Best Man's Guide To Wedding Attire

The best man's attire is dictated by the type of wedding, location, and time of day. The best man's outfit should complement the groom's without matching exactly. If the groom is wearing a white dinner jacket, the best man should wear black. If the groom is wearing a double-breasted coat, the best man should wear a single-breasted one. The best man's suit should be chosen in coordination with the groomsmen's suits. The best man should adapt his look to the groom's or, in some cases, the groom's father's or brother's. The best man should wear a tuxedo or morning dress, depending on the groom's choice.

Tuxedos vs suits

When it comes to choosing between a tuxedo and a suit for a wedding, there are several factors to consider, including the formality of the event, personal style, and cost. Here is a detailed breakdown to help you make an informed decision:

Formality:

Tuxedos are typically reserved for more formal events, such as white-tie, black-tie, or formal weddings. They are considered the most formal attire and are usually worn in the evening. On the other hand, suits offer more versatility and can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for a wider range of wedding dress codes, from semi-formal to dressy casual.

Style:

Tuxedos are characterised by satin detailing, such as a satin-faced lapel, satin buttons, or a satin stripe down the leg of the trousers. They are often paired with specific accessories like cummerbunds and patent leather shoes. Suits, on the other hand, consist of a traditional jacket and trousers, sometimes with a vest, and can be made from various fabrics like linen or flannel.

Cost:

Tuxedos tend to be more expensive than suits, with entry-level options starting around $400, while suits can be found for as low as $200. However, the cost of renting a tuxedo, which includes the shirt, shoes, and accessories, is usually around $200, making it a more affordable option for one-time use.

Comfort and Versatility:

Tuxedos are designed for formal events and may not offer the same level of comfort as a suit, especially if rented and not tailored to your body. Suits provide more versatility in terms of style and can be worn again for other occasions, making them a practical choice.

In conclusion, the decision between a tuxedo and a suit depends on the formality of the wedding, your personal style, budget, and comfort. If you prioritise tradition and sophistication, a tuxedo is a timeless choice. However, if you value comfort, versatility, and the ability to showcase your personal style, a suit might be the better option.

Matching the groom

• Subtle Differences: The best man can wear a slightly different coloured waistcoat, cravat, or tie to set him apart. For example, if the groom's party is wearing black suits, the best man could opt for a different colour such as white. Alternatively, the best man could wear the same suit as the groom but with a different coloured waistcoat or cravat. This adds a subtle yet noticeable distinction.
• Accessories: Accessories are a great way to differentiate the best man. For instance, he could wear a fancier buttonhole or lapel pin, or a different coloured tie or pocket square that complements the wedding colours. A unique accessory, such as a pocket watch or a stylish pair of cufflinks, can also make the best man stand out without being too flashy.
• Suit Style: While the best man and the groom can wear the same colour suit, varying the style can create a clear distinction. For example, the groom could wear a three-piece suit, while the best man wears a two-piece suit in the same colour. Alternatively, the groom could wear a tuxedo, and the best man a suit, or vice versa, depending on the level of formality desired.
• Fabric Choice: Opting for different fabrics is another way to create a subtle difference between the groom and the best man while maintaining a cohesive look. For example, the groom could wear a traditional wool suit, while the best man wears a linen or silk-blend suit in a similar colour. This is especially useful for outdoor or summer weddings, as it helps to keep the wedding party comfortable while creating a stylish contrast.
• Coordinating with the Wedding Party: If the wedding party is wearing different coloured suits or accessories, the best man can coordinate with them to create a cohesive look that still sets him apart from the groom. For instance, if the groomsmen are wearing purple cravats, the best man could wear the same colour but in a different shade, or he could wear a different accessory, such as a pocket square or waistcoat, in the same shade of purple.

Remember, the most important thing is to ensure the best man feels comfortable and confident in what he's wearing. The chosen outfit should reflect his personal style while complementing the groom's look and the overall theme of the wedding.

Dress codes

As the best man, your outfit should complement the groom's without matching exactly and without overwhelming his look. If the groom is wearing a white dinner jacket, for example, you should wear black. If he's wearing a double-breasted coat, you should wear a single-breasted one.

