Attention all grooms and their trusty groomsmen! Before you step into the spotlight on the big day, we’ve gathered invaluable insights directly from the experts in menswear. With guidance from our esteemed Wedded Week partners—Katy Farage, director of Farage, Sam Abi of URBBANA, and Robin McGowan, co-founder of Institchu—we’re here to guide you through choosing the ideal wedding attire. Dive into our comprehensive guide to find the perfect balance between complementing the bridal party and highlighting the groom’s unique style.

What do groomsmen typically wear?

Sam from URBBANA emphasizes the importance of the wedding invitation’s “Dress Code” in determining groomsmen attire. He suggests, “The ‘Dress Code’ on the wedding invitation sets the base of the groomsmen attire. Groomsmen should typically wear suits or tuxedos that complement (not match) the bridesmaids’ dresses as they mainly walk-in side by side and photographed together.”

“Also, as we say at URBBANA, the groomsmen attire should be the ‘Entrée’ of the ‘Main’ Groom’s outfit. The specific style and color of the suits or tuxedos can vary depending on the formality, location, and theme of the wedding (Black tie, Formal, Cocktail, Garden, Beach..). Accordingly, accessories such as ties, bowties, pocket squares, boutonnieres, and lapel pins can be added to complete the final look.”

Robin from Institchu adds that groomsmen often wear attire that echoes the groom’s, ensuring the bridal party’s uniform appearance. “Groomsmen will typically wear a variation of the groom’s outfit, to ensure the bridal party looks consistent and polished. Often you’ll see a groom wear exactly the same outfit as their bridal party, which is absolutely fine, but more often you’ll see some slight tinkers, in order to spotlight the groom on their special day. It may be the addition of a tie or waistcoat, a complete suit for the groom and broken-up chinos or tailoring for the bridal party, or it may be that the groom wears a contrasting blazer or dinner jacket to shine.”

Katy from Farage underlines the importance of harmony in the wedding party’s appearance, stating, “Traditionally, groomsmen wear a variation of what the groom is wearing, either a Suit or a Tuxedo… It’s important that there is a synergy between the groom and wedding party looks, regardless of whether the theme is formal or more relaxed, it just ensures a cohesive and stylish overall look.”

What are the most common styles of wedding suits you’re seeing customers design currently?

“We work with thousands of wedding parties each year, so the variety of styles and fabrics is huge, from bright colours to classic, casual and ultra-formal variations. It really depends on the style of the wedding, though.” Robin shares.

“For formal weddings, the most common style by far is still our classic black Merino wool tuxedo, while thicker velvet dinner jackets and lightweight cream jackets are increasingly popular.”

“For more relaxed weddings we still craft a lot of navy and charcoal Merino wool two-button suits, however we’re seeing more bridal parties play with seasonal fabrics; for summer weddings, linens or lightweight blends in creams and other colours are very popular, and for wintry conditions we’re seeing a lot of earthy tones, like brown and olive green.” says Robin. 

How far in advance should I be shopping for my wedding suits?

“From start to finish, we advise no less than 3 months away from your wedding date, and ideally not more than 6 months. Feel free to come and visit us beforehand to discuss how it all works, though – we’re always up for a chat on strategy and style, even if you’re a way off the actual date.” says Robin.

Do the groomsmen have to match?

Katy speaks to the importance of thematic consistency, noting, “Once the theme of the wedding is established the groomsmen can plan their outfits, complimenting the groom through either shade of color, styling choices etc.. For example, if the theme for the wedding is formal, the groom can be styled in a three-piece tuxedo, with a waistcoat and cummerbund to elevate and then the groomsmen would compliment with a two-piece tuxedo giving the entire party a cohesive, timeless look.”

Expanding on the concept, Robin suggests, “Usually we’d suggest separating the groom with a few small style decisions and letting the best man fade into the bridal party with a consistent look. After all, the spotlight should be on the groom, not the best man! The groomsmen should match, but there are some opportunities to have some fun, if that’s the way you want to go. We commonly see bridal parties using different ties or pocket-squares in the same color theme, or sometimes we even see completely different styles of suits, from double and single-breasted options to waistcoats, all designed with the same fabric.”

Sam sheds light on the evolving traditions of groomsmen attire, explaining, “Traditionally, and as they are part of the wedding party, groomsmen usually wear matching attire in accordance with the designated dress code. However, that’s not a hard and fast rule, as some couples today are opting for a mismatched wedding party look. A part-mismatched outfits have been common lately where only the accessories (tie, bowties, and pocket squares) are mismatched to reflect different color meanings while wearing matching suits.” He adds, “Matching attire can create a cohesive and polished look, but mixing and matching can also add a personalized touch to the wedding party’s style.”

When should the outfits be ordered?

Sam offers sage advice on the timeline for selecting groomsmen attire. He recommends, “It’s advised to finalize the groomsmen suits, shoes, and accessories at least 2 months before the wedding. For Custom Made suits and wedding parties of 5+ groomsmen, it’s best to place the order 5-6 months prior to the wedding date.” 

He also encourages grooms and their parties to relish the process, adding, “Remember to enjoy the experience and don’t feel overwhelmed with making all the decisions at once during the first consultation. Accessories and shoes can be finalized after the suits’ alterations and while you are completing your second fitting.” 

Any rules of tips for a groom?

Robin offers invaluable advice for grooms aiming for perfection on their big day. He emphasizes, “Firstly, always buy and bring at least one back up shirt for the groom. Spillages happen, and all the photos can make you perspire, so it’s good to have a crisp option to lean on in an emergency.” 

He advocates for a timeless approach to selecting wedding attire, advising grooms, “if in doubt, stick with the classics. You can inject your personality and sense of style through details, but you should be wary of any big risks or style plays unless you’re very confident in your own decisions… You don’t want your wedding photos on your mantle to date and be a family joke in the decades to come!” 

Finally, he underscores the critical importance of a well-fitted suit, noting, “Last, get the fit right. A perfectly fitting suit will trump a loud fabric every time. While our garments are made-to-measure and covered by our Perfect Fit Guarantee, off the rack suits demand a little more love to get the fit right. 

Not only will you be more comfortable, cool (temperature wise) and confident, you’ll ensure there are no emergency splits on the dance floor with those late-night high kicks.” 

Does the best man wear the same thing as the groomsmen?

“The best man typically wears attire that is similar to the groomsmen but sometimes he may have some distinguishing features to set him apart.” says Sam.

Some common ways to distinguish the best man’s attire include:

Sam shares several effective strategies to subtly set the best man apart from the groomsmen:

· Different color tie or bow tie

· Add waistcoat to his outfit

· Different color waistcoat

· Different style of boutonniere

· Different pocket square

· Different accessories such as cufflinks or a tie clip

The collective wisdom of Katy, Sam, and Robin provides a comprehensive guide to groom and groomsmen attire, blending tradition with modern trends for a memorable and stylish wedding day. By focusing on cohesion, personalization, and timing, couples can ensure that their wedding attire complements the beauty and significance of their special day.

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