When it comes to wedding suits for grooms, oftentimes, not much thought and consideration is placed on what they will wear. That's because grooms are usually expected to "keep with tradition" and wear a suit or tuxedo in a neutral shade of black, blue, grey, or white. Accessories are typically also kept to a minimum, with maybe a slight nod to color with a pocket square, socks, or a tie.
Luckily, times are changing and grooms are exercising more freedom over their day-of attire, particularly with an emphasis on expressing their personal style. "More than ever—thank you social media—grooms are not afraid to try unconventional outfits for their big day," shares Men's Wearhouse, a premier destination for menswear across the United States. "They might opt for two tailored looks even, one for the ceremony and one for the reception, or experiment with a unique color or pattern that they normally wouldn’t have a few years ago."
So, if you're a current groom on the hunt for your special ensemble, we asked Men's Wearhouse to provide their best menswear fashion tips based on six different personal aesthetics. Ahead, read on for advice on how to choose the perfect groom's suit for your wedding.
For the Color-Inspired Groom
Color can be the easiest and quickest way to infuse your personality into your wedding day look. "Colorful suits are a trend, particularly blue in brighter and peri shades as well as pastels for the summer," shares Men's Wearhouse. "A cobalt blue, a soft mauve, or a light green pastel is a chic yet unique way to stand out amongst a potential sea of gray or navy suits."
What's more, the menswear brand has also seen a spike in white, ivory, and jewel-tone men's suits and jackets. "With constant access to visual inspiration, grooms will pick up cues and continue to experiment with bolder colors and patterns, and will not be afraid to try different textures or prints," they add. "Just be sure the color speaks to your own preference while taking into account what your partner will be wearing."
For Grooms Who Dislike Suits
We get it, suits aren't for everyone! But before you decide to forgo wearing formal attire, be sure you're aligned with the dress code of your event, your venue locale, and your partner. If you're allowed to wear something a bit more casual than a groom's suit or tuxedo, though, there are plenty of options that feel just as comfortable as your favorite sweat and hoodie combo.
"The good news is that many suits include performance technology and extra stretch to help ease the transition into tailoring when required," shares Men's Wearhouse. "Personalize the look with more casual underpinnings that remain respectful to the ceremony, such as a stretch cotton oxford shirt, ghost tie (no tie), and/or Chelsea boots."
For the Traditionalist
If your style leans more traditional, dressing for your wedding will be that much easier, no matter the dress code. But even if you choose to go the classic route, there are still a few ways to personalize your day-of look in order to make it your own.
"You cannot go wrong with a classic tux or sharp suit. These are tried and true staples that will never look out of place for your formal event, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment within your comfort zone," notes Men's Wearhouse. "Those looking to stick with a classic suit might consider a three-piece suit, which is more elevated than a two-piece, due to the vest, and looks far less boardroom and far more formal." As for accessories, the team at Men's Wearhouse recommends wearing a skinny black tie, vintage cufflinks, or a lapel pin.
For the Casual Groom
Casual does not equate to informal. In fact, there are many grooms who'd like to look their best without feeling stuffy and uneasy in a suit. If this sounds like you, always remember that you never have to sacrifice comfort for style. More specifically, depending on the dress code, you can opt to ditch the tie, rock a pair of sneakers, or forego wearing a suit jacket in order to keep a casual, but elevated, sense of style.
"The great news is you can look just as put together in fabrics that lend themselves to [different] environments. Linen and seersucker, in washed-out hues, give you polish while staying breathable enough to keep you dry—long after the after-party where the natural rumples or wrinkles will not look out of place," adds Men's Wearhouse.
For the Bold Groom
For grooms with bold tastes, dressing for your wedding should be a true reflection of your fun and daring personality. Take advantage of all the formalwear choices provided today, from suits with textured patterns to velvet tuxedos in colorful hues. Personalization is also key when it comes to bold aesthetics, and your options are limitless as to how you can dress for your big day.
"Gone are the days of sticking to a solid color foundation and, because of so much time indoors, people are more willing to experiment in bolder patterns and expressive prints. Silk textures and patterns, like paisley or jacquard, are just as popular as the more classic variety but add a lot more personality," Men's Wearhouse shares. "Just keep said statement to the jacket; the trousers should remain a solid color to ground the look."
For the Individualist
If you have a strong grasp of your personal style and would prefer to wear something unique to you, creating a custom suit or tuxedo might be the best route to take. "Nothing speaks to a groom’s individual sense of style like a custom suit or tuxedo," advises Men's Wearhouse. "While the truly personalized fit alone will make you stand out, the choice of fabric and lining selection—and special details like pocket type, lapels, and stitching—ensure that a custom suit is a way to go to truly own your look."