If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to choosing wedding day clothing for men, check out our guide to groom’s attire.
The modern groom now approaches his wedding day attire as a reflection of his style and personality. While the classic wedding attire choices for grooms—a suit or tuxedo—are still the go-to attire for many grooms, others opt for more casual looks, like a dress shirt, slacks, and a blazer or a more laid-back linen shirt and khakis (perfect for a summer wedding).
The decision to wear a suit, tuxedo, or something less traditional on the big day is often a difficult dilemma for guys—especially now, when there are more attire options than ever. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to choosing wedding day clothing for men, check out our guide to groom’s attire below.
The most important part of choosing your suit is making sure that it’s sized appropriately for your body type. Getting measured is a must to ensure your wedding suit fits you perfectly and compliments your shape.
If you're getting a custom suit or tux, a professional tailor can take your measurements—and if you're getting your attire from a larger retailer, a salesperson can make sure you get measured accurately.
From there, the choices about suit vs. tux, individual garments, materials, and cuts will all be easier knowing exactly what sizes you should be shopping for.
At first glance, there isn’t a whole lot of difference between the physical appearance of a suit and a tux. Here are the main differences between these two menswear styles:
When choosing a suit or a tux, focus on which style makes you feel comfortable, fits into your budget, and matches the formality of your wedding.
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Cons:
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The price of a groom’s suit or tuxedo really depends on a combination of factors:
Because so many of these pricing factors are circumstantial, it’s best to shop around to compare prices in order to get a true comparison.
And, of course, if you opt to forego a suit or a tux for something more informal, there’s a good chance you’re looking at a lower price tag. (For example, khakis and a linen shirt are likely going to cost less than buying a custom blue suit or renting a tux.)
The formality of a wedding will play a major role in whether a tuxedo, suit, or more laid-back attire is the right choice for a groom. Here’s some general advice to keep in mind when choosing groom's attire:
If your religious or cultural ceremony requires different formalwear beyond a traditional Western look, you will most likely be seeking out a specialty clothier or tailor who can craft the traditional wedding garments you need. These experts, along with any knowledgeable family and friends you might bring along, can help you select and get fitted for the outfit(s) you’ll wear on your wedding day.
If you are a member of the military, you may wish to come to your wedding in your full military dress. Many branches of the military have various uniforms for different types of ceremonies, each with varying degrees of formality. If you decide to opt for military attire, choose the most formal uniform or military dress suitable for your rank to wear to your wedding.
While it might seem that grooms’ attire is pretty straightforward, there are plenty of pieces to mix and match to create the perfect wedding look.
Here’s a breakdown of the different menswear elements that typically make up a groom’s wedding day look:
As a general rule, slimmer and shorter jackets are in fashion at the moment. Avoid baggy suits or jackets that are too long.
Customization is easiest to pull off on a groom’s jacket. Whether choosing a funky print for the jacket lining, or choosing a jacket in a bright color or unique fabric like velvet, there are many possibilities here for adding a little flair.
Single- or double-breasted? This term simply refers to the way your suit buttons.
Single-breasted jackets are more popular, as double-breasted jackets tend to look like they come from a very particular period in time—which might be handy if you’re having a retro-themed wedding.
Don’t forget the lapels. There are three main types:
Even though they seem like small details, the type of buttons and cut of pocket that you choose will really affect the overall look of your suit. Don’t neglect these small, but impactful points of tailoring when choosing your wedding suit.
Even if you go classic with the main aspects of your wedding day look, there’s room to personalize on a smaller scale with accessories. Whether it’s a patterned tie or a pair of heirloom cufflinks, these details can add sophistication and let your unique self shine. Here’s a breakdown of accessories to consider adding to your groom’s attire:
When it comes to your wedding day look, here are a lot of menswear choices to consider. To make the decision-making easier, start slowly by consulting experts at local shops and browsing through our collection of Real Weddings for other groom looks. And remember—there’s no need to stress. This is about having fun and finding attire that makes you feel comfortable and confident. When all is said and done, you’ll look sharp while marrying the love of your life.