Men's Wedding Attire FAQ: Tips for Grooms, Groomsmen & Guests
Have questions about what the guys should wear to a wedding as the groom, a groomsman, or a guest? Check out these men’s wedding attire FAQs featuring advice from The Modern Groom.
When it comes to men’s wedding attire, there are a lot of questions that come up. And those questions might be different depending on whether the gentleman in question is a guest, the groom, a groomsman, or even the father of the bride.
What is the proper wedding attire etiquette? What do all these different wedding dress codes mean? Is it okay to wear a suit or should I wear something more casual? When is a tuxedo expected or required? What should the groom wear? And what about the groomsmen?
Below, we will answer all of those questions and more with helpful advice from our friends at The Modern Groom! We’ll advise you on what to wear as the groom, groomsmen, guests, and beyond– everything from formality to accessories– so that everyone can look their best on the big day!
Groom Wedding Attire Questions
Q: What should the groom wear at a wedding?
A: The groom’s attire will depend on the formality of the wedding. For a formal wedding, the groom should wear a black suit or tuxedo. For a semi-formal wedding, the groom can wear a dark suit. And for a casual wedding, the groom can wear a light-colored suit or khakis or chinos with a dress shirt or sports coat.
Q: What is the difference between a suit and a tuxedo?
A: A suit is a two- or three-piece outfit consisting of trousers, a jacket, and sometimes a vest. A tuxedo is a more formal outfit that is typically worn for black-tie events. It consists of trousers with a satin stripe down the leg, a jacket with satin lapels, and a cummerbund or waistcoat. A tuxedo is always worn with a shirt that has a stiff collar and a bow tie. Learn more in this post from The Modern Groom.
Q: Can a groom wear a suit instead of a tux?
A: Yes, the groom can certainly wear a suit instead of a tuxedo if he would like. In fact, many grooms choose to wear suits because they are seen as being more stylish and modern than tuxedos. Wedding suits are really common at modern weddings because they can easily be re-worn for other occasions.
Q: Can the groom wear a black suit? What about white?
A: Yes, the groom can wear a black suit if he would like. However, it is important to remember that black is a very formal color. If the wedding is a more casual affair, it might be better to choose a different color suit. Grooms may also opt for a white tux jacket if desired for an even more formal look, but the experts at The Modern Groom recommend leaving white to the bride. “We want you to look only as good as the bride, not outshine her!”
Q: What color tie should the groom wear?
A: The groom can wear any color tie that he would like. However, it is important to keep in mind that the tie should complement the color of the suit or tuxedo. For example, if the groom is wearing a black suit, he might want to choose a silver or white tie. Or he may choose to wear a tie in the same color as the bridesmaids’ dresses to coordinate.
Q: What color shoes should the groom wear?
A: The groom’s shoes should match the color of his suit or tuxedo. Grooms typically wear black, brown, or tan dress shoes. For example, if the groom wears a black suit, he would likely wear black shoes.
Q: When should a groom get his suit?
A: With The Modern Groom, the groom receives his suit first to ensure that everything is to his liking. With the groomsmen’s suits, they place their suit orders 2 months out from the wedding date. This will give them enough time to get everything in time for the wedding day, and for any alterations that may be needed.
Q: What does a typical wedding suit cost?
A: Rental prices can start as high as $199, and you have to return the suit after its been worn! And though you might assume that purchasing a tailored suit would be really pricey, you can get them for as low as $210 from The Modern Groom.
Q: Does the groom pay for his groomsmen’s suits?
A: It is not required for the groom to pay for his groomsmen’s suits. However, it is a nice gesture if the groom is able to help out with the cost of their attire.
Groomsmen Wedding Attire Questions
Q: Do groomsmen have to match one another?
A: It’s best for the groomsmen to match, at least with the suit itself and shirts. The ties can be different colors for variation. This is to let the bride be the one standing out, you don’t want to compete with her or the bridesmaids.
Q: Can the groomsmen wear a different color suit than the groom? Are the groom and groomsmen supposed to match?
A: Yes, the groomsmen can wear a different color suit than the groom. Some couples want the groom to stand out as much as the bride! For example, if the groom is wearing a dark gray suit, the groomsmen could wear light gray suits, which places visual emphasis on the groom. The men could all keep their tie colors, pocket squares, or boutonnieres consistent to tie together the look and make it cohesive.
Q: When should a groomsman get his suit?
A: It is recommended that groomsmen should get place their suit orders at least two months before the wedding. This will give them enough time to get any alterations that may be needed.
Groom + Groomsmen Accessories Questions
Q: What accessories can groom and groomsmen wear?
