You know what time it is! In this week’s edition of Coterie Spotlight, we’re talking with coterie member Steven Burton, of PerfectTux.com! Perfect Tux, specializes in men’s formalwear and accessories and strives by the phraseology that the “perfect occasion deserves the perfect tux”. While we all know that all gals dreams of her wedding day, guy’s aren’t always trailing far behind! Burton recently talked with us about why grooms need to stylishly compete with their brides on wedding day, mens wear trends, and shared more on how he suited his way into the formal wear industry.
Tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the wedding and events industry?
I’ve been in the formal wear industry for the past 10 years. I fell into this industry kind of randomly. While in college and pursuing a music career, I needed to pay the bills so I took a job at a tuxedo shop. During my time there I helped build the company into a million-dollar e-commerce business.
What did you do before starting your business?
Before starting PerfectTux.com I was mainly focused on a music career. I am a gold selling song writer. I had a music publishing company that licensed music to many movies and tv shows. My music could be heard on networks such as, FX, Lifetime, Spike TV, BET, and more.
What do you love most about your job?
I love being able to assist my customers on some of their biggest days of their lives. Whether it be a wedding, prom, or a child’s christening – I love being able to play a small role in making it a time to remember.
What trends are you seeing with your current grooms?
For grooms, slim fit is where it’s at. Everything now-a-days has to be a modern slim cut. As far as colors, navy blue and grey are popular at the moment. And, we are also seeing more grooms choosing to wear a suit rather than a tuxedo. Suits are a lot more acceptable now.
The best advice can you offer to grooms whom are suit shopping:
For grooms looking for a tuxedo or suit I suggest buying rather than renting. And it’s not just because I have a retail business. Tuxedos and suits have become so affordable while still being a quality garment. And more often than not, especially for designer or color tuxedos, it’s a lot cheaper to purchase than rent. Planning a wedding is expensive, so you might as well save everywhere you can.
Options for underrated looks that you’d suggest for risk taking grooms:
For grooms, don’t be scared to compete with the bride. It’s your day too! Look the sharpest you can look. And don’t be scared to wear white or off white as well. A white or off white dinner jacket is a very classy look. And don’t be scared to show your personality with a nice bow tie or another accessory piece like a pair of stylish cufflinks. 
What are the most overrated looks/concepts that you’ve noticed on grooms?
I think just a basic look. The groom is usually a second thought when it comes to a wedding. And for good reason, with all the attention going to the bride. But like I said earlier, don’t be scared to share the stage and let your personality show. You should complement your bride.
What’s something that’s recently left you inspired?
For me, it’s more on the business side of things. I’m really inspired by all the African American business owners within the wedding/formal wear industry. I think it’s important to be able to provide market and sell to our community.
Why should grooms trust you to dress them for their big day?
We are a family owned business with over twenty years of combined experience in the men’s clothing and formal wear industry. We treat every customer like they’re our last. We understand how hard it is to shop online, especially for clothing for one of the most memorable days of your life. That’s why we believe in the details. We believe each product description should be as detailed as possible. We believe that our product photos should be high resolution to show every detail. We believe in taking our own photos and not just copying from Google.
Now…let’s switch things up and have some fun!
Favorite thing to do?
Spending time with my daughter.
Iphone or Android?
Android!
Mac or PC?
PC
If you could travel to any location right now, where would it be?
Hawaii
Favorite song? Book? TV show?
Favorite shows right now are Power, Billions, and Mr. Robot. And my favorite book is, “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas Stanley.
Guilty Pleasure?
I love Welch’s Fruit Snacks. I have to get a big box from Costco every time.
Favorite celebrity wedding
Dwyane Wade & Gabrielle Union
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