these young men should start planning now. “Remember, it’s prom time all over the states,” she said. “So order your tuxedo as soon as possible to make sure the tuxedo suppliers will have your style in stock. If you wait, there’s a good possibility you won’t get your first tux style choice.”

Elegant Impressions has over 100 tuxedo styles to choose from by many of the most popular men’s wear designers such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

While formal wear for guys is not nearly as complicated as it is for girls, there are numerous ways to customize a tuxedo and let a young man’s true style and personality show through. In addition to a variety of vest and tie color options, from bubble gum pink to camouflage, accessories like hats, lapel pins and cuff links can go a long way in the style department.

Another new trend is the wing collared shirt with a Windsor tie, rather than a bowtie. “The long tie is very popular right now,” said Canup. Striped ties under solid vests are also fashionable choices.

Recently, Canup noticed a resurfacing prom trend. “Guys are going bolder in their vest and tie color selections this year,” she said. “The past few years basic black and silver have been the most popular. Now guys are going back to the old rules and matching their date’s prom dress color.”

Canup said it is a good idea to choose a tuxedo with your prom date, especially if you want the tie to match her gown, although matching is not exactly necessary. Coordinating can look just as classy.

To save time, Elegant Impressions created a tuxedo page on the boutique’s website, www.bridalsbyei, where tux shoppers can build a tuxedo online, print it out and take it in to the store. “We are sure you will find the perfect, unique look,” Canup said.

With the online service, the fun part of choosing a style can take place whenever the shopper has the time, and when the shopper arrives at Elegant Impressions with their tuxedo choice, “consultants measure you and that’s it.” Canup said. “You’ll be set to look your best at prom.”

Elegant Impressions is located on the second floor of the Dawson 400 Shopping Center across from Regions Bank and is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturdays by appointment. Beginning mid-March Elegant Impressions will open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. to accommodate prom students in creating their prom night to remember.

During the month of March Elegant Impressions is offering $5 off each booked Prom tuxedo rental. For information on pricing, call (706) 265-7494, or visit www.bridalsbyei.com to view other products offered by Elegant Impressions.