The Best Man's Guide To Styling Success

The best man at a wedding has a lot of responsibilities, from planning the bachelor party to giving a tear-jerking speech. One of the most important aspects of being a best man is dressing the part. While the specific attire can vary depending on the time of day, season, type of wedding, and personal preference, there are some general guidelines to follow. Traditionally, the best man wears a suit or tuxedo that matches or complements the groom's outfit, and it's important that he doesn't overshadow the groom or the bride. The colour and style of the suit can be chosen to fit the theme and formality of the event, and small details like boutonnieres or lapel pins can be used to distinguish the best man from the groomsmen. Ultimately, the best man should aim for comfort and appropriateness, ensuring his outfit helps him feel at ease while fulfilling his duties on the big day.

Tuxedos vs. morning dress

When it comes to weddings, the best man's attire is usually a formal suit, and traditionally, the best man's outfit will match the groom's or the groomsmen's. The best man's look should harmonise with the groomsmen's, but not outshine the groom's.

The best man's suit should also be appropriate for the time of day, season, and type of wedding. If the wedding is before 6 pm, the best man will typically wear a tuxedo or morning dress, and after 6 pm, a tailcoat. Tuxedos are usually black, while morning dresses are composed of a short, round-shaped jacket with a straight-cut back, and a combination of wool and dark grey or striped trousers.

The time of day is an important factor in choosing between a tuxedo and a morning dress. Traditionally, morning suits are worn during the day, and tuxedos in the evening. Morning dress is the most formal daywear and is usually single-breasted with a pointed lapel and a cutaway skirt, creating an elegant curve from waist to hem. It is typically worn at weddings, formal memorial services, official functions, and daytime events. On the other hand, tuxedos are considered evening wear and are usually black or midnight blue, with satin lapels and either peaked lapels or a shawl collar.

In some countries, like the UK, morning suits are more common, while in the US, tuxedos are more popular for weddings. Cost is also a consideration, as renting or buying a tuxedo may be more feasible than a morning suit.

Ultimately, the choice between a tuxedo and a morning dress depends on the wedding's timing, location, formality, and the groom's preference.

Light vs. dark suits

When it comes to the best man's attire, it's important to strike a balance between standing out and not overshadowing the groom. While the dress code may vary depending on the wedding's theme and the groom's preference, here's a guide to help you decide between light and dark suits for the best man.

Light Suits:

Light-colored suits, such as khaki, beige, or taupe, can be a great choice for warm evening events, especially during the summer. They exude a casual and relaxed vibe, complementing the bridesmaids' attire in a subtle way. However, light suits have limited use and are not suitable for cooler months. They also tend to get dirty quickly and require more frequent dry cleaning, reducing their longevity. If you opt for a light suit, be mindful of potential stains, especially around the leg area.

Dark Suits:

Dark suits, such as charcoal grey, navy, or black, are versatile and timeless. They are suitable for both formal and casual events and can be worn throughout the year. Dark suits are a safe choice if you're unsure about the dress code or the season. They are also more flattering for men with lighter complexions and light hair, creating a sophisticated and elegant look. Additionally, dark suits are less likely to show stains and can be paired with black shoes for a polished appearance.

In conclusion, both light and dark suits have their advantages. Light suits are ideal for creating a casual and seasonal look during warm evenings, while dark suits offer versatility, formality, and a timeless appeal. Ultimately, the best man should feel comfortable and confident in their choice, ensuring their attire aligns with the wedding's theme and the groom's preference.

Accessories

Shoes: Comfortable shoes are a must, as you'll be on your feet all day. A pair of matte black, calfskin lace-up shoes are a classic choice.

Socks: While black or midnight blue socks are a safe option, don't be afraid to add a pop of colour or pattern. Stripes, diamonds, squares, or even bold shades like burgundy or fire red can add a touch of personality to your ensemble.

Buttonhole: A white flower in the buttonhole is a traditional and elegant choice, especially for a formal wedding.

Gloves and Hat: For an extremely elegant wedding, you may consider accessorising with white gloves and a top hat in the same colour as your suit. Remember, these would be held rather than worn during the ceremony.

Cufflinks: If you're wearing a shirt with French cuffs, cufflinks are a must. Choose a style that complements your suit and overall look.

Boutonniere: A small boutonniere or lapel pin can be a subtle way to distinguish yourself as the best man, setting you apart from the groomsmen while still keeping the look cohesive.

Ties: If the wedding is formal, a plain silk tie is a sophisticated choice. If it's a more casual affair, you might opt for a colourful or patterned tie that complements the bridesmaids' attire.

Remember, when choosing accessories, it's important to consider the venue, time of day, and overall style of the wedding. You want to look cohesive with the groom and groomsmen while also ensuring you don't take the spotlight away from the happy couple.

Colour coordination

Matching the Groomsmen

The best man typically wears an outfit that matches or complements the groomsmen's attire. This creates a cohesive look for the wedding party and ensures everyone looks great together in photos. The groomsmen usually adhere to a designated dress code, and the best man's outfit can be differentiated by a unique boutonniere, lapel pin, or waistcoat.

Complementing the Bridesmaids

While the best man's attire should not detract from the bride, it is important that it complements the bridesmaids' outfits. This can be achieved by incorporating similar colours or design elements. For example, the best man's accessories, such as ties, pocket squares, or waistcoats, can be coordinated with the bridesmaids' dresses.

Seasonal and Venue Considerations

The time of year and wedding venue play a significant role in colour coordination. Lighter colours and fabrics are more suitable for warmer months, daytime weddings, or outdoor settings. For example, a linen suit or a blend of linen and cotton is ideal for a warm, exotic location. On the other hand, darker suits or tuxedos are more appropriate for evening weddings, formal dress codes, or high-end venues.

Traditional Colours

Traditional colours for the best man's suit include dark blue, charcoal grey, and midnight blue. These colours are elegant and flattering, complementing any complexion and body type. If the wedding is more casual or the groom prefers a unique twist, lighter shades of grey and blue can also be considered.

Accessories

Accessories offer a subtle way to incorporate colour and personal style. The best man can choose colourful socks, such as burgundy or red, or patterned designs like stripes or squares. Shoes should be comfortable and classic, such as matte black, calfskin lace-ups. A white shirt is typically recommended, and a unique boutonniere or lapel pin can add a special touch.

Ultimately, the best man's colour coordination should align with the wedding's overall aesthetic and the groom's preferences. It is important to strike a balance between cohesion and ensuring that the best man's outfit does not detract from the bride and groom's special day.

Formality

The best man's attire should match the formality of the groom's outfit and the wedding itself. The best man should adapt his look to the groom's, or, in some cases, to the groom's father or brother. This means choosing to wear a tuxedo or morning dress if that is what the groom is wearing.

If the wedding is before 6:00 pm, the best man will typically wear a tuxedo or morning dress, and after 6:00 pm, a tailcoat. If the wedding is in the afternoon or evening, a tuxedo or morning dress is appropriate, and for a more formal evening wedding, a tailcoat is the best option. For a very elegant wedding, white gloves and a top hat in the same colour as the suit can be worn, but only held, not worn during the ceremony.

The fabric chosen for the suit should also reflect the formality of the wedding and the season. For a warm, exotic location, a light and breathable fabric such as linen or a blend of linen and cotton is suitable. For an outdoor evening wedding, wool and silk in a dark colour like brown will keep the best man warm, while for a morning or afternoon wedding, a linen suit or a blend of cool wool and cotton will be more comfortable. For a formal, traditional wedding, a polished look is required, with no room for creativity.

The colour of the suit is also important. Blue, especially dark blue, is a traditional and popular choice as it flatters any complexion and body type, and conveys formality and elegance. Charcoal grey is another good option, inspired by the most rigorous tuxedos and morning dresses. Black is formal but may not be appropriate for a traditional wedding, as it is the colour of tailcoats and some cultures do not allow it for a black-tie dress code.

The best man should also pay attention to the accessories he chooses. Shoes should be comfortable and matt black, calfskin laced shoes. Socks can be black or midnight blue, or more colourful shades and patterns can be chosen if the outfit needs livening up.

Frequently asked questions