Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Atlanta / Haley Birdsey
When it comes to wedding attire, everyone knows that the bride’s dress gets all the attention — that’s a given. But that doesn’t mean that you and your groomsmen can’t have your style on point!
So you don’t look like David Beckham from the neck up? That’s okay, no one does! But you can still make your spouse weak in the knees when they see you at the altar.
From ideas on what to wear to tips on ordering suits, here’s our full guide to groom andgroomsmenattire for a super stylish wedding.
How Formal Will Your Wedding Be?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Atlanta / Allison Pedigo
Before you know it, someone is going to be calling you hubby! But for the moment, you have two main jobs:
• Figure out what you’re going to wear
• Show up looking your best!
The trick in choosing an outfit is knowing how formal your wedding will be. Like it or not, dress codes exist for a reason. And, as one part of the happy couple, you get to set the tone for the entire event.
Having a black-tie wedding in a grand ballroom at a five-star hotel? Keep it classy with a black tux, white shirt, and cufflinks (think James Bond or George Clooney in Oceans Eleven (without the guns or theft)).
Throwing a formal wedding at an estate or an upscale catering hall? Wear a tux with lapels or take it down a notch with a dark and dashing suit (a la Ryan Gosling LaLa Land).
Having a beach wedding orbarn wedding? Channel your inner Leonardo DiCaprio (as Gatsby, not Jack Dawson) in a two or three-piece suit in a light, neutral color. Watch that scene where they’re all in that hot NYC hotel room — that’s the suit we’re talking about.
And don’t forget about the accessories. The more casual your wedding theme, the more creative you can get with extras like bow ties, suspenders, pocket squares, and socks. They say the clothes make the man, but sometimes, the accessories speak even louder!
Related: How to Throw a Roaring Great Gatsby Wedding
When Is Your Wedding?
The season and the time of day are also factors, especially when it comes to fabric. We want inspiration, not perspiration.
In the summer months, you can pull off light fabrics like linen or cotton.
If it’ll be hot as Kentucky, slap on a derby vibe. Make seersucker your new best friend.
Or maybe you’re getting married in the winter. In this case, we highly encourage you to rock a Samuel L. Jackson vibe and slay the day in a velvet jacket.
The trick is to match your style to the occasion. After all, you wouldn’t walk into the office in shorts and a t-shirt. And you probably wouldn’t hit the golf course in a three-piece suit. Your wedding style should reflect the formality of the event.
When to Order Your Suit or Tux
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Austin / Hannah Haston
Whether you go with a suit or a tux, shop for your looks about 3-5 months before the wedding. DO NOT SLACK ON THIS! Head to your nearest rental shop and get measured by a professional to make sure you get the perfect fit.
Now that you know the actual color and fabric you’re going to wear, it’s time to pick your shoes (a.k.a. the fun part).
Do yourself a favor and make sure that you and your groomsmen all wear similar shoes. They don’t have to be the same exact shoes — but they do need to be the same shade. Your wife will love the consistent footwear; it makes for the best wedding photos! And you know what they say about happy wives …
Head back to the rental shop to pick up your looks about one week before the wedding. This will leave time for last-minute alterations. Don’t assume that everything will fit perfectly (it never does). It’s common to have to make minor adjustments to sleeves and hem lengths.
You can do tux and suit rentals online, but we don’t recommend it. Unless you’re Bob Vila with a tape measure, you’re better off leaving it to a pro.
And don’t forget to ask when the rentals need to be returned. If you’re having a destination wedding, give yourself enough time to fly home and return your rental without having to pay an extra fee.
Significant other is still searching for the perfect bridesmaid dresses?
Bella Bridesmaidshas what she needs!
Consult With Your Soon-To-Be Spouse
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Greenville / Haley Jane
I mean, you wouldn’t buy a skirt without asking your friends if it looks good on you, right? Haha, we love a little Mean Girls humor.
But seriously, don’t finalize any decisions on your own. Sure, the bride’s dress is usually kept a secret from the groom – but there’s no need to keep the groom and groomsmen attire under wraps. After all, you’re only DRESSING like James Bond.
Aspire to be Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt – not Angie and Billy Bob Thornton. In other words, make sure you look like you’re going to the same event at the same time and place!
Consult with your significant other so that there are no surprises on the big day. Before you order your look, get your spouse’s input to make sure that you’ll coordinate.
I mean, you don’t want to show up in a white tuxedo if your bride is in an ivory gown. If the bride is getting all blinged-out in a Swarovski crystal gown, you don’t want to be super casual in a grey linen suit with suspenders. If you do, you could end up looking like Rose and Jack Dawson, before the iceberg.
Need help dressing your dad? Read our Guide to Father of the Bride Suits
The Groom Should Stand Out!
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Baltimore / Jenny Quicksall
As the groom, you have to stand out from your best man and the rest of the groomsmen. If your wedding party were a band, you’d be the lead singer, so make sure to dress the part!
You don’t all have to wear the same wedding suits. You should rock a slightly different look than your guys so your style shines (figuratively, unless you’re a rhinestone cowboy).
There are lots of easy ways to do this:
You can wear a suit in a different color. You can wear the same suit but add a vest to make your look a bit more formal. You can wear a patterned dress shirt and have the rest of the guys wear solid shirts.
You can even stand out with something as simple as a tie. If your groomsmen are wearing solid ties, wear a patterned one. Or have them wear regular neckties, and you sport a bow tie.
Some grooms even wear a different colored boutonniere than their groomsmen. Just one small, different element will make it obvious that you’re the one getting hitched!
Here are a few more articles you might enjoy:
5 Groomsmen Outfit Ideas |9 Groomsmen Socks to Brighten Up Your Wedding Party| Beyond the Flask: Groomsmen Gift Ideas for 2023
Conclusion
The wedding day is not just about the bride – it’s about you too!
So, find your best look and show up looking like the man you are – polished, stylish, and ready to become the best husband of all time. You’ve come a long way since those embarrassing prom photos on your parents’ mantle!
As you probably already know, photographers don’t come cheap, so do what you can to make sure your wedding photos look amazing. Dress your best and, when in doubt, ask a professional for help. There’s never any shame in stepping up your style game!
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