As part of the tuxedo package, the groom is likely to be faced with the option of renting black, ultra shiny tuxedo shoes that are made of plastic and rubber. They aren't very comfortable - and by the end of the day the bride isn't going to be the only one complaining of sore feet.

Believe it or not, people notice the guys shoes at a wedding, particularly if they aren't shiny or if everyone is wearing black shoes, but one groomsman is not because he accidentally forgot to pack them. If the shoes are part of the tuxedo package, roll with them. They'll make life easier.

But if you're the groom, and you'd like something a bit more comfortable, use your best pair of laceup dress shoes that are well worn in. As Harry Reinhardt of CheapTux said in an interview with GroomGrove.com, "A groom may be able to get away with formal dress shoes that he already owns. They've got to be properly polished, however."

If you haven't had the inclination to polish your leather shoes in a while, take them to your local shoe shine shop or stand. It's worth the $5 effort.

But if you did splurge on a pair of $39.95 patent leather shoes, you can polish those puppies up very easily with Windex and a cloth. (ed. - It's an old trick from Westpoint) .

That being said, brides and grooms wishing to poke fun at wedding tradition may outfit their groom and groomsmen in something less formal, such as black and white Chuck Taylors.

In terms of socks, you will want black socks that are knee-high. There is nothing more unsightly than a groom wearing socks that rise only to the ankles.

Read more about wedding attire from GroomGroove.com:

• How to get the groomsmen outfitted in tuxedos, painlessly
• An intro to formal wear for the groom:
  • Tuxedo Jacket
  • Pants
  • Shirts
  • Ties
  • Cufflinks
  • Shoes (and socks)
  • What the hell is a cummerbund and do you need one?
  • Boutonnieres (aka the only flowers a groom needs to think about)
• Morning coats
• Wearing a suit instead of a tuxedo
• Whether to buy or rent a tux
• If you're buying a tux, whether to get it custom-made or off the rack tuxedo
• Beach wedding attire (you lucky bastard!)

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