The spotlight on the bride’s attire often overshadows the importance of the groom’s outfit, but selecting the right wedding suit for the groom should never be an afterthought. As with all wedding preparations, the earlier you begin to plan your groom suit, the smoother the process will be. We’ve gathered insights from wedding planners, photographers, and lifestyle experts who’ve offered their wisdom on everything from the best suit fabric to the ideal groom suit color palettes. Dive into their expert advice to ensure you choose the finest wedding suits for men for your special day!
Our Experts
Holly Gray, Anything But Gray Events
Robert Lee Fowler, lifestyle, design and event expert at RLFIII
Veronica Carr, Type A Soiree
Doyin Fashakin, Doyin Fash Events
Collin Pierson, photographer at Collin Pierson Photography
California wedding planner and owner of Anything But Gray Events, Holly Gray, points out that there is a fine line between purchasing too early and purchasing two late. “When you purchase your suit more than a year in advance of your wedding, the tendency I see in many of my brides, grooms, and brooms, is a change of heart. Styles can change very quickly and with that can come buyers’ remorse,” she says. Not to mention the time you’ll need for potential alterations.
Do start shopping early. But not too early.
Experts suggest that the quest for the perfect wedding suit for men should start 6-7 months prior to the big day. This timeframe ensures that you’ve settled on your wedding’s date, season, venue, and color schemes. Moreover, starting early gives you the option to have a custom suits for wedding men tailored if ready-made options don’t capture your heart.
Don’t over-accessorize. Keep it stylish and simple.
Allocating this time not only allows for meticulous planning but also provides the opportunity to accessorize your groom wedding suit, adding a touch of uniqueness and personal flair to your ensemble. Robert Lee Fowler, lifestyle, design and event expert, recommends sticking to what fits your style and taste so you look like “you” on your wedding day. “Some grooms try to over-accessorize and it looks funny in photos,” he says. “You do not need a tie bar, pocket square, boutonnière, belt, colorful socks, suspenders and a hat all together.”
How to choose colors and fabrics for wedding suits
In the realm of weddings, experts are eager to share their top advice on selecting suit fabric and hues that will complement the wedding theme and coordinate with the bridal party’s attire.
Do consider how formal the wedding is
The setting of your nuptials, whether it’s a laid-back beach affair or a grand ballroom event, should influence your mens wedding suits. Your venue is a key indicator of the dress code, which ranges from black-tie requiring a polished suit for men wedding, to a more relaxed ‘business casual’ look for suits for men wedding. As a central figure, your attire should match or surpass the formality of your guests, ensuring you shine as one of the main attractions.
Do factor in the time of year and weather
When choosing your color and fabric, Veronica Carr, San Diego-based wedding planner and owner of Type A Soiree, advises couples to consider the weather and season. “If you are getting married on a beach in Buzios, you would never want to be caught in a wool suit.” Instead, you want lighter option fabrics for a warm weather destination wedding. (A cotton or linen suit are better suited for heat and humidity).
For instance, if you’re planning a summer wedding, lighter grey wedding suits in hues like khaki or light gray paired with pastels are ideal. Conversely, a fall wedding in cooler climates may necessitate a heavier fabric, with color options like black, charcoal grey, or even a navy velvet tuxedo to keep you warm and stylish.
Don’t forget to bring it all together
When selecting your attire, it’s wise to consider how groomsmen suits will coordinate with the wedding’s color scheme. Carr suggests bringing a fabric swatch from the bridesmaid dresses to harmonize your accessories, such as pocket squares, shirts, ties, socks, or suspenders, with the wedding’s overall aesthetic, especially if you opt for a classic colored suit.
You Might also Like: How to pick your wedding colors
Do shop with your partner
While many couples adhere to the traditional wedding attire norms and avoid seeing each other’s outfits before the ceremony, an increasing number are choosing to shop together for mens wedding attire to incorporate each other’s preferences.
How to accessorize wedding suits for men
It’s about more than just the suit when it comes to mens’ wedding outfits! Here are tips for how to properly accessorize and wear wedding suits:
Don’t skip the tailor
Even if you’ve purchased your suit right off the rack, tailored suits are essential to ensure it fits your body perfectly, Gray emphasizes. Tailoring can transform even a budget-friendly suit into a standout piece by achieving the ideal fit.
Do add a boutonnière
A simple boutonnière that echoes the theme of your wedding flowers is the most elegant accessory for groom suits for wedding, according to Fowler. He suggests sharing photos with your florist in advance and requesting two options for the big day, in case one is damaged or you decide to switch between the ceremony and reception.
Do incorporate cufflinks
Cufflinks are a subtle way to add themes into your groom’s suit, notes Doyin Fashakin, event planner and owner of Doyin Fash Events. “If you are going with a theme from a certain era, choose cufflinks from that era. Or, find another fun way to bring your theme and/or color in through his cufflinks,” she says. And if the groom does’t already have a pair? Give them to the groom as a gift!
