Whether you’re a groom, groomsman, or guest, wearing a black suit to a wedding is always considered a classic choice, especially for more formal dress codes or venues. However, if you’re looking to infuse your getup with a little more personality, sporting a colorful suit is an excellent way to make a statement on the big day. From lavender purple to electric blue, painting your ensemble in a wash of color will switch up the status quo, creating a fun, playful, and unique edge.
According to stylist Grace Thomas, a color-forward design is perfect for the man of the hour or an attendee who incorporates bold, fashion-forward pieces into their everyday style. It’s also an opportunity for individuals to match the season, like emerald green for fall nuptials or pastel pink for spring celebrations. What's more, a multicolored suit is always a strong candidate for playful dress codes—like cocktail or festive attire—and tropical, warm-weather destinations.
Meet the Expert
Grace Thomas is a wardrobe stylist and the founder of Builtgracefully, a personal wardrobe styling company based in Portland, Oregon. She’s been styling clients for 15 years.
To help you nail down your look, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite vibrant garments, straight from real weddings. Read on for 15 colorful suits for grooms, groomsmen, and guests to consider for their own celebrations.
Electric Blue
Electric blue is one of the most eye-catching colorways for a wedding suit, whether you’re the one tying the knot, standing by the groom’s side, or watching from the sidelines. This light and bright shade mirrors the growth and vibrancy of the spring and summer seasons, making it an ideal choice for warm-weather nuptials. (It’s also a befitting option for seaside ceremonies since the rich tone will mirror that of the ocean.) Consider pairing your look with a pink bow tie, as this groom did at his rainbow-themed fête in Pennsylvania, to mix in another complementary hue.
Thomas advises opting for a lightweight fabric, such as linen, if planning to sport this piece during an outdoor service in higher temperatures.
Slate Blue
If you like the color blue but want a more subdued shade, try slate blue. Since this gray-blue tone is a step up from a neutral hue, it will add a splash of color without demanding attention. Additionally, for those who want to incorporate more colorful shades, you can even feature a patterned tie, like this groom did at his coastal affair in Hyannis Port.
Navy Blue
Searching for a color that will transcend time? Opt for navy blue. Since navy provides a traditional look, it's a safer bet for those who aren’t ready to commit to a bold hue. This tone is also a well-rounded choice as it coordinates with any venue, season, and aesthetic—whether it’s a modern art museum soirée in the winter or a waterfront ceremony in the summer.
Teal
A blend of blue and green, teal is an unexpected and brilliant hue for a wedding suit. While this color is popular for autumn nuptials given its jewel-tone appearance, it has the ability to complement any season, no matter if you're saying "I do" on the beaches of Long Island or in Tulum.
Olive Green
Olive is a deep hue with strong ties to nature, so it befits ceremonies and receptions held in sprawling meadows, botanical gardens, lush vineyards, and enchanting forests. However, what’s most appealing about this dark shade of green is that it isn’t limited to a certain season: It’s appropriate for spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Emerald Green
For a jaw-dropping shade of dark green, consider emerald—specifically for fall and winter nuptials. And if you’re thinking about wearing an emerald-colored suit in the aforementioned seasons, opt for velvet or suede pieces for an additional layer of warmth and an extra edge of style. We also love these sumptuous textures glamorous venues and dressy attire.
Maroon
Maroon is another jewel tone that’s ideal for nuptials scheduled during the colder months, in addition to celebrations being held in opulent venues, like a New York City ballroom or a French château. Pro tip: Since this color is attention-grabbing, stick with neutral hues for your accessories. For instance, take cues from this groom who wore a white button-down shirt and a navy blue tie for his elegant nuptials in Mexico City.
Mulberry
With an added flair of purple, mulberry is a vivacious shade that radiates warmth. Unsure of how to rock this style? All you need to pull off this look is a black shirt and a mulberry-hued tie, which is how this guest styled his outfit at his friend's backyard Miami wedding.
Pastel Pink
Pink is having a moment in the wedding fashion space and we couldn't be more excited! To hop on this trend, consider dressing yourself in pastel pink, especially if your partner is doing the same. Equal parts light and airy, this hue is ideal for spring or summer soirées being held amongst lush greenery and florals.
Rose
Featuring a medium pink saturation, rose is a bold choice for grooms, groomsmen, and wedding guests who aren't afraid to stand out. Since this hue reminds us of lush blooms, we recommend selecting this style for garden fêtes or floral-filled celebrations, in addition to daytime affairs with cocktail or semi-formal dress codes.
Pastel Plaid
Pastel is the perfect shade for spring and summer nuptials, no matter if the wedding is taking place in a desert or backyard setting. Exuding light, playful, and lively elements, this multidimensional coloring can take any look to the next level, especially if you choose to pair it with plaid or a subtle print.
Floral Prints
If you’re thinking about testing the limits, why not dress yourself in a floral-printed suit? This look, for example, is a perfect choice for grooms, groomsmen, and guests who'd like to sport an ensemble that's both traditional and unique. Between the dark base and pink and green floral pattern, we absolutely love this getup for a moody yet vivacious vibe.
Tan
If you want to branch out from the classic black hue, but you’re more of a traditionalist, look to tan. While this pale tone of brown is still a neutral color, you’ll stand out a bit more without being too over the top.
Beige
Beige is another similar neutral to tan that has a bit more edge than black. A beige-on-beige ensemble looks clean, sharp, and sophisticated on anyone, whether you’re the man of the hour or someone attending the festivities. Since this getup is a bit more casual, especially when paired with white sneakers, consider it for a beach wedding in a tropical locale or a backyard function at home.
White
Although white technically isn’t “colorful,” we think it adds more of a flair than a traditional black suit. After all, a white outfit is crisp and fresh and just screams summer. Keep it sleek with an all-white look or add a pop of color through accessories, such as a belt, tie, or pocket square.