Grooms And Best Men: Matching Style And Class

Traditionally, the groom and best man wear matching attire at a wedding, but there are many options for couples to choose from, including suits, tuxedos, and dress shirts with slacks. While the best man's outfit should complement the groom's, it doesn't have to be an exact match. The groom may want to stand out with a different jacket style, suit colour, boutonniere, tie, or waistcoat. The key is for the best man's outfit to be a younger sibling of the groom's, with slight differences that still maintain continuity.

The groom's outfit

If the groom wants to stand out from the groomsmen, there are a few simple styling tricks to distinguish him from the rest of the wedding party. One way is to subtly adjust the jacket style. For example, if the groomsmen are wearing single-breasted jackets, the groom could choose a double-breasted style, or vice versa. Alternatively, the groom could wear a different colour suit or jacket, ensuring the suit and jacket shapes and styles are the same. For instance, for a morning wedding, the groom could wear charcoal grey while the groomsmen wear pale grey. For an evening wedding, the groomsmen could wear black dinner jackets, while the groom wears white.

Another way to make the groom stand out is through accessories. The groom could wear a fancier boutonniere, such as a mini version of the bride's bouquet, or a bigger, more colourful, or more intricate boutonniere than the groomsmen. The groom could also wear a different tie or bow tie, or a cravat, or a waistcoat in a bright colour or bold pattern.

The best man's outfit

The best man's attire should complement the groom's without being identical and without overshadowing the groom. Traditionally, the groom and his groomsmen would wear the same outfit, but nowadays, the groom often chooses to stand out with a slightly different look. The best man's outfit should be similar to the groom's, but with some differences in detail.

The first step is to find out the type of wedding (formal, semi-formal, casual, beach), the location (indoors, outdoors, church, hall), and the time of day. These factors will influence the attire. The best man should then find out what the groom is wearing and plan his outfit accordingly.

If the groom is wearing a white dinner jacket, for example, the best man could wear black. If the groom has chosen a double-breasted coat, the best man might opt for a single-breasted style. The key is to maintain continuity with small differences. The best man's outfit should be like a 'younger sibling' of the groom's—similar but not identical.

Another option is for the best man to dress identically to the groom, setting him apart from the other groomsmen and making his important role clear to the guests. Alternatively, the best man can match the groomsmen but with a different neckwear or waistcoat colour, creating a coordinated look that still allows him to stand out subtly.

Matching vs. mismatching

Traditionally, the groom and his groomsmen, including the best man, wear matching attire at a wedding. This typically includes suits, tuxedos, or dress shirts and slacks. However, modern weddings offer more flexibility, and there is no longer a strict rule about matching. The decision to match or mismatch depends on personal preference and the desired aesthetic for the wedding.

Matching Attire

Matching attire for the groom and groomsmen creates a cohesive and coordinated look for the wedding party. It is a classic and traditional choice that ensures everyone looks well-put-together, especially in photographs. When matching, it is essential to consider the formality of the wedding, the venue, and the season. For example, if the wedding is formal and in the evening, dark suits or tuxedos are appropriate. On the other hand, for a casual spring or summer wedding, lighter colours and fabrics, such as dress shirts and slacks, or even shirt and khakis, can be considered.

To distinguish the groom from the groomsmen when they are matching, subtle differences can be incorporated. For instance, the groom might wear a different colour, a fancier boutonniere, or a unique waistcoat. These small variations ensure the groom stands out while maintaining an overall coordinated appearance.

Mismatching Attire

In recent times, many couples opt for a more modern approach, allowing for mismatched wedding party looks. This gives more freedom to the wedding party to express their individual styles and can add a unique twist to the celebration. When mismatching, it is still essential to maintain a cohesive look by adhering to a similar colour palette and level of formality. The groom can set the tone by communicating the desired level of formality and colour palette to the groomsmen.

Even with mismatching, some coordination can be incorporated through accessories. Matching socks, ties, or boutonnieres can help the groomsmen stand out individually while still complementing each other's looks. This approach adds a personalised touch to the wedding party's attire.

Ultimately, the decision to match or mismatch depends on the couple's preference and the desired aesthetic for their wedding day. Whether matching or mismatching, it is essential to consider the formality of the event, the venue, and the season to ensure the wedding party is appropriately dressed for the occasion.

Accessories

Ties and Bow Ties

Matching ties or bow ties are a popular way to unify the groom's party. The groomsmen's ties can also be coordinated to match the bridesmaids' dresses, adding a fun and cohesive element to the wedding party.

Pocket Squares

Pocket squares are a must-have accessory for grooms and groomsmen. They add a pop of colour or pattern to the suit and usually match the tie or bow tie.

Boutonniere

A small cluster of flowers pinned to the suit lapel, the boutonniere is traditionally worn by the groom and groomsmen. The flowers often match the bride's and bridesmaids' bouquets, adding a special touch to the outfits.

Shoes and Belts

Coordinating shoes and belts create a cohesive look for the groom's party. Brown shoes go with brown belts, and black shoes go with black belts.

Dress Shirts

It is essential to ensure that the groom and groomsmen wear matching dress shirts in a shade that complements the bride's dress. For example, if the bride wears ivory, a bright white shirt can make the dress appear yellow.

Socks

Groomsmen socks can be a fun way to add personality to the outfits. They can range from funky patterns to uniform black or brown, but it is essential to ensure that all groomsmen are on the same page to avoid one person standing out.

Vests

Vests can be a stylish addition to the groom's and groomsmen's outfits, especially for winter or fall weddings. The groom can also opt for a three-piece suit while the groomsmen wear two-piece suits to stand out.

Cufflinks

Cufflinks are a must-have accessory for French cuff dress shirts or tuxedo shirts. They can be sleek and simple or personalised with the groomsmen's names or initials.

Suspenders

Suspenders are necessary for tuxedos as tuxedo pants do not have belt loops. They are also a fun accessory for suits and can be customised with engraved leather details.

Watches

Matching watches for the groom and groomsmen can be a thoughtful gift and create a streamlined look. They can be customised or engraved, making them perfect for photos and future formal events.

Formality

Traditionally, the groom and his groomsmen, including the best man, would wear matching attire. This creates a cohesive look for the wedding party and ensures everyone is dressed in the same level of formality. However, it is not a hard and fast rule, and couples may opt for a mismatched wedding party look. In this case, the groomsmen should still be dressed in a similar colour palette to maintain a sense of coordination.

The best man, as the leader of the groomsmen and the right hand of the groom, should complement the groom's outfit without matching exactly. His outfit should be one step removed from the groom's, with subtle differences to ensure the groom stands out. For instance, if the groom is wearing a white dinner jacket, the best man could wear black. If the groom has a double-breasted coat, the best man could opt for a single-breasted style.

The groom can also stand out from his groomsmen by making small changes to his outfit. This could include wearing a different colour, fabric, or style of suit, or adding a fancy boutonniere, a unique tie or bow tie, or a patterned blazer or suit jacket. These subtle differences will ensure the groom is distinguishable, especially in wedding photos, without being too overwhelming.

Overall, the level of formality and the desired level of coordination will guide the attire choices for the groom, best man, and groomsmen. It is important to consider the wedding's theme, dress code, and venue to ensure the outfits are appropriate and cohesive.

Frequently asked questions