Groom Wedding Attire Guide

Although wedding days tend to focus on the brides, we thought it was important to talk about the main man of the event! Grooms’ wedding attire is just as important as wedding dresses, even for elopements.

In fact, planning an elopement gives you the flexibility to wear something you really love or make a statement with your attire. Let’s dive into some tips and tricks you can incorporate into your wedding day outfit. 

How to Find the Perfect Outfit for Your Wedding

Photo by Zoe Steindl Photo Featuring Jos. A. Bank Suit

Finding the perfect groom wedding attire comes with research and sticking to what you like to wear. A lot of grooms actually ask us, “what do grooms wear to weddings? Do the same rules apply for elopements?” 

While traditional weddings recommend a complete tuxedo, including a vest, bow tie, cuff links, and more, elopements don’t have such restrictions. You can wear a suit, a complete tuxedo, a nice blazer, or whatever you feel comfortable in.

You also aren’t restricted to traditional black suits, just like brides are restricted to white wedding dresses. 

How Much Does a Groom Suit Cost?

Photo by Dawn Honsky Photography Featuring The Black Tux

There is no set rule on how much to spend on your wedding attire. We have seen grooms spend between $300 and $800 a suit, but we have also heard of grooms spending more, or spending less and wearing something they already own and love.

When Should You Get Your Attire?

Just like wedding dresses, some traditional menswear houses take a bit of time, especially if you’re ordering a custom suit for your body frame.

If you’re going all out with a custom order, then we recommend deciding what you’re going to wear at least 6 months before.

If you’re keeping it simple, then 3 months should be fine. We just recommend talking it over with your tailor at the required time on their end. 

Should I Buy or Rent for My Wedding?

Unlike wedding dresses, grooms have the option to be either rent or buy their wedding attire. A lot of couples actually ask us what option is best, and we always say, “Whatever is best for you two.” 

If you’re planning an elopement, then maybe you have more wiggle room to spend money on the suit you really like and keep it.

If you want to save money, then maybe renting is a better option for you.

There are multiple companies that also offer online shopping options for groom attire, and if you rent a certain amount of suits with that company, the groom can actually keep his for free! 

This is a great option if you’re planning a small Airbnb wedding or an adventure wedding with family and friends.

Fashion Rules All Grooms Should Know

Now that you have an idea of how to buy your wedding day attire, let’s talk about some rules to consider when picking your outfit.

Coordinate With Your Partner

It’s ok to want to have a statement piece in your attire, more on that later, but it’s important to coordinate with your partner. While you may not know what exactly your partner is wearing, you can still ask what colors and patterns to avoid.

By communicating with each other, you’ll avoid wearing something that may clash or blend together with your partner. 

Make Sure Your Wedding Attire is Fitted to Your Body

If you’re buying something off the rack or even ordering separate pieces, chances are these items will need to be tailored. You want to make sure your wedding attire fits properly on your body.

You also want to make sure you can move easily, especially if you’re hiking on your wedding day!

Whether you’re buying or renting, here are some pointers to remember:

• The jacket sleeve hem should land at your wrist with about one-half of the dress shirt shown below. 
• Pants should fit comfortably and break across the top of the shoes.
• Your bow tie or tie should fit properly. The bow tie should fit snuggly around your collar, and your tie should be the correct length and width to complement your height and frame.

These are our favorite pointers, but style and fit also depend on the person wearing the outfit. We recommend discussing your concerns with your tailor to see what they recommend. 

You Should Feel Comfortable

Our top rule will always be to wear something you feel comfortable in. While there are some tips for dressing for your body type, we always recommend wearing what you love. 

Here are some tips based on body type for groom’s wedding attire:

• Most suits and tuxedos will look good and fall nicely on tall and slim frames.
• If you want to add bulk, then consider a double-breasted suit to broaden your shoulders.
• If you’re trying to look slimmer, then try a fitted suit and go with a darker color to slim you down.
• For the illusion of added height, opt for a two or three-button jacket. 

Trends We Love for Grooms Wedding Attire

Photo by TMinspired Photography Featuring ASOS Suit

Incorporating Accessories

Photo by Sheila Drakeley Photography

Don’t forget to accessorize your wedding day attire with unique pieces of jewelry. Consider wearing pieces that are symbolic to you, or wearing something you really enjoy.

Coordinating With Your Wedding Day Colors

Wearing a plain black and white suit for your wedding day can seem to be a bit of a drag for some couples. If you’re wondering how to incorporate color into your grooms wedding attire, then consider what colors are being incorporated into the bridal bouquet or wedding arch.

Incorporating a Statement Piece

Photo by Marissa Solini Photography

By wearing a fun pocket square or patterned tie, you’re able to bring your personality to your outfit without feeling overwhelmed. Again, we recommend asking your partner what colors are best, so that way you can easily complement each other.

Mixing Different Textures

Photo by Kellie Jane Creative Featuring Friartux Tux

We have been loving grooms who mix and match different textures from their pants and jackets. Different textures like velvet, for example, give a great contrast in photos, creating dimension and the coolest vibe.

Patterns!

Photo by Nikk Nguyen Photo Featuring Bonobos Suit

Speaking of patterns… go for a patterned jacket! Incorporate patterns for a fun, unique look on your wedding day. You absolutely don’t need to dress in one color. Wear whatever you’re loving

Consider Your BackgroundOne of the best things about eloping is being able to coordinate with your elopement destination. Yup, you heard right. By considering your environment, you can easily match the mood or lighting in the given area.

Are you loving these tips and inspiration for grooms wedding attire? Check out our wedding dress guide for more fun wedding attire ideas.