Do consider a watch
Wedding photographer and owner of Collin Pierson Photography, Collin Pierson’s number one suggestion for a suit accessory is a quality watch. “Not only can a watch be a lifetime reminder of this special day, but it also can add texture, metallics, even a little ‘bling’ to your wedding attire,” he says. “Watches also make great gifts for your spouse, as they can be engraved, or kept as a family heirloom for generations to come.”
What to know about making wedding suit alterations
As Gray previously noted, alterations are crucial for customizing your suit jacket to fit you perfectly and to add a personal touch. However, there are a few key points you should be aware of before proceeding.
Don’t tailor to fit a future weight
The golden rule of altering suit pants for your wedding is to select the size that fits you best in the present, not the size you aspire to fit into on your special day. “The person you’re marrying loves you for who you are, so have your suit comfortably tailored to embrace you just as you are,” advises Gray.
Do allow for extra time
“Alterations have become a notorious bottleneck in the wedding preparation timeline, a situation that has become more pronounced recently,” cautions Fashakin. To avoid any last-minute issues with your wedding suit rental, plan to have your alterations completed several weeks in advance, and allow for extra time in case further adjustments are necessary due to any changes in your weight, Fashakin adds.
The best places to buy wedding suits for men
When preparing for your wedding day, the task of purchasing a big-ticket item like a wedding suit can seem daunting. However, with the proper guidance, you can navigate the options and find a suit rental service that aligns with your needs. Experts point out some of the top venues to acquire wedding suits for men, ensuring you look your best on your special day.
Budget-Friendly
Men’s Wearhouse
Men’s Wearhouse has established itself as a go-to destination for men suits for wedding across the nation. Boasting an impressive network of 1,450 stores throughout the U.S., they offer an extensive variety of suits to meet any preference. According to Fashakin, “The suits are discounted and there’s always a nice selection of brands, upscale and lower end as well.” Conveniently located, their brick-and-mortar stores complement their online shopping experience.
Banana Republic
Banana Republic is a savvy choice for those seeking suit separates without breaking the bank, as Pierson suggests. They provide a seamless online and in-store shopping experience, featuring Italian fabric suiting and wedding formal attire. Pierson advises, “Lookout for a sale online or in-store, and you can pick up some smart pieces with Italian fabrics that can easily be tailored.”
Friar Tux
This retailer offers a vast selection of size-inclusive styles and colors in tuxedo suits, available for both rental and purchase. Prices range from $119 to $160, and the convenience of scheduling in-person consultations or having rentals shipped to your doorstep is a significant plus. Gray highlights, “They even offer a tuxedo in a ladies’ cut,” catering to a diverse clientele.
Mid-Tier
Generation Tux
This online retailer boasts an extensive collection of suits and tuxedos that are custom-tailored for a perfect fit and delivered directly to your door. The process begins with an online survey designed to ascertain your ideal suit size swiftly. After providing your email, you’re presented with a plethora of options for both rental and purchase. Carr explains, “Generation Tux can ship tuxedos directly to you and your groomsmen to try on before the big day. Everything can be managed completely remotely, which is ideal for the busy groom who might not have the time to visit a store.”
Nordstrom
Nordstrom stands out as a premier destination for men wedding suits, offering a broad selection online or in-person. Fashakin notes, “Although they can be on the pricey side, the quality is excellent, and the company stands behind what they sell.” The range includes esteemed brands such as Armani, BOSS, Peter Millar, and Topman.
High-end
Suit Supply
For those willing to invest a bit more in their wedding-day attire, Suit Supply is an excellent choice for groom suits, and comes highly recommended by Fowler. “They offer a huge range of options when it comes to suits, tuxedos, and separates (blazer and trouser combos),” he says. The knowledgeable team at Suit Supply ensures a perfect fit with their expert in-house tailoring services.
Indochino
For a wide range of customization and personalization options for linen wedding suits, tuxedos, and jackets, Gray recommends Indochino. Even though they run a bit pricier than other retailers, “you can literally create the look of your dreams through their online store or in-person locations,” she says. “Colors, patterns, and details galore!”
Wedding Suits for Men FAQ
Which color suit is best for the groom at a wedding?
When it comes to wedding suits, you don’t have to only consider black. While you can’t go wrong with the classic color, you could also consider jewel tones such as navy blue, emerald green, and burgundy, especially for fall and winter weddings. Getting married in the summer? Light blue, beige, and even white linen are always in style.
Does the groom wear the same color as the groomsmen?
While most grooms choose to wear the same color men’s suits for weddings as the groomsmen, you certainly don’t have to. If you want the groom to stand out, consider switching light/dark combos. For instance, all the groomsmen can wear light grey suits, and the groom can wear black. Or all the groomsmen can wear black, and the groom can wear navy. Just make sure to tie them together somehow, either with the same shirt, tie, boutonnière, or even shoe color.
How much does the average groom’s suit cost?
Most mens wedding suit options start in the $400 range and can run $1,000+ for higher-quality fabrics. Tuxedos cost even more, starting around $700 and jumping up to $5,000 for a designer such as Tom Ford.
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