The Ultimate Guide to Groom Wedding Wear: Find the Perfect Suit for Your Big Day
Your wedding day is one of the biggest moments of your life, and every detail should reflect your style—including your suit. While all eyes are often on the bride’s dress, your groom wedding wear is just as important. Whether you’re going for timeless elegance or a bold, fashion-forward look, choosing the right suit can elevate your wedding-day presence.
As a San Diego wedding photographer, I’ve seen grooms rock everything from classic tuxedos to casual linen suits, and I know how the right choice can enhance not only your confidence but also your wedding photos. Let’s break down the best suit styles and how to find the perfect fit for your Southern California wedding or destination wedding.
Groom Wedding Wear Styles: Find Your Perfect Fit
The Classic Tuxedo
The ultimate in timeless sophistication, a tuxedo features satin lapels, a satin side stripe on the trousers, a sleek silhouette, and, usually, a bow tie. Traditionally black, it’s also available in navy, white, or even deep velvet tones for a modern twist. It is known for its elegant and universally flattering look.
Best For: Black-tie and formal evening weddings.
Style Tip: Want to stand out? Opt for a velvet tux or a midnight blue shade for a unique yet elegant look.
The Three-Piece Suit
A three-piece suit includes a jacket, trousers, and a vest (waistcoat). It’s a versatile option, allowing grooms to remove the jacket during the reception while still offering a polished look.
Best For: Semi-formal to formal weddings.
Style Tip: Mix textures or colors—pair a tweed vest with wool trousers, or combine contrasting tones for a modern vibe.
The Double-Breasted Suit
Featuring overlapping front panels and two rows of buttons, this suit style adds a bold, powerful aesthetic. Featuring a broader, more structured appearance, it’s a great fit for those looking to make a statement.
Best For: Formal to semi-formal weddings.
Style Tip: Lighter shades like grey or powder blue work well for daytime or spring weddings. Pair with a solid-color tie or add a pocket square for added sophistication.
The Morning Suit
Ideal for daytime weddings, the morning suit features a tailcoat, striped trousers, and a vest (waistcoat). It’s typically worn with a white shirt and a formal tie or cravat.
Best For: Ultra-formal weddings, particularly those occurring in the morning or early afternoon.
Modern Twist: Some modern versions skip the tails, instead opting for sleek blazer or frock coat for a more relaxed look.
The Casual Suit
Casual suits offer a relaxed yet polished look for grooms seeking comfort without sacrificing style. Often made of linen and cotton, these suits are great choices for summer weddings.
Best for: Beach or outdoor weddings, or any laid-back celebration.
Style Tip: Light colours like tan, beige, and pastel shades add a fresh touch to casual suits. Consider pairing with loafers or even going barefoot for a beach ceremony!
The White Dinner Jacket
A fresh take on black-tie attire, the white dinner jacket, usually paired with black trousers, brings a stylish, James Bond-inspired edge. It’s a popular choice for warmer climates or destination weddings.
Best For: Elegant, black-tie weddings with a summery or tropical vibe or taking place in warmer climates.
Style Tip: Keep accessories simple and classic to let the jacket shine—black bow tie, white pocket square, and a polished watch.
The Velvet Suit
A velvet suit is an excellent option for grooms wanting to present an essence of luxury. Rich in texture and style, velvet suits come in various colors, like deep green, navy, or burgundy.
Best For: Fall or winter weddings, where richer textures are more seasonally appropriate, or weddings with a moody, romantic aesthetic.
Style Tip: Pair a velvet jacket with standard black trousers for an understated but luxe look.
The Patterned Suit
Plaids, checks, subtle prints, and even floral patterns add personality and flair, making this a great choice for grooms who want a distinctive look.
Best For: Semi-formal to casual weddings, particularly outdoor, rustic, or artsy wedding settings.
Style Tip: Keep accessories minimal—let the suit be the statement.
The Vintage-Inspired Suit
Inspired by various eras, vintage suits bring a nostalgic touch to your wedding day. Whether it’s a 1920s-inspired pinstripe or a 1970s tweed, a vintage suit can add a unique flair.
Best For: Themed, rustic, or historic venue weddings.
Style Tip: Suspenders, a pocket watch, or leather brogues can complete the look.
The Modern Slim-Fit Suit
Slim-fit suits are tailored closely to the body, providing a sleek and contemporary look. This style has become popular due to its versatility and streamlined appearance.
Best For: Any wedding, depending on fabric and color choices.
Style Tip: Make sure the fit is snug but comfortable—too tight can look awkward, and too loose loses the effect. Pair with pointed shoes and a skinny tie for a trendy look.
How to Choose the Right Groom Wedding Wear
When selecting your wedding suit, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you not only look stylish but also feel comfortable throughout the day. Here are some tips to help guide your decision when it comes to your groom wedding wear.
Wedding Venue & Theme
- Indoor Weddings: For grand ballroom or church weddings, classic styles such as a tuxedo or three-piece suit work beautifully. You might also consider a velvet or double-breasted suit for a luxurious, timeless look.
- Outdoor or Beach Weddings: Opting for lighter fabrics like linen or cotton will keep you comfortable in the heat. A casual suit or a light-coloured three-piece suit can add a touch of sophistication without being overly formal.
Season & Fabric Choices
- Spring and Summer: For warmer months, lightweight materials such as linen or cotton are ideal. Colors like light grey, beige, and soft blue suit outdoor ceremonies well and bring a fresh, relaxed vibe.
- Fall and Winter: Heavier fabrics such as wool, tweed, and velvet are best suited for colder months. Darker colors like navy, charcoal, and even jewel tones like emerald or burgundy offer a rich, sophisticated look.
Coordinating with the Wedding Theme
Your suit should complement, not clash with, the overall aesthetic.
- Classic & Timeless: Nothing says classic and timeless better than traditional black or navy. These dark, elegant colors complement almost any wedding style, and they are also versatile in terms of accessorizing, allowing creativity with colorful ties, pocket squares, or socks.
- Boho & Rustic: Neutral and earthy tones—like tan, beige, and olive green—blend well with rustic or bohemian themes. Incorporating leather accessories or a floral boutonnière elevates the look.
- Bold & Modern: For the fashion-forward groom, shades like maroon, emerald green, or royal blue can add a pop of personality. Make sure to coordinate these choices with the wedding palette to ensure cohesion.
Accessories that Complete the Look
- Neckties & Bow Ties: Bow ties work wonderfully with tuxedos and three-piece suits, while neckties add a more classic touch to any suit style. Try a patterned tie for a bit of flair, or stick to solid colors for a polished look.
- Pocket Squares: A pocket square can elevate a suit instantly. You can go for a color that complements your tie or choose a bolder pattern to add personality.
- Cufflinks: Cufflinks provide an opportunity for personalization. Opt for styles that match your theme—whether classic, vintage, or whimsical.
- Boutonnière: This small floral accessory can tie in the wedding’s colour scheme. It adds a soft, romantic touch to your outfit and pairs well with the bride’s bouquet.
Choosing the Right Footwear
Your shoes should match both your suit and the wedding aesthetic.
- Classic Oxfords or Brogues: Perfect for formal suits, these shoe styles bring elegance and structure. Oxfords are a great match for tuxedos and three-piece suits, while brogues can be more versatile.
- Loafers or Derbies: These are excellent choices for less formal suits or outdoor weddings. Loafers bring a relaxed vibe to casual suits, and Derbies offer a comfortable yet stylish look.
- Sneakers: For a fun, casual twist, you could pair a casual or patterned suit with clean, white sneakers. It’s a modern approach that can add a hint of playfulness.
Personal Touches to Make It Yours
- Monogramming: Add your initials to your shirt cuffs, inner jacket lining, or even on a pocket square for a touch of sophistication.
- Custom Linings: Many grooms choose custom jacket linings that reflect their personality, hobbies, or interests. It’s a subtle way to add a personal element to a classic suit.
- Unique Details: Consider incorporating family heirlooms, such as cufflinks or a watch, to add sentimental value. Personalized buttons or engraved tie clips can also be meaningful additions.
Complementing the Bride’s Look
- Color Harmony: Coordinate your suit color or accessories to complement the bride’s dress or bouquet. This can mean matching your tie to her flowers or selecting a boutonnière that reflects her color scheme.
- Matching Fabrics: If her dress has lace or a specific type of fabric, consider a pocket square or tie that subtly incorporates similar textures.
- Overall Style Coordination: If the bride’s gown is very formal and traditional, a tuxedo might be the best match. For a more modern or unique dress style, you could complement it with a slim-fit or patterned suit.
Your wedding attire isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling confident, comfortable, and authentically you. The right groom wedding wear will not only make you look incredible in person but also ensure your wedding photography captures your style at its best.
As a San Diego wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing unforgettable moments for couples, and I know firsthand how a well-chosen suit enhances your wedding album. If you’re still searching for the perfect wedding photographer to document your love story, let’s chat!
