You’ve locked in the date, you’ve proposed to your groomsmen, and now it’s time to tackle one of the finer details: what your wedding party will wear.Â
Choosing groomsmen suits might not feel as big as choosing the venue, but trust us, it’s a major part of planning the wedding. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about wedding suits for groomsmen, from styles to fit to final touches.
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What Do Groomsmen Wear?
Just like a well-tailored suit, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to dressing your groomsmen. The right choice depends on various factors, including venue, season, dress code, and, of course, you and your partner’s personal style.Â
But no matter the setting, most grooms choose from several timeless options. Here are five of the most popular styles for groomsmen's attire:
1. Tailcoat
Traditional and ultra-formal, the tailcoat is a statement piece typically worn for formal daytime or vintage-inspired black-tie weddings. If you’re getting married in Westminster Abbey, tailcoats will look great. But if your wedding theme is more boho chic, perhaps not.Â
2. Tuxedo
A more modern choice and the go-to for black-tie weddings, tuxedos are sleek, sophisticated, and ideal for evening events. If your wedding vibe is classic luxury — like a ballroom or rooftop soirée — you can’t go wrong with a tux.Â
3. Three-Piece Suit
A three-piece suit is a smart and polished option without being overly ceremonial. The waistcoat adds a touch of formality and will elevate your groomsmen above the rest of the wedding guests. This option is great for traditional weddings. Tweed three-pieces, in particular, are ideal for countryside venues or weddings in the autumn and winter.Â
4. Two-Piece Suit
Endlessly adaptable, a two-piece suit is perfect for weddings with a relaxed-but-stylish dress code. For summer ceremonies or anything coastal or outdoors, you can’t go past a great linen two-piece suit. They’re lightweight, breathable, and ideal for weddings with a more laid-back feel.
5. Informal Attire
For ultra-casual weddings, like a backyard gathering or an elopement, informal attire like dress trousers with an open-collar shirt may be all that’s needed. Here, the goal is comfort and personality over tradition.
Do Groomsmen Wear the Same Suit as the Groom?
Short answer: not necessarily. Again, it’s all down to personal choice. The groom should stand out in a way that feels natural, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the party has to fade into the background. Typically, grooms have three options for dressing their groomsmen:
- Everyone wears the same suits.
- All the groomsmen wear the same suits, but the groom wears a different one.
- All suits are mismatched, but they have a common colour palette or style.
Here are some ideas for ways you can complement each other, rather than match exactly:
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Vary the details: Keep the suits the same, but let the groom stand out with a different waistcoat, tie, or pocket square.Â
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Change up the fabric or texture: If the groom is wearing a tweed three-piece, the groomsmen might wear similar colours in a two-piece suit with a different texture or fabric.
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Play with colour: The groom can wear a deeper or richer tone, like forest green or navy, while the groomsmen wear a lighter hue in the same colour family.
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Add or remove layers: The groom could wear a waistcoat or double-breasted jacket while the groomsmen keep it simpler with a two-piece suit.
Tips For Choosing Wedding Suits For Groomsmen
A thoughtful choice ties the whole wedding look together, and keeps your groomsmen feeling comfortable and confident from the ceremony through to the dancefloor. Here are the key things to keep in mind when selecting the perfect suits:
When and Where Is Your Wedding?
Let the setting and season help you decide. A summer garden wedding may call for breathable fabrics like linen or cotton, while a winter ceremony could lean toward heavier wool or tweed.
Outdoor weddings lend themselves to textured, earthy tones, while formal church weddings may be more of a monochromatic affair.Â
What Is Your Theme or Colour Scheme?
Your groomsmen's suits should complement the overall aesthetic of the day. Again, formal, black-tie weddings call for dark structured suits or tuxedos, while boho or vintage-themed weddings demand something softer or more casual. You can use accessories like ties, boutonnieres, or pocket squares to weave in the colour palette.
Who Is Paying?
Not every groomsman will have the same budget, so it’s wise to choose an option that’s affordable but still stylish. Renting is always an option for formalwear, but a smart suit purchase can be a great investment.
Does the Style, Ahem, Suits Everyone?
You want all of your groomsmen to look good and feel good in their suits, so ensure that everyone is fitted properly. Even if the exact suits vary, you can keep the style cohesive (e.g., everyone in single-breasted jackets, or everyone in the same material).
Have You Thought About Alterations?
Plan ahead for fittings, especially if your groomsmen are spread out geographically. Encourage everyone to try on their suits well before the big day, so there is plenty of time for alterations.Â
Will it Be Comfortable All Day?
Thankfully, groomsmen don’t have to wear heels like the bridal party, but weddings are long days, and uncomfortable suits make it feel even longer. Consider the season, the fabric weight, and how breathable and moveable it is, especially if you’re tying the knot in summer.
When Should Groomsmen Get Their Suits?
Ideally, groomsmen should choose and order their suits at least three months before the wedding. This allows plenty of time for fittings, alterations, and any unexpected delays.
Once the suits arrive, aim to schedule final alterations about four weeks before the big day. This gives you breathing time for final alterations without the stress of a tight turnaround.Â
Who Pays For Groomsmen Suits?
Typically, groomsmen are each expected to pay for their own suits. That said, every wedding is different, and it really comes down to the couple’s preferences and budget.
Keep in mind that being a groomsman comes with other expenses, too, like the bachelor party, gifts, accommodation, and travel costs. It’s a good idea for the groom to find suits that the groomsmen can comfortably afford.
Of course, if your financial situation allows you to do so (and you're happy to do it), you can cover the cost yourself. Some couples choose to gift a portion of the outfit, like a tie, pocket square, or custom accessory, as a thank-you.
There’s no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to paying for the suits, but clear communication upfront can ease any potential awkwardness down the line.Â
Where to Get Groomsmen Suits
Once you've decided on the right look for your wedding party, the next step is finding groom and groomsmen suits that fit the brief — and the budget! Remember, the most important thing is quality and fit. If you invest in a great suit, your groomsmen will be able to get use out of them for years to come.Â
At Tweedmaker, we specialise in timeless, well-crafted suits that are perfect for your big day, from rustic countryside weddings to elegant black-tie affairs.
And if you're ordering for the whole wedding party? Take advantage of our group order discount, perfect for outfitting your groomsmen in coordinated style, without the stress. Buy any three suits, and get your fourth absolutely free.
Do Groomsmen Wear Boutonnieres?
Often, yes, but it’s entirely up to the couple. Boutonnieres can add a nice touch of colour and look fabulous when matched to the bridal party’s flowers. If you’re aiming for a more relaxed look, feel free to skip them or opt for a simple lapel pin instead.
Do Groomsmen Wear Tuxedos or Suits?
Either works; it depends on the wedding’s dress code and style. Tuxedos suit black-tie events, while suits offer more versatility for most other settings. As we covered above, let your venue, season, and theme guide the choice.
Can a Groom Wear a Tux And Groomsmen Wear Suits?
Absolutely. If the groom wants to stand out, this is a great way to do it. Just try to have coordinating colours, fabrics, or accessories to keep the overall look cohesive.
What Colour Should Groomsmen Wear?
There’s no one right answer, it’s all personal choice. Go for colours that fit the venue, season, and overall wedding palette. This is your chance to get creative.Â
Can Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Wear the Same Colour?
Coordinating tones or complementary shades often work better than trying to match exactly, and look great in photos. Ideally, you want a cohesive look that reflects the wedding’s style without feeling too matchy-matchy.Â