Groom And Best Man: Matching Suits Or Individual Style?

Whether the best man and groom should wear the same suit is a question with no definitive answer. While there is no rule prohibiting the groom from wearing the same suit as the best man and groomsmen, it is more common for the groom to wear a different suit to stand out. This can be achieved through a variety of ways, such as wearing a different colour, adjusting the jacket style, or adding unique accessories. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and comfort.

The groom traditionally wears the same outfit as the best man

The groom and best man wearing the same outfit has been a wedding tradition since the Middle Ages. Back then, matching attire was believed to confuse any menacing presence, protecting the newlyweds from curses and bad luck. This tradition has been maintained by some communities for centuries, sometimes as a requirement of their religion or culture.

Today, the groom usually wants to stand out from the crowd on their special day. However, there is no rule prohibiting the groom from wearing the same outfit as the best man. In fact, it is quite common for the best man to wear the same outfit as the groom, with the groom making slight alterations to stand out. This can be achieved by changing one simple thing, such as the colour or shape of one item, while keeping the rest the same. For example, the groom might wear a different colour suit or jacket, providing a total contrast and making it obvious who is the star of the show. Alternatively, the groom might wear a more ornate boutonniere, a different type of tie, or a coloured waistcoat.

If the groom does decide to wear the same outfit as the best man, it is important to consider the wedding theme and formality. For example, a black-tie event calls for a complete match, while a more relaxed dress code might allow for slight variations or even a total mismatch. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to match the best man's outfit is up to the groom and should be based on what makes them feel comfortable and confident.

The best man wearing the same as the groom shows his importance

The role of the best man is an important one, and this can be emphasised by the best man wearing the same outfit as the groom. This is a long-standing tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages, when the practice of wearing the same clothes was believed to ward off evil spirits by confusing any menacing presence, keeping the newlyweds safe from curses and bad luck.

Today, the tradition continues in many communities, with the groom and best man wearing matching suits, or at least the same accessories, such as waistcoats and cravats. This uniformity symbolises the importance of the best man's role and ensures he stands out from the other groomsmen and wedding guests. It also conveys a sense of cohesion and uniformity within the wedding party, creating a visually pleasing and well-coordinated look.

However, there is room for flexibility and personal preference. Some may prefer the groom to stand out from the best man and groomsmen with a slightly different outfit, perhaps incorporating a unique colour, fabric, or style. This can be a subtle change, such as a different jacket style or colour, or a more noticeable contrast, like a white dinner jacket for the groom while the groomsmen wear black. Ultimately, the decision should be guided by comfort and personal style, ensuring the groom and best man feel confident and happy with their chosen attire.

In conclusion, the best man wearing the same outfit as the groom is a traditional practice that symbolises the importance of the best man's role and creates a cohesive wedding party. While this tradition is still widely followed, modern weddings allow for personalisation and unique touches to reflect individual style preferences.

The groom wearing a different colour suit to the best man is a clear differentiation

There are various ways to differentiate the groom's outfit from the best man's. One way is to have the best man look exactly like the groom, which will make the best man stand out from the other groomsmen and be recognised for their important role. However, it is also common for the groom to wear a different suit or jacket colour to the groomsmen, which will make it obvious who the star of the show is. For example, for a backyard wedding, the groomsmen could wear a khaki suit while the groom wears white.

Another option is for the groom to wear a tuxedo while the groomsmen wear suits, which is a simple way to ensure the groom stands out. This is also a good option if the wedding has a black-tie dress code, as a black-tie event is more formal and calls for a complete match. However, if the wedding is semi-formal or more casual, it would be strange for the groom to be the only person wearing a tuxedo.

The groom can also stand out by wearing a different style of suit, such as a double-breasted suit instead of a single-breasted one. Additionally, the groom can choose a different fabric for his suit, such as tweed, corduroy, seersucker, or linen, while the groomsmen wear a simple wool blend.

A more subtle way to differentiate the groom's outfit is to change just one item, such as the colour or shape of one piece, while keeping the rest the same. For example, the groom could wear a different waistcoat or neckwear colour, or a different style of jacket. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to coordinate the groom and best man's outfits, and it is up to the couple to choose what they are comfortable with.

The groom wearing a different style jacket to the best man is another option

There are many options for the groom and best man when it comes to deciding on their wedding attire. While there is no rule prohibiting the groom from wearing the same outfit as the best man, the groom may want to stand out from the crowd on this very special day.

The groom wearing a different style of jacket to the best man is one option for creating a subtle distinction between the two. For example, if the best man is wearing a single-breasted jacket, the groom could opt for a double-breasted style. Alternatively, if the best man's jacket has plain lapels, the groom might choose a jacket with satin lapels. This approach allows for a subtle differentiation while still maintaining a sense of uniformity.

Another idea is for the groom to wear a different colour suit or jacket from the best man, creating a clear contrast. For instance, for an evening wedding, the best man could wear a black dinner jacket, while the groom wears a white one. Similarly, for a backyard wedding, the best man could wear a khaki suit, with the groom in white.

In addition to jacket styles and colours, the groom can also consider other ways to personalise his outfit, such as choosing a unique waistcoat, an ornate boutonniere, or a distinctive tie or cravat. Ultimately, the decision on whether to match or contrast the groom's and best man's outfits should be based on comfort and personal preference, with no need to overcomplicate the look.

The groom wearing a more ornate boutonniere than the best man is a more subtle differentiation

While there is no rule prohibiting the groom from wearing the same outfit as the best man, it is customary for the groom to stand out in some way. This can be achieved through slight variations in the groom's attire, such as a different suit colour or texture, or a distinct suit or neckwear.

One way to subtly differentiate the groom from the best man is through their boutonnieres. The groom can opt for a more ornate boutonniere, perhaps a mini version of the bride's bouquet, or one that is bigger, more colourful, or more intricate. This small detail can add a unique touch to the groom's outfit without altering the overall style or colour palette of the suits.

The boutonniere is a simple yet effective way to distinguish the groom from the best man, especially if they are wearing similar suits. It adds a special touch to the groom's attire without being too over-the-top. This subtle differentiation can be a great option for grooms who want to stand out just enough to be recognised, while still maintaining a cohesive look with the rest of the wedding party.

For a more noticeable contrast, the groom can opt for a different suit colour or style altogether. This could be a bolder colour, such as burgundy or baby blue, or a unique pattern like plaid or polka dots. Alternatively, the groom might choose a different fabric, such as tweed or linen, to set his suit apart from the best man's. These variations can be more striking, ensuring the groom stands out, while still complementing the overall wedding theme and colour scheme.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to match or contrast the groom and best man's outfits is a personal preference. Some grooms may prefer to keep the wedding party uniform, while others may opt for a more distinct look. The key is to choose an outfit that the groom feels comfortable and confident in, whether it perfectly matches the best man or includes subtle or bold variations.

Frequently asked questions