It’s time to make your guy shine. After all, without him there is no wedding. And guys love to look good too! Choosing the right attire needs to be a combination of individual taste, the style and location of the wedding, and also what the groom likes. If you have ever looked at your parent’s wedding album (think 50’s through the 80’s) you will see either the “classic” suit/tuxedo OR sometimes those crazy leisure suits, big hair, and bell bottoms! While certain trends come and go, if you stick to a “classic – timeless” look you will never go wrong.
Picking out the groom and groomsmen attire shouldn’t be at the bottom of the wedding planning to-do list. The bride and bridesmaids aren’t the only ones with tons of options when it comes to what to wear in the wedding! And just like every bride, every groom also wishes to look more unique than his groomsmen. It could start off in any way, like choosing a different tie color, the only one to have a boutonniere on his dress, or wear an entirely different suit or tuxedo of a different color. Usually, the grooms tend to go for a white or an ivory tie and pocket square to match with his bride’s dress. On the other hand, the groomsmen should go for those colors for the tie that match the bridesmaids’ dresses.
What to wear all depends on the dress code.
The Formal Dress Code
A formal dress code gives your guys the space to look their most refined while sprinkling in a subtle touch of personality.
White-Tie Groom Attire
White-tie is the most formal dress code an event can have–and no, it doesn’t mean a white tux! Being that it’s more formal, it has more rules than less-formal dress codes. First and foremost, a groom should wear a tuxedo to a white-tie affair. The tuxedo should have tails and a waistcoat should be worn underneath the coat and above the shirt. Traditionally a white-tie jacket has peaked lapels and is worn unbuttoned.
White-tie is also made in your outfit’s accessories. Gloves are appropriate, though a bit less common modern day. If you’ve ever wanted to pair a suit with a top hat, this is the time to do so. There is then, of course, the titular white tie. Tradition tends to dictate that the tuxedo be finished with a white bow tie, though in the modern day there’s a bit of room to break from the norm, whether that’s with a black bowtie or a colored or patterned one.
Black Tie Tuxedo
For a black tie wedding, a black tuxedo is the most appropriate option. Your suit should be well-tailored and fitted for a classic and sleek look. Aim to keep the overall appearance simple by opting for a single-breasted style with a sharp, minimalistic appeal. Also, remember that a slim cut tends to be the most flattering and will keep your style suitably modern. As for the lapel, peak or shawl styles are best.
Black Tie Wedding Shirts
When it comes to your shirt, keep it simple and classic for a black tie wedding. A sharp, white, dress shirt featuring a turndown or wing collar is the ideal choice. Choose one in a high-quality fabric to ensure your look appears formal and polished. Keep the overall style clean and timeless by avoiding any loud design details. Now, simply finish off your minimalist look with a superbly dapper, black bowtie.
Black Tie Wedding Suits
Often mistaken as a requirement for a tuxedo, men’s formal dress code weddings may not necessarily call for the classic black-tie ensemble. It’s all about nailing the basic elements: tailored suit, dress shirt, and tie. Styling wise, 3-piece suits can add some depth to the formal attire aesthetic. Single and double-breasted waistcoats paired with a single-breasted suit is a classic that never goes out of style. Deep greys, burgundy, navy or dark blue make excellent formal options.
A Semi-Formal Wedding
Semi-Formal gives way to easing up the look, just a bit. You can mix & match or stick with a full suit with a few modifications. When going for the full suit option, you can make it semi-formal by swapping the classic woven silk tie for a textured knitted option, or given the right occasion, just losing the tie altogether. Swapping your shirts for a knit and your lace-ups for loafers are other ways to add some semi-formal personality. When you mix & match, stick to dark colors like navy or grey jackets paired with trousers of a contrasting shade in a similar seasonal fabric.
Cocktail Attire
Somewhere between black-tie and semi-formal lies cocktail attire. Cocktail attire is best approached with a dark suit, which can be finished with a bow tie or a straight tie depending on what you’re feeling. Dark shoes in black or brown are a good call, as are stylish accessories like a pocket square or tie bar.
Cultural Groom Attire
Traditional groom attire varies between cultures and whether you come from one of those cultures yourself or are marrying someone who does, there may be other forms of dress or tradition you need to incorporate into your wedding wardrobe.
Smart “Casual” Wedding Attire
While you won’t often see “casual” on a wedding invite, you may see “smart casual“. A favorite for a beach wedding, a smart casual dress code invites guests to wear something they’re comfortable in while keeping things slightly elevated. The challenge is to find a good balance between “casual” and “smart” styles of dress. Think about deconstructed versions of formal wear and mixing tailored pieces with more relaxed styles to pull off this code. For a smart casual wedding, a suit really isn’t necessary. If you do choose to wear one, however, make sure that it’s casual. A great lightweight fabric or loosely structured style will achieve this with ease. An ideal alternative to the suit, however, is a blazer and trousers. While you may be tempted to wear jeans, it’s recommended to choose a stylish pair of chinos instead. As for your blazer, keep it simple and easy going.
The Finishing Touches
Adding accessories to formal attire adds that personal touch. A classic silk tie is always a good call. For winter styles, wool flannel ties can add texture and depth, while in summer you can go for a cotton or linen blend tie. You can vary the neckwear styles between groomsmen attire and the groom suit to help your partner’s look stand out.
Remember that bow ties should only be reserved for black-tie attire. Add a hint of relaxed appeal by opting for a knitted tie rather than the traditional woven style. Cufflinks are an essential for French cuffs. Go for a classic like sterling silver studs, or add a little personality with something more novel. Suspenders in a tonal shade, like a dark brown, navy are a nice touch—when it comes to a formal dress code, never wear a belt!
From here, you can add a little personality with your choice of socks, pocket squares, or vests which, depending on the setting can incorporate a bolder pattern or brighter color. It’s up to you whether you prefer they wear colors or textures that match the color of the bridesmaid dresses, or simply complement each other.
YOUR DRESS Code may be based on your wedding location
Beach Weddings:
Your wedding outfit is also going to be influenced by where your wedding is taking place. Beach wedding attire doesn’t mean you don’t have to wear a suit. There’s plenty of waterfront-friendly wedding wear that also leans into a more traditional vibe. A linen suit and a white dress shirt (maybe also made of linen) is a pretty foolproof wedding day fit due to its breathability. Beach weddings often take an even more casual dress code than the most low-key of regular venue weddings. It’s the one place in which you can get away with shorts and a button-down shirt.
Barn, Backyard & Outdoor Weddings.
Outdoor and backyard weddings tend to have a slightly more relaxed dress code. You’ll still likely be wearing a suit but there’s room for deviation from wedding tradition based on both the vibe of your wedding and the weather. Keep it casual and daytime attire.
Final Thoughts
Fitting is everything. Even the most expensive tux will look awful if it doesn’t fit right. You should be able to move and dance and twist. Every groom’s attire should be custom tailored, whether you rent or buy it! Your wedding day is the first time you show off your style as a couple, making it a memorable match! As a groom, you may not know exactly what your partner is wearing; however, you want to ensure that your styles match together.
