With so many options in menswear, shopping for the groom can pose a minefield. Find out where to start and consider the top accessories to complete the look
As well as finding an outfit that meets the colour scheme and theme of your wedding, the groom will want to feel comfortable and at ease in what he chooses to wear. He should also consider his groomsmen and think about what parts of the outfit should match, and simultaneously – ways he can stand out from the crowd.
With various accessories to think about too, there are a multitude of ways a groom can put his personal stamp on his wedding day look. Here's an easy-to-follow guide which allows you to consider all your options.
The suit
Firstly, grooms should decide what type of suit they want to wear, whether that be a lounge suit, morning suit or perhaps a tuxedo. A morning suit is a more formal choice, featuring a longer jacket, usually a waistcoat and matching or contrasting trousers. A lounge suit offers a more informal ensemble, comprising a shorter suit jacket, tie and matching trousers.
Suits can vary greatly in fit, material and colour. By visiting a suit shop or tailor, grooms will gain a better idea of the options available to them. Just like the bride in her dress, grooms should feel comfortable in their suit – it should offer a reflection of their personality, character and sense of style.
You will also need to decide whether you want to hire the suit, or – if your budget allows, buy it. Hiring is a great option for the groomsmen as it allows for an affordable way to look both synchronised and smart, plus your merry men won't feel obliged to wear the suit again. If the groom chooses to buy a suit for himself, ensure it is a worthwhile choice that he will get the wear out of long after the big day.
The shirt
A plain shirt offers the perfect canvas on which to overlay colour; similarly, a glimpse of a patterned shirt will add interest to a neutral coloured suit. The fit of the shirt should be practical and suited to your personal style, sitting closely and comfortably to the skin.
The material should be lightweight and breathable, such as cotton or linen. Remember, you could be wearing up to three layers – until you hit the dance floor, of course.
Accessories
Here are 10 dapper and distinguished accessories that will allow your signature style to shine through.
1. Tie, bowtie or cravat
No suit is complete without something that adorns the neck. Be as creative as you want with colours, patterns or prints – with prior consent from your partner, of course – and think about the wedding colour scheme when making your choice. Whether matched or mis-matched with complementing flair, your neckwear has the ability to make or break the overall look.
2. Pocket squares or handkerchiefs
Similarly, a pocket square or handkerchief will also add a ‘pop’ of contrasting colour by promoting the wedding colour scheme and will get picked up in the wedding photographs. Consider your other accessories when choosing a colour to ensure they don’t clash.
3. Waistcoat
If you’re opting for a waistcoat, make sure it complements the chosen suit. A waistcoat can both offset a contemporary style of suit and complement a more traditional variation. Adding a dose of English heritage, tweed waistcoats are an ideal choice for a rustic or country garden wedding theme and can be paired with contrasting materials and colours.
4. Cufflinks, collar tips or tie pins
Make use of metallic accents to offset your colour choices. Collar tips or tie pins can look particularly suave, as can cufflinks which can also be engraved for a touch of personalisation.
5. Hat
From top hats to flat caps, depending on the groom’s typical style a hat can add personality and inject fun into any outfit.
6. Belts or braces
Keep trousers securely fastened with a belt that matches your shoes or braces for a more retro finish.
7. Buttonholes
Traditionally, buttonholes (or boutonnieres) feature a matching flower from the bride’s and/or bridesmaid’s bouquet, but more modern designs are turning the conventional options on their head. Consider a paper flower, an arrangement of feathers or even a golf tee to really reflect the groom's personal style.
8. Cummerbund
The cummerbund began in India around 1850 as dining wear for British military personnel stationed there. Cummerbunds are meant to be worn with the pleats facing upward, worn at the natural waist and with a bowtie.
9. Shoes and socks
Depending on how many colours are in your attire, you will have to decide whether to opt for matching or contrasting shoes. Tan brown loafers look great when coupled with a navy suit or sage green tweed, as do black brogues with a dove grey coloured trouser leg.
Seek advice from your chosen tailor and use Pinterest to see what colour combinations work well. Also, think about the colour of your socks and ensure they cover your leg when you sit down; an exposed ankle is never appreciated.
10. Props
Quirky grooms may want to reflect a vintage theme in their choice of accessories such as a walking cane, monocle, formal gloves and/or spectacles – all elements which can capture the spirit of the ceremony and the character of the man of the moment.
All grooms should carry a pocket watch in their breast pocket or wear a wristwatch to ensure they get to the church on time.