A: The groom and groomsmen can wear a variety of accessories. These may include any combination of shoes, ties, cufflinks, tie bars, suspenders, belts, a cummerbund, lapel pins, boutonnieres, and pocket squares.
Q: What about shoes? Do they have to match?
A: Everyone’s shoes do not have to match exactly, but they should all be in the same general style and color so they aren’t distracting. For example, if the groom is wearing dress shoes, the groomsmen should also wear dress shoes. Or, if the groom is wearing loafers, the groomsmen could also wear loafers. Again, it is also common for all of the groomsmen to wear the same color shoe, but they don’t have to match each other exactly (though it is a better look for the shoes to all be the same!)
Q: Do the groom and groomsmen have to match their accessories?
A: No, the groom and groomsmen do not have to match their accessories exactly. They can have different but coordinating colors or patterns of ties or pocket squares. Some wedding parties may choose to wear different color shirts for a unique look. However, it is generally recommended that they all coordinate with each other in terms of style.
Q: Do the groom and groomsmen need to wear a boutonniere?
A: No, boutonnieres are not required. However, many men choose to wear one as it adds a touch of sophistication to their outfit, and often they coordinate with the bride and bridesmaids’ bouquets. You may choose to wear a lapel pin or just a pocket square instead.
Q: What about suspenders?
A: Yes, suspenders can be worn with a suit or sports coat and slacks. However, they are not required. If you do choose to wear suspenders, be sure that they coordinate with your shirt and tie combination. Some tuxedos also include suspenders, especially the rental variety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Men’s Wedding Attire
Q: What is the proper etiquette for men’s wedding attire?
A: The general rule of thumb is that the groom and groomsmen should be dressed one level above the guests. So if the guests wear suits, you would want the groom and groomsmen to wear tuxedos. If the guests are wearing sports coats or blazers, you would want the groom and groomsmen to wear suits. And if the guests are wearing casual clothing, you would want the groom and groomsmen to dress in business casual attire. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule depending on the specific wedding, so it’s always best to check with the bride and groom before making any final decisions on what to wear.
Q: What is the most formal option for men’s wedding attire?
A: The most formal option for men’s wedding attire is a tuxedo. A tuxedo should be worn with a shirt with a stiff collar, a cummerbund or waistcoat, and a bow tie. Black patent leather shoes should be worn with a tuxedo. While there are different varieties of tuxedos, such as tails, they aren’t as common nowadays.
Q: Is it okay to wear a suit to a wedding?
A: Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to wear a suit to a wedding! In fact, suits are often seen as being more stylish and modern than tuxedos. If you choose to wear a suit, you can pair it with either a dress shirt or a casual shirt. A tie is not required, but you can wear one if you would like. Dress shoes should be worn with a suit.
Men’s Wedding Guest Attire Questions
Q: I’m a guest at a wedding. What should I wear?
A: If you are a male guest at a wedding, you should typically dress in either a suit or sport coat and slacks. A shirt and tie are not required, but they can be worn if you would like. You should avoid wearing shorts, jeans, or other casual clothing. Dress shoes or loafers should be worn with your outfit. If the wedding is taking place during the summer months, it is acceptable to wear lighter-colored clothing such as khakis or linen pants.
Q: I’m a guest at a wedding. Can I wear jeans?
A: No, you should not wear jeans to a wedding. Guests should dress in either a suit or sport coat and slacks. A shirt and tie are not required, but they can be worn if you would like. You should avoid wearing shorts, jeans, or other casual clothing. Dress shoes or loafers should be worn with your outfit. If the wedding is taking place during the summer months, it is acceptable to wear lighter-colored clothing such as khakis or linen pants.
Q: I’m a guest at a wedding. Can I wear sneakers?
A: No, you should not wear sneakers to a wedding. Guests should dress in either a suit or sport coat and slacks. A shirt and tie are not required, but they can be worn if you would like. You should avoid wearing shorts, jeans, or other casual clothing. Dress shoes or loafers should be worn with your outfit. If the wedding is taking place during the summer months, it is acceptable to wear lighter-colored clothing such as khakis or linen pants.
Q: I’m a guest at a wedding. Can I wear a hat?
A: Yes, you can wear a hat to a wedding. However, it is generally recommended that you do not wear a baseball cap or other casual hat. Instead, opt for a dressier hat such as a fedora or Panama hat.
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As you can see, there is no one right answer regarding men’s wedding attire. It is important to choose an outfit that is appropriate for the formality of the event as well as the season in which it is taking place.
We hope that this blog post has answered some of your questions about what guys should wear to a wedding. Remember, the most important thing is to make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing and that you look sharp!
Do you have any other questions about men’s wedding attire? Join us in the community to talk all things wedding attire for guys.
