Barong Tagalog or Suit?

This is the only choices that most Filipino grooms have for their attire, in fact its not just for weddings its the only choice most men get when going on a formal event. My personal opinion on the matter is, when the occasion calls for it, try to think about what the event is all about. If it is a Filipino function the Barong Tagalog is the most appropriate attire but if it is an international event, maybe a suit or a tux might be more appropriate, unless otherwise specified.

For weddings however, there has been a recent surge of grooms wearing suits and tuxes. One of the main reasons to do this is that the groom can easily stand out, especially if the other male guests are asked to wear a Barong Tagalog. The tuxedo and suit look classy and sophisticated, but unfortunately unless all the venues have good air conditioning the Groom will also likely be sweating like a ... really sweaty person. This indeed defeats the look the suit and tuxedo tries to bring about. This is why for me at least, the Barong Tagalog is still king in the Philippines, tuxedos and suits are part of western culture and fashion, that is why they were designed for far cooler temperatures than our own. The Barong Tagalog on the other hand is part of our own culture, and is built specifically for our climate. It is one that is uniquely Filipino. Chances are all grooms all around the world are wearing a tuxedo or a suit to their wedding but we are the only people who can say that we have our own custom and our own standards of clothing. In closing, I say that although a tuxedo or a suit would look really awesome, it is not part of a Filipino wedding because it is inherently foreign. A Barong Tagalog on the other hand looks just as classy, perhaps ordinary to us, but it is still a massive source of pride and culture to the one that wears it. I am proud to be Filipino and I am proud of the Barong Tagalog and would like for it to keep its place in our hearts and minds and in the Filipino Wedding.