The Ultimate Guide to Groom Suit Styles: Find the Perfect Look for Your Big Day

When planning a wedding, every detail is essential to reflect your unique style, and for the groom, the suit is no exception. While the bride's dress often steals the spotlight, the groom’s attire is equally important in creating a lasting impression. From classic tuxedos to modern suits, let’s explore the different styles that can elevate your wedding look.

1. Classic Tuxedo

• Overview: Known for its timeless appeal, the classic tuxedo features a satin lapel, satin side stripe on the trousers, and usually a bow tie. Traditionally in black, this look is elegant and universally flattering.

• Best For: Formal weddings, especially black-tie events held in the evening.

• Additional Info: Though black remains the most popular colour, grooms can also choose navy or even velvet tuxedos for a slight twist on tradition.

2. Three-Piece Suit

• Overview: A three-piece suit includes trousers, a jacket, and a matching waistcoat (or vest). It’s a versatile option, allowing grooms to remove the jacket during the reception while still looking polished.

• Best For: Semi-formal to formal weddings.

• Extra Touch: Play with textures and colours—consider pairing a tweed waistcoat with wool trousers, or opt for contrasting tones for a modern vibe.

3. Double-Breasted Suit

• Overview: With overlapping front flaps and two columns of buttons, the double-breasted suit is designed for those looking to make a statement. This style has a broader and more structured appearance.

• Best For: Formal to semi-formal weddings.

• Styling Tips: Pair with a solid tie or a pocket square for added sophistication. Lighter shades, like light grey or powder blue, can work well for daytime ceremonies.

4. Morning Suit

• Overview: Ideal for daytime weddings, the morning suit is characterized by a tailcoat, striped trousers, and a waistcoat. Traditionally, it’s worn with a white shirt and a formal tie or cravat.

• Best For: Ultra-formal weddings, especially those taking place in the morning or early afternoon.

• Modern Twist: Some modern versions skip the tails, instead opting for a frock coat or a standard blazer for a more relaxed look.

5. Casual Suit

• Overview: For grooms seeking comfort without sacrificing style, casual suits offer a relaxed yet polished look. Linen and cotton suits are great choices for summer weddings.

• Best For: Beach or outdoor weddings, or any laid-back celebration.

• Additional Tips: 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!

6. White Dinner Jacket

• Overview: The white dinner jacket, often paired with black trousers, adds a twist to the traditional black tuxedo. It’s a popular choice for warmer climates or destination weddings.

• Best For: Black-tie events with a summery or tropical vibe.

• Styling Advice: Stick to simple accessories, such as a black bow tie and a classic watch, to let the jacket shine.

7. Velvet Suit

• Overview: For grooms wanting to showcase some luxury, a velvet suit is an excellent option. Rich in texture, velvet suits come in various colours, such as deep green, burgundy, and navy.

• Best For: Fall or winter weddings, where richer textures are more seasonally appropriate.

• Additional Ideas: Consider a single velvet jacket paired with standard trousers for a more understated but still luxe look.

8. Patterned Suit

• Overview: Plaids, checks, and even floral patterns have recently made their way into wedding fashion. A patterned suit is perfect for grooms who love to experiment with fashion.

• Best For: Semi-formal to casual weddings, particularly outdoor settings.

• Extra Styling Tip: Keep accessories simple when wearing a patterned suit—let the suit be the focal point of your look.

9. Vintage-Inspired Suit

• Overview: 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: Rustic, outdoor, or themed weddings.

• How to Complete the Look: Accessorize with suspenders, a pocket watch, or vintage-style footwear to capture the essence of the era you’re channelling.

10. Modern Slim-Fit Suit

• Overview: 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: All types of weddings, depending on the fabric and colour.

• Pro Tips: Avoid overly tight fits; the suit should highlight your physique comfortably. Pair with pointed shoes and a skinny tie for a trendy look.

When selecting your wedding suit, there are a few crucial factors to consider to ensure you not only look stylish but also feel comfortable throughout the day. Here are some detailed style tips to help guide your decision:

1. The Wedding Venue

• 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: opt for lighter fabrics like linen or cotton to 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.

2. Seasonality and Fabric Choices

• Spring and Summer: For warmer months, lightweight materials such as linen, seersucker, or cotton are ideal. Colours 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 colours like navy, charcoal, and even jewel tones like emerald or burgundy offer a rich, sophisticated look.

3. Suit Colour and Coordination with the Wedding Theme

• Traditional Black or Navy: These colours are timeless and suit almost any wedding style. They are also versatile in terms of accessorizing—allowing you to play with colourful ties, pocket squares, or socks.

• Neutral and Earthy Tones: Shades like tan, beige, and olive green can blend well with rustic or bohemian wedding themes. Pairing these colours with leather accessories or a floral boutonnière adds a rustic touch.

• Bolder Colours: For the fashion-forward groom, shades such as 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.

4. Accessories that Complete the Look

• Ties & Bow Ties: Bow ties work wonderfully with tuxedos and three-piece suits, while ties add a more classic touch to any suit style. Try a patterned tie for a bit of flair, or stick to solid colours 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.

5. Footwear Choices

• 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.

6. Personalisation Ideas

• 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.

7. Complementing the Bride’s Look

• Colour Harmony: Coordinate your suit colour 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 colour 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.

By taking these factors into account, you’ll not only look fantastic on your wedding day, but you’ll also feel confident and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy every moment.