So, the questions. i'm in the dark as to clothing, etiquitte, etc. the questions that i have off the top of my head are...
1) Clothing. i have a quite nice pinstripe [black with grey and dark blue stripe] two piece suit, which i am considering adding a matching pinstripe vest, if i can find it, or a simple black one. under that, a button up shirt and a tie. what color should those be? i was thinking all black, or throw some dark red in there. think that would be SUITable? [haha...] of course, my Knox grey felt fedora comes with. then to shoes: i've got a pair of black wingtips which i think would be good, or also oxblood semi-wingtip[shorter toe but still pointy]. any thoughts there? of course, i could rent a tux, but i want to stand out from the crowd and be a little different.not to mention, i think they're somewhat unsightly, hah.
2) my dad said i should get a corsage [sp?] for her. you know, those little flower deals. yes/no? comments?
3) i'd like to think i'm half-decent on etiquette, but anything i should keep in mind? opening doors, pulling out chairs, etc?
Go with a wrist corsage, like everyone else has said. Do not buy one with too many fancy frills, just something very nice looking. If you can, spring for orchids. If not, color coordinate with her dress. Trust me, she'll keep it for a long time and the extras don't hold up well. It'll be very important to her.
If you want bonus points, a single long stem (dehorned) rose in addition to the corsage. White would be preferable if you don't know the parents. Red only if the parents already approve of you. Double bonus points if you bring something simple but nice for her mother.
Rent a tux. Trust me, simple and easy. Go with something simple, do NOT rent a pimp suit. I'd recommend a dark grey suit to go with the fedora. If not, a black suit with a grey vest wouldn't be bad. Pin stripes aren't bad either, just don't go with heavy contrast pin stripes. Black dress shoes with black socks never go wrong. Wear the shoes before hand to make sure they're ok. I'd vote for a solid color tie to match the outfit, with a Three-point Fold pocket square with the color matching her dress.
It doesn't matter what everyone else does, focus on the lady. Be polite and courtious, but don't go over the top. Behavior wise, just see what she enjoys, and go with it. Do not show off to your buddies. If they act stupid and you don't, guess who gets the most bonus points with the ladies? Speaking of which, no alcohol.
I went to prom twice. First time went with a black suit, grey vest. My older brother ended up marrying my date's older sister. That was interesting. My brother and I had to negiotate strict rules on what information we passed on to the sisters. One bit of advice I got was to keep a handkerchief in each pocket. The thought being if that you get sweaty palms from being nervous, you can dry them discreetly. Kinda worked out, as dancing in a tux isn't exactly natural.
Second time, wore my dress uniform and my beret. The young lady's brother had been in our unit and had died in our unit. We took care of our own. Plus she had broken up with her then boyfriend because she was enlisting after graduation. Didn't have to worry about an annoyed father with a Mossberg, if I acted untowards, I'd be facing automatic weapons with bayonets mounted. Last word I got back was that she's now a Sgt, just got back from a deployment.
now, tux vs. suit? hoo boy. a rental or ebay job is about the same price, rental might even be a bit more. you all brought up very good points with it being a formal occasion yet fun, perhaps allowing for some flair here and there... it's the question of spending about $70 more... but hey, i only do it once....hmmm.
I still stand by renting a tux. Thing is, you can hit multiple tux rental shops to rent the perfect tux. Ebay job may be hit or miss.
