You want your wedding party to look cohesive, but you also want guests (and every photograph) to spotlight the two of you. The challenge? Balancing uniformity and individuality—especially when it comes to the groom and groomsmen. Below, we break down when to match, when to mix, and how to keep every suit photo‑ready.
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Should the Groom Stand Out?
Tradition (or superstition) once said the groom and groomsmen should dress alike to confuse evil spirits—really. Today, most couples prefer a look that nods to tradition without hiding the groom in the crowd. Standing out doesn’t mean clashing (or being possessed by a demon); it means strategic tweaks that draw the eye.
Subtle differentiation
Here are a few examples of ways to set the groom apart.
- Fabric texture: In the winter, upgrade the groom to a velvet dinner jacket while the guys wear pure wool tuxedo jackets. It photographs richer without screaming “different.”
- Boutonniere scale: Same flowers, but the groom’s boutonniere is slightly fuller or accented with a ribbon in the wedding palette.
- Distinct lapel style: A peaked‑lapel tux for the groom versus notch lapels on the groomsmen’s suits keeps the silhouette aligned yet elevated.
Bold (but tasteful) moves
These are bigger choices that don't push the envelope too far.
- Contrast jacket: Midnight‑blue tuxedo for the groom against classic black for the party.
- Statement tie or bow tie: Patterned silk on the groom, solid tie for everyone else.
- Vest switch‑up: Three‑piece look for the groom only—ideal for jacket‑off dance‑floor shots.
Midnight Blue Tuxedo by The Black Tux →
Groomsmen Outfit Essentials — and 4 Sample Looks
Before you pick colors, lock down the building blocks. A complete groomsmen outfit has six pillars:
| Pillar | Purpose | Pro tips |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket (or vest) | Sets formality level. | Keep lapels consistent across the group (all notch or all shawl). |
| Pants | Creates visual cohesion with the jacket. | Match fabric and weave; avoid mixing wool with linen unless it’s an intentionally laid‑back wedding. |
| Shirt | Neutral canvas for ties & boutonnieres. | A crisp white spread‑collar works for 90 % of weddings. |
| Neckwear | Injects palette or pattern. | Solid ties photograph clean; patterned neckwear is best reserved for the groom if you want him to pop. |
| Shoes & belt | Anchors the look. | Leather shade should mirror jacket tone (black shoes for dark suits, brown for blues/earth tones). |
| Accessories | Final layer of personality. | Pocket square, boutonniere, cufflinks, and socks—all small cues for differentiation. |
Hypothetical line‑ups
Just a few examples to show you how we're thinking about groomsmen attire, and where the groom fits in for each kind of wedding.
| Wedding vibe | Groomsmen head‑to‑toe | How the groom stands apart |
|---|---|---|
| Classic black‑tie evening | Black notch‑lapel tuxedo · white pleated shirt · black satin bow tie · patent Oxfords | Same tux color but peak lapel + grosgrain bow tie and velvet slippers |
| Modern city loft | Charcoal 2‑piece suit · white spread‑collar shirt · slim black tie · cap‑toe Oxfords | Three‑piece charcoal with matching vest and a patterned charcoal‑on‑black tie |
| Garden afternoon | Light‑grey suit · pastel solid tie · brown derbies | Light‑gray jacket + matching vest but floral tie & boutonniere ribbon that echoes the bouquet |
| Beach formal | Sand‑tan linen suit · white linen shirt · no tie · black loafers | White dinner jacket + black pants, same loafers, and shell boutonniere |
Rule of thumb: 1–2 visible tweaks are plenty—more and you drift into “bride in a white dress / groom in a neon suit” territory.
Mojave Tan Linen Suit by The Black Tux →
Quick accessorizing guide
Don't overthink it.
| If the groom wears … | Then the groomsmen can … |
|---|---|
| Velvet bow tie | Mirror the color in pocket squares but keep ties satin. |
| Patterned vest | Stick to plain vests or no vest at all. |
| Statement boutonniere | Scale back to a single bloom or greenery. |
| Patent shoes | Wear high‑shine calfskin instead. |
Color Strategies
Wedding photos live forever, so start with a palette that flatters your venue lighting and dress code.
Matching but not identical suits
Keeping everyone in the same color family maintains cohesion; shifting shade or tone carves out the groom’s spotlight.
| Palette | Groom | Groomsmen |
|---|---|---|
| Blues | Deep navy tux | Medium‑blue suit |
| Charcoals | Charcoal three‑piece | Medium‑gray two‑piece |
| Black‑tie classic | Black peak‑lapel tux | Midnight‑blue tux |
Tie & pocket square coordination
- If jackets match, swap tie colors (e.g., ivory silk for groom, on‑palette satin for the guys).
- Echo bridesmaid accents by weaving the same hue into pocket squares.
FAQs
- How can I achieve colorful without chaos? Keep jackets in one hue, vary ties or pocket squares.
- Are different fabrics okay? Fine, as long as textures complement—not compete.
- What about alterations on rentals? Hems are fair game; avoid cutting fabric.
The Final Word
Coordinating groom and groomsmen attire is part style strategy, part logistics. Start early, think in color families, and use small flourishes to give the groom marquee status.