The type of wedding (formal, semi-formal, casual, beach), the location (indoors, outdoors, in a church or a hall), and the time of day (morning, afternoon, evening) will all influence your attire.

If the wedding is formal, you'll likely need to wear a tuxedo. For a black-tie dress code, this will be a black or midnight blue tux, a white dress shirt, black patent leather or velvet oxford shoes, and a black bow tie. For a creative black-tie wedding, you can branch out with a colourful suit or a dinner jacket look.

For a semi-formal or cocktail dress code, a medium-dark suit is best. This is your chance to show a bit of personality with a unique pocket square or a punchy necktie.

If the wedding is casual, a minimum of dress pants and a blazer is required, but a suit with a dress shirt and dress shoes is better.

For a rustic wedding, incorporate textures into your look, like a wool necktie or a simple plaid linen bow tie. For a nautical wedding, work stripes into your outfit and stick to the colours navy, blue, and white. For a vintage wedding, this is your chance to bust out unique accessories like your grandfather's cufflinks.

Blue is the most preferred colour for a best man's suit, as it flatters any complexion and body type. Grey is a good second choice, and black is quite formal but may not be appropriate for traditional weddings.

Accessories

• The best man's accessories should complement the groom's without matching exactly. For example, if the groom is wearing a white dinner jacket, the best man could wear black.
• Cufflinks, tie bars, wristwatches, pocket squares, and dress socks are all great ways to accessorize a suit. These accessories can add a touch of sophistication, personality, and fun to the overall look.
• When it comes to shoes, comfort is key. Matt black, calfskin laced shoes are a classic choice. However, if you want to add a unique detail, you can opt for different shades and patterns, such as stripes, diamonds, or squares.
• If the wedding has a specific theme, don't be afraid to incorporate it into your accessories. For example, a rustic wedding could call for a woollen necktie or a simple plaid linen bow tie.
• The type of wedding, location, and time of day will also influence your accessory choices. For a beach wedding, light colours and breathable fabrics are ideal. Meanwhile, a formal wedding calls for more elegant and traditional accessories, such as a tailored suit in a classic colour like charcoal grey or midnight blue.
• If the wedding is religious, your accessories should be formal, traditional, and polished. There is little room for creativity in this case.
• For a civil wedding, it depends on the couple's preferences. Some may prefer a quick and informal ceremony, while others may follow it up with a fancy reception. Take cues from the general mood and style of the wedding to choose your accessories accordingly.

Colour schemes

If the groom is wearing a white dinner jacket, the best man should wear black. If the groom has chosen a double-breasted coat, the best man should opt for a single-breasted style. The best man can also coordinate with the groom by wearing a different flower, for example, if the groom has a red rose, the best man could wear a white one.

The best man's suit should also be in harmony with the attire of the groomsmen, with small differences in detail.

The colour scheme of the best man's outfit will depend on the type of wedding, the location, and the time of day. For example, a light or medium shade of grey or blue is recommended for weddings taking place before 6 pm. For weddings after 6 pm, a tailcoat or a three-piece suit in a dark colour is more suitable.

For a formal wedding, dark colours such as black, charcoal grey, or navy are recommended. A black tuxedo is a safe choice for a black-tie dress code. For a creative black-tie wedding, a white dinner jacket tuxedo can be a stylish option.

Blue, especially dark blue, is a popular choice for best men as it flatters any complexion and body type, and it is both formal and elegant. Grey, particularly charcoal grey, is another good option for formal weddings.

For a casual wedding, a light grey suit with a blue dress shirt and brown suede shoes can be a great choice.

The season can also influence the colour scheme. For a fall wedding, incorporating the colours of the season, such as terracotta, forest green, and ruby red, can add a fun touch. For a spring wedding, light colours like dove grey and pastel shades are appropriate.

The location of the wedding can also provide inspiration for the colour scheme. For a beach wedding, light colours and fabrics are recommended to stay cool in the sun. A light grey or blue suit can be a stylish alternative to the typical tan or khaki suit. For a mountain wedding, dark colours and a rugged-textured tie are suitable choices.

The time of day is another factor to consider. Black fabric can be too warm for daytime weddings, so a lighter-coloured suit is often a better option. For nighttime weddings, a dark suit and tie are recommended.

Frequently asked questions