Complete Groomsmen Attire Guide: How to Coordinate Your Wedding Party
Selecting your wedding attire is important, but coordinating the groomsmen is equally essential to creating a polished and cohesive wedding-day look. This Groomsmen Attire Guide will help you ensure the right groomsmen attire ties together your wedding colors, complements the groom’s outfit, and ensures your wedding party looks great in photographs.
At Tuxedo Fashions, we’ve helped Bay Area wedding parties coordinate suits and tuxedos for over 50 years. This groomsmen attire guide covers everything you need to know about choosing groomsmen attire for your wedding.
Why Groomsmen Attire Matters
Your groomsmen play an important role in your wedding ceremony and appear in many of your most memorable photographs.
Well-coordinated attire helps:
- Create a polished wedding-party appearance
- Complement your wedding colors
- Highlight the groom’s attire
- Improve wedding photography
- Ensure a cohesive look throughout the event
The goal is to create a coordinated appearance without making every member of the wedding party look identical.
Should Groomsmen Wear Suits or Tuxedos?
One of the first decisions you’ll make is whether the wedding party should wear suits or tuxedos.
When to Choose Tuxedos
Tuxedos are ideal for:
- Black-tie weddings
- Formal evening receptions
- Luxury venues
- Traditional wedding styles
Popular wedding tuxedo colors include:
- Black
- Midnight Blue
- Burgundy
- Emerald Green
- White Dinner Jackets
When to Choose Suits
Suits are a popular option for:
- Daytime weddings
- Outdoor ceremonies
- Rustic venues
- Modern wedding styles
Popular wedding suit colors include:
- Navy Blue
- Light Grey
- Charcoal Grey
- Tan
- Brown
- Sage Green
If you’re still deciding, read our Suit vs Tuxedo Guide to learn which option best fits your wedding style.
Should the Groom Match the Groomsmen?
Not necessarily.
Many modern weddings feature a groom who stands out slightly from the rest of the wedding party.
Popular ways to distinguish the groom include:
- Different jacket style
- Different tie or bow tie
- Unique vest
- Different boutonniere
- Tuxedo for the groom and suits for the groomsmen
The goal is for guests to immediately recognize the groom while maintaining a coordinated appearance.
Choosing Groomsmen Colors
Wedding colors often influence attire selection.
Popular color combinations include:
Navy and Blush
A timeless combination that works beautifully for spring and summer weddings.
Charcoal and Burgundy
Perfect for fall and winter celebrations.
Light Grey and Dusty Blue
A sophisticated option for outdoor and daytime weddings.
Tan and Sage Green
Popular for garden, beach, and rustic weddings.
Coordinate ties, pocket squares, vests, and boutonnieres to complement your wedding palette.
Matching vs Coordinating Groomsmen Attire
Today’s weddings often favor coordinated attire rather than exact matching.
Examples include:
- Matching suits with different ties
- Matching jackets with different accessories
- Same color family with varied textures
- Groom in a tuxedo, groomsmen in suits
This approach creates visual interest while maintaining a cohesive wedding-party appearance.
How Far in Advance Should Groomsmen Get Fitted?
One of the most common wedding planning mistakes is waiting too long to schedule fittings.
We recommend:
6–9 Months Before the Wedding
- Select attire style
- Finalize wedding colors
- Determine rental or purchase options
3–4 Months Before the Wedding
- Schedule measurements
- Confirm wedding-party members
4–6 Weeks Before the Wedding
- Final fittings
- Verify sizing
- Confirm accessories
Planning ahead helps ensure the best selection and fit for every member of the wedding party.
Renting vs Buying Groomsmen Attire
Both options can work well depending on your wedding and budget.
Renting
Benefits include:
- Lower upfront cost
- Access to premium styles
- Convenient for out-of-town wedding parties
Buying
Benefits include:
- Long-term ownership
- Ability to tailor permanently
- Future use for other events
Our formalwear specialists can help determine which option best fits your wedding party’s needs.
Coordinating Out-of-Town Groomsmen
Many weddings include groomsmen who live in different cities or states.
At Tuxedo Fashions, we help coordinate wedding parties nationwide through our Coast-to-Coast Wedding Program.
This allows out-of-town groomsmen to submit measurements and participate in the fitting process while maintaining a consistent look across the entire wedding party.
Common Groomsmen Attire Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting Too Long
Last-minute planning limits style and size availability.
Ignoring the Wedding Venue
A beach wedding and ballroom wedding typically require different attire choices.
Overlooking Fit
Even the most expensive suit or tuxedo won’t look its best if it doesn’t fit properly.
Too Many Different Styles
Coordination is important. Avoid creating a wedding party that appears disconnected.
Expert Wedding Party Guidance
Every wedding is unique. Our experienced formalwear consultants help couples select attire that fits their venue, season, color palette, and budget.
For over 50 years, Tuxedo Fashions has helped Bay Area wedding parties look their best while simplifying the planning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should groomsmen wear?
Groomsmen typically wear coordinated suits or tuxedos selected to complement the groom, wedding style, and overall color palette.
Do all groomsmen have to match?