You’re going to look radiant on your wedding day. While much attention is on the bride, the groom’s attire is equally significant. Understanding your future husband’s style is as important as finding your own. So, where do you start? While traditional tuxedos remain timeless, modern grooms should consider the latest trends. We’ve gathered the most up-to-date styles to ensure your groom looks as dapper as you do.
Summary
Choosing the right wedding attire for the groom is important and should align with the wedding’s theme, time of day, and colour scheme. There are four levels of formality: very formal, formal, semi-formal, and informal, each with specific attire guidelines. While traditional black tuxedos are a classic choice, modern grooms have more options, including colourful suits and accessories. Personalisation through accessories like vests, ties, and cufflinks can add a unique touch. Ultimately, the groom should choose an outfit that makes him feel confident and complements the wedding style.
Levels Of Formality For Groom’s Attire
A groom’s outfit has four levels of formality: very formal, formal, semi-formal, and informal. The wedding theme is the primary factor in deciding what to wear, but the time of day also plays a significant role. Additionally, the wedding’s colour scheme can influence the groom’s attire.
Very Formal Groom Attire
Very formal weddings, often in the morning or late evening, require the groom to wear a full tuxedo. This includes a vest, white bow tie, tails, and a shirt with striped pants. Accessories such as a top hat, walking stick, and gloves complete the ensemble.
Formal Groom Attire
Formal attire is suitable for a “black tie” event. A bow tie or black tie is typically required. The tuxedo is traditionally paired with a vest or cummerbund. It’s common for grooms to rent the entire suit, including the coat, jacket, pants, belts, shirts, buttons, tie, cufflinks, and shoes.
Semi-Formal Groom Attire
Semi-formal attire allows the groom to showcase a more refined look while still adding personal touches. This can be done through colourful accessories like ties, bow ties, vests, and shoes. Suspenders are another option to update the look. Modern grooms might opt for a bright jacket paired with matching pants to stand out.
Informal Groom Attire
Informal attire starts with a suit, typically in black, grey, or navy blue. It is important to choose a fabric that suits the season—flannel for winter or cotton for summer. Pairing blazers with jeans is also acceptable for an informal look.
A Modern Take On The Traditional Two-Piece Suit
The traditional two-piece suit is a simple yet effective choice for grooms. If the groom and his attendants don’t own them, tuxedos and morning jackets are often rented for the wedding day. Choosing a single-breasted suit is a smart way to look sharp without overspending. If you already own a conservative suit in a dark shade of blue or grey, there’s no need to buy a new one. Many grooms can wear their suit if it’s in good condition. Black suits are versatile and match most bridal styles. They’re perfect with a white shirt and a simple tie for the occasion. Investing in a good suit is always a good idea. A well-made suit can be worn again after the wedding for work or other semi-formal events.
The Two-Piece Suit In Consistent Colours
Coal grey and deep navy blue are ideal colours for wedding suits. Lighter shades of grey, tan, and blue work well during the summer or at exotic locations. However, bright colours should be avoided unless the wedding is in Las Vegas. It’s important to coordinate your suit with the overall theme and avoid overly flashy designs that might distract from the bride’s outfit.
Pinstripes and other formal patterns are considered business attire, so they should be avoided. Instead, choose a solid or semi-solid dark suit for a sophisticated look.
Grey And White Suits
Black suits are often viewed as a less formal alternative to tuxedos, but they still carry an air of formality suitable for many weddings. However, black suits can sometimes appear too dominant in photos, especially in indoor settings. Grey or blue suits are more common and practical options for groomsmen and guests.
A white suit is usually too flashy for a groom and might clash with the bride’s outfit if she’s also wearing white. To avoid standing out in a sea of black and white, it’s better to choose a darker suit, like dark grey or navy blue. These colours are easy to find and pair well with various accessories.
Groom’s Accessories
Adding accessories is a great way for the groom to personalise his wedding attire. Here are some options:
Dress Shirts
Tuxedo shirts come in various collar and cuff styles, with options for plain or pleated fronts. It’s important to choose a shirt that complements your tie.
Vests
A vest can elevate a two-piece suit to a more formal three-piece look. The vest adds a layer of sophistication and allows for some creative expression.
Cummerbunds
A cummerbund is a classic accessory worn with a single-breasted jacket to conceal the waist. It’s rarely paired with long neckties.
Suspenders
Suspenders are both functional and stylish. They ensure your pants stay in place while adding a vintage touch to your outfit.
Belts
Your belt should match the colour of your suit. Traditionally, a black belt goes with a black suit, while a brown belt pairs well with a blue suit. Coordinating your belt with your shoes is essential, especially for a formal event.
Pocket Squares
A pocket square adds a pop of colour and is an opportunity to match your suit with the wedding’s colour scheme.
Cufflinks
Cufflinks add a touch of elegance to your dress shirt. For a tuxedo, cufflinks should match your shirt studs. You can also choose fun designs that reflect your personality.
Ties
Classic black and bow ties are popular for weddings, but don’t be afraid to explore other colours and patterns that suit your style.
Socks
While socks are often hidden, choosing a fun or colourful pair can add a playful element to your outfit.
How To Look Your Best On Your Wedding Day?
The good news is that you and your partner can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. However, many grooms regret not trying to look their best when they see their wedding photos. Your attire should reflect the theme of the wedding. A tuxedo is appropriate for a formal wedding at a high-end venue, while a more casual beach wedding might call for a dress shirt and pants.
Conclusion
Understanding your groom’s style is just as important as finding your own. While traditional tuxedos remain popular, modern grooms have many styles and trends. There are four levels of formality for a groom’s outfit, and the wedding’s theme, time of day, and colour scheme all play a role in the final decision. Whether opting for a classic black tuxedo or a modern two-piece suit, the groom’s attire should complement the wedding style. Accessories offer an opportunity for personalisation, ensuring that the groom looks his best on the big day.
FAQs About Groom’s Wear
What Should Best Man Groom Wear?
Groomsmen traditionally wear a suit or a tuxedo that matches or complements what the groom has decided to wear. If your wedding is in the warmer months, daytime, or outdoors, you can utilize lighter-colors, more casual fabrics such as khaki, and suits (or even jackets and slacks) as opposed to tuxes.
What Type of Suit Should the Groom Wear?
Bottom line: Opt for a tuxedo if your wedding is a formal or black-tie evening affair, and stick with a suit for a more casual or daytime event. That said, there’s no hard and fast rule-so if YOU just want to feel fancy go ahead and strut that tux no matter what type of wedding you’re having!
What Does the Groom Wear Different?
As the groom, there’s no hard and fast rule that says you have to have to perfectly match the rest of the guys. In fact, more and more grooms are choosing to differentiate themselves by wearing contrast jacket and trousers. For example, you may want to wear a patterned suit, while your groomsmen wear plain suits.
What Does the Groom and Groomsmen Wear?
Traditionally, a groom and his groomsmen wear matching tuxedos or suits, but today there are no hard rules. If you want the groom and groomsmen to wear the same attire, whether it be a suit or a dress shirt and pants, consider the following: Gray suits with burgundy ties, for example, would be a way to stay on-theme.
Should the Groom Wear Something Different?
As the groom, there’s no hard and fast rule that says you have to have to perfectly match the rest of the guys. In fact, more and more grooms are choosing to differentiate themselves by wearing contrast jacket and trousers. For example, you may want to wear a patterned suit, while your groomsmen wear plain suits.
