Groom posing in chic groom attire
Pro Tips

The Expert Guide to Groom Attire

Men's Wedding Suit Wisdom from the Pros
BY C&C EDITORS / 04 28 21
Photo by Erika Delgado Photography

Groom attire might not be discussed as frequently as the wedding dress, but that doesn’t mean it’s less important. Many engaged men don’t really consider what their groom attire will be until the day they walk into a shop to choose their suit. However, that doesn’t mean that finding the right groom attire for your wedding day is easy. In fact, there’s more that goes into groom style than most people realize. 

The most important thing to consider while selecting the best groom attire is striking a balance between comfort with style. You’ll also want to make sure your groom attire matches the overall vibe of your wedding day. This is especially relevant if your event has a specific theme or distinct venue, such as a country wedding or ballroom gala. Remember that your groom attire will help set the tone for the rest of your guests’ attire and the overall look of the day.

With so many things factoring into your wedding, it’s no surprise that many grooms may find selecting men’s wedding suits to be a challenge. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do it alone—not only are your groomsmen available to support you, but the stylist at the store you’re visiting can provide insight too. Be upfront about what you’re comfortable in, and what color or style you’re most interested in trying on. That will help them pull groom apparel for you that matches the vibe of your big day. 

Prior to your appointment to try on men’s wedding suits, you might also find it helpful to have an idea of what will happen—and what you can prepare for to make the process even smoother. To help you prep, check out our ultimate guide to groom attire.

Start Early, But Not Too Early

“It’s best for grooms to purchase and plan for alterations 3-4 months before the wedding day. If you are buying off the rack, you will want to buy a suit in season for your wedding, usually released in stores 2-3 months before the season. For example, if you are getting married in the summer, start shopping in early spring for a summer-weight wool suit. Make sure to buy a suit in the weight of fabric that will feel comfortable on your big day.” —Jesse Tombs, Founder of Jesse Tombs

Groom in black tuxedo groom attire posing with bride on brick road
Jen Huang
See more white tuxedo groom attire from Christian and Andres' country wedding
Cadence Kennedy
See more blue jacket tuxedo groom attire from Mica and Dom's industrial wedding
Oak Media

Find a Style that Fits Your Personality

“When choosing your tux, any color can be ‘the new black’ as long as it highlights and elevates your look. Classic colors are black and blue; however, some grooms just don’t fit in the ‘classic’ box. For these grooms, a jewel-tone tuxedo may do the trick. For a beach or tropical wedding, a patterned suit may work. The most important thing is what looks best on you and what makes you feel your absolute best on your big day.” —Pejy Kash Founder and Event Director, Pejy Kash Events

See more vibrant patterned jacket tuxedo groom attire from Mica and Dom's formal wedding
Anthony Vazquez
See more subtle patterned jacket tuxedo groom attire from Ross and Noa vintage wedding
Melia Lucida
See more maroon suit groom attire from Hailey and Simon's garden wedding
Amanda Crean

Keep It Classic With a Touch of Finesse

“In many weddings each event has a different look and feel, and I think fashion should have that same movement. There are only so many options for men, but I always suggest that any groom looking for something fun or exciting go with neutral pants, a crisp shirt, and a fun blazer. Make a statement with your jacket and shoes and keep everything else classic and clean. Hiring a stylist can never hurt!” —Rishi Patel Chief Executive Officer, HMR Designs

Groom in white jacket tuxedo groom attire posing with bride in a waterfront garden
Eric Kelley
See more velvet black jacket tuxedo groom attire from Jamie and Michael's edgy wedding
Sally Pinera
See more black tuxedo groom attire from Bianca and Justin's classic wedding
Sally Pinera

Have Fun With It!

“The groom often thinks he has to blend in and let the bride stand out. While absolutely the bride should stand out, there's no reason the groom can't have his moment as well! A lot comes down to the look and feel of the event, but don't be afraid to have fun with what you wear! Play with texture, pattern, or print when appropriate! Go all out on the details—don't skimp on the cufflinks, the shoes, or the tie!” —Kaleb Norman James, Owner & Designer of Kaleb Norman James Design

See more vibrant groom attire from Ali and Evan's vintage wedding
Erich McVey
See more blue and red tuxedo groom attire from Michelle and Irhene's modern wedding
Erica Delgado
See more classic black tuxedo groom attire from Monica and Juan's destination wedding
Sally Pinera

Prioritize Tailoring

“What does every dapper gentleman have in common? The answer is good tailoring. For a perfect wedding day fit, make sure that you get your garment tailored. Nowadays, you don't have to go outside of your budget to look expensive, you just need to find an experienced tailor. Finding a skilled technician to help you achieve the perfect fit may take some time and investigation, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time leading up to your big day to vet the ideal professional.” —Kristen Griffith-VanderYacht, Owner and Creative Director, Wild Bloom Floral

See more classic blue suit groom attire from Paige and Matthew's rustic wedding
Maria Lamb
See more pinstripe blue double-breasted suit groom attire from Ankita and Manoj's intimate wedding
Max McQueen
Groom in white jacket tuxedo groom attire posing with bride in a garden pathway
Eric Kelley
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