The modern-day wedding etiquette's relaxation means that the groom's outfit has more possibilities. Check out our guide to groom's apparel if you're unsure where to begin when selecting wedding day clothing for guys.
The modern groom views his wedding day dress as a representation of his particular style and personality. While some grooms choose for a more informal look by wearing casual jeans and dress shirts (or even foregoing jackets entirely), the two most conventional wedding costume options for grooms—a suit or a tuxedo—remain the most popular.
Suits and tuxedos complement the look and formality of many weddings, and it's simple to see why. Whether to wear a suit, tuxedo, or something less formal on the big day is frequently difficult for guys, especially given that modern-day wedding protocol has relaxed, giving them more alternatives than ever. If you're unsure where to begin when selecting wedding day apparel for guys, have a look at our groom's wardrobe advice below.
What Accessories Do Grooms Need?
Accessories are a fun (and optional!) way to add some flair to your wedding attire! There are many ways to personalise both suits and tuxedos, and these are just a few examples:
Dress Shirts
Every colour and design under the sun is available in a dress shirt for a suit or tuxedo, as well as a selection of collar and cuff styles for tuxedo suits. Be sure to consider your tie preferences when you go shirt shopping.
Vests
A two-piece suit becomes a three-piece suit with the addition of a vest. It's also known as a waistcoat, and it's a quick and easy way to spice up your suit look with a splash of colour and design.
Cummerbunds
Cummerbunds are an item that is used with a single-breasted jacket and covers the wearer's waist. They are worn with a tuxedo. Men typically do not accessorise with cummerbundings and lengthy ties in accordance with tradition.
Suspenders
Not only will suspenders ratchet up your style, but they will also ensure that your pants remain securely fastened while you move around all night.
Belts
In most cases, the sort of belt you use depends on the colour of the suit you are wearing. As is customary, a black case calls for a black belt. However, if you wear a blue suit, a brown belt will look fantastic. In keeping with the more formal nature of the event, make sure your shoes and belt coordinate.)
Pocket Squares
In general, a pocket square is a handkerchief placed into a suit jacket's pocket. Isn't it time for some more colour coordination?
Cufflinks
Cufflinks are a fashion accessory worn on the cuffs of a dress shirt. The cufflinks should match the shirt studs if you're wearing a tuxedo. You can be as imaginative as you want while designing a suit. Cufflinks made from beer cans?
Ties
The classic style of a black tuxedo tie or bow tie is ideal for a formal event; however, ties are available in every colour and pattern conceivable, so have fun trying them on until you discover the one you like best.
Socks
It is always a treat to get a glimpse of a funky patterned sock peeking out from beneath the leg of a pair of pants, despite the fact that socks are typically unnoticeable.
Master Measurements
The most critical component of selecting a suit is to ensure that it is properly sized to fit your body type. Get your measurements taken by a tailor to ensure that your wedding suit fits you ideally and flatters your body type.
A salesman at any menswear store should know how to take measurements, regardless of whether you choose a suit from a big box retailer rather than a custom clothier. Once you know what sizes you need, making decisions about suits vs. tuxes, specific garments, fabrics, and cuts become much more straightforward.
The Difference Between A Suit And A Tuxedo
When it comes to their outward presentation, a suit and a tux don't seem to have all that much in common at first glance. The following is a rundown of the primary distinctions between these two menswear styles:
- It is common for tuxedos to contain satin details (such as buttons, lapels and a stripe on the side of pants), whereas suits don't.
- Bow ties, cummerbunds, and jacket tails are standard accessories for tuxedos.
- Suits are typically matched with a long tie and a regular jacket (and sometimes a vest, depending on preference).
When choosing whether to wear a suit or a tuxedo to your wedding, the most important factors to consider are your comfort level, the amount of money you have available, and the level of formality of the event.
The Pros And Cons Of Suits And Tuxedos
Suits
Pros:
- The dress, if purchased, can be worn on a variety of occasions following the wedding.
- Simpler to customise to the groom's style
- Colours and styles are available in a wide variety.
- Easy to match accessories like pocket squares, ties, and jackets with this suit.
- In some cases, it may be more convenient.
- Perfect for weddings that are more casual or less formal.
Cons:
- Purchase is costly.
- Certain colours and styles, such as light-coloured suits, are not suited to all locations and seasons, making them less flexible.
- It appears out of place at really formal weddings.
Tuxedos
Pros:
- Ideal for black-tie weddings.
- It is possible to appear more elegant and polished.
- Increases cohesion while requiring less work for a large group of groomsmen.
- There are fewer styles available, but it reduces decision-making.
- A standard option for grooms' attire
Cons:
- Frequently not worn after the wedding (unless the groom attends many formal, black-tie events)
- Purchase is prohibitively pricey.
- Looks completely out of place at casual weddings/events.
- It is necessary to wear a specific sort of dress shirt (typically white with black buttons)
- Although different colours are possible, black is the most generally accessible.
6 Fashion Rules For Grooms
To match your spouse's sense of style on your wedding day, adhere to these guidelines. Everyone will look at you on your wedding day, so you want to look your best. Do you have trouble deciding what to wear? Don't worry; we'll take care of you. The following guidelines can help you look your best when saying "I do."
A Suit Or Tuxedo Should Be Appropriate For The Occasion.
Your wedding attire should, at the very least, be in keeping with the setting and mood of the event. If your wedding takes place during the day or in the open air, you can get away with wearing a more relaxed outfit (think: lighter-coloured suits made of fabrics like seersucker or khaki). Don't forget the tuxedo if you're attending an evening event in a posh hotel or ballroom. Want to take things a notch higher? The proper attire for a high-end venue is a black tailcoat, a white shirt, and a white bow tie.
Your Attire Should Coordinate With Your Partner’s.
Keep in mind that this is your first opportunity to show off your style as a married couple, so make it a team effort. Despite the fact that you may not know exactly what your spouse is wearing, you will want to make sure that your styles complement one another. In other words, if she's wearing a jewelled ball gown, don't wear a linen suit; go for a classic black tux. A rustic lace gown with a fitted tan suit might also work, as would a sleek city-chic gown with a slim-cut grey suit. Other possibilities?
Your Body Type Should Dictate The Suit.
When looking well, it's essential to dress for your body type. You can wear most tuxedos and suits if you are tall and thin. If you want to appear more muscular, wear a double-breasted suit. Try a slimming suit with a nip in the waist to create the impression of a slimmer figure. Don't wear light suits since dark colours make you appear slimmer, so avoid them. And a low-button posture on a two- or three-button jacket will help stretch your frame and give you a taller appearance.
The Fit Should Be Perfect.
You'll look and feel terrible in even the most expensive suit if it doesn't fit properly. You should be able to move about freely, so practise your dancing moves by doing a lot of twists, turns, and arm raises. While renting or purchasing, most shops will personalise the purchase to suit your needs. A few guidelines for good tailoring are as follows:
Shoulder-to-wrist bone length is ideal, with about one-quarter to one-half inch of the undershirt showing.
Ideally, the bottom of the jacket should cover the buttocks, and the vent should not be able to be pulled open. This indicates that it's overly snug.
There should be no gaps or bulges in the collar while it is worn since it should rest flat against the neck on the back and sides.
When standing and sitting, pants should fit properly and break across the top of the shoes, covering the top one-third.
The collar of a man's shirt should be tied tightly with a bow tie.
Your Look Should Coordinate With Your Attendants.
If you're going to have your groomsmen wear the same clothes as the groom, you can do so, but it's up to you if you want to. All males in your wedding party should wear attire that complements your style and that of your wedding party. (Your tux will look out of place amongst your colleagues' casual khaki suits.) It's not only the groomsmen that need to match; the rest of your wedding party should work as well. Dress your groomsmen in a look that matches your bridal parties, such as a vintage-inspired look for the ladies and retro three-piece suits for the men.
Your Accessories Should Set You Apart.
It is time to choose your extras now that everyone is dressed in items that complement and coordinate. It's all in the details if you want to attain a style that's completely one of a kind. Put a spin on things by sporting a unique boutonniere, a bow tie, vest, necktie, cummerbund, or cuff links in colour or design that stands out from the crowd.
If the colour scheme for your wedding calls for two different hues, you and the other men in your wedding party can each choose a different colour to wear. You can make the event feel more opulent by requesting that all groomsmen dress in tuxedos with black vests and bow ties while you wear a white tie and a white vest.
Don't be scared to show off your individuality through your clothes. Musical? It would be best if you embellished your boutonniere with a treble clef. More of a sci-fi nerd? Find yourself a cool set of cufflinks that Star Wars inspired.
FAQs About Wedding Attire
Even while there are some grooms who opt to be far less traditional by wearing casual jeans and dress shirts (or even skipping jackets entirely), the two most traditional options for wedding apparel for grooms—a suit or a tuxedo—continue to be the most common choices. It is simple to understand why this is the case: suits and tuxedos complement the overall style and formality of the majority of weddings.
Price Comparisons
The cost of a suit or tuxedo for the groom is determined by some different criteria, including the following:
- The location of the groom's residence
- He is shopping in the store(s).
- The style of the suit or tuxedo
- The male fashion designer
- Whether you opt to rent or purchase,
- How personalised the details are
- The materials' high quality
There are so many variables that affect pricing that it's essential to shop around to get a genuine comparison. The expense of renting versus purchasing the suit or tux and the advantages and disadvantages of each should be discussed. Do your homework by trying on a variety of styles at a variety of prices. That way, it will be easier to figure out what makes you happy and what you can afford.
Buying Vs. Renting
Tuxes are more expensive than suits when purchased.
Suits are more expensive to hire than tuxes.
And of course, if you decide to wear something less formal rather than a suit or tuxedo, there is a strong chance that you will be able to save money on the overall cost of the outfit. But, as we discussed before, everything is relative; bespoke casual clothes can cost a bit as well, especially if you choose high-end designer jeans or custom-tailored shirts.
Formality Matters
Even if the wedding is formal, groomsmen can wear suits to their weddings. Other events necessitate suits, while others require tuxedos, and both might be too formal for some contexts. Who knows what they are? Is there a way to identify which is the best option for you? As a basic rule of thumb, remember these things:
For less formal occasions, you should wear a suit. Depending on the event, a suit can be adjusted to fit a variety of formalities. Occasionally, a suit is preferable to a dress shirt and tie. For example, grooms with tails may look out of place at an outdoor barn wedding.
For more formal occasions, men should wear tuxedos. Like suits, tuxedos come in a wide range of styles and colours. Despite its versatility, the tuxedo will always be associated with events requiring a "more formal" attire. The groom's clothing should match the event's formality level.
It's a good idea to dress to match your partner's level of sophistication. Finally, take into account your partner's ostentatious attire. It's important to match your fiancé's attire if it's really formal or very casual.
Who Pays For Groomsmen Outfits?
All bridesmaids and groomsmen traditionally purchase or rent their wedding attire. Set realistic expectations for pricing and involve your customers in the selection process.
Don't be surprised if your boys are excited about the opportunity to wear their outfits (such as a full black or navy suit). A few months before the occasion, ask them to send an image of their clothing. This will allow others to rent or purchase something if necessary.
As a gift, "give them one item that will create the matching throughline," recommends Dudley. For example, you may give them a tie or bow tie, an embroidered pocket square, suspenders, or cuff links. This is a terrific method to keep your men looking their best while providing them with a keepsake from the occasion.
When Should The Outfits Be Ordered?
Once you've decided on a look, get your rental or purchase orders in as soon as possible to keep things running smoothly and without worry. They should be ordered at least a few months in advance of the big event.
The Black Tux, for example, has a solution to the problem of getting a group of men to order suits. Remind yourself that this is your dream, and you and your team are here to help you achieve it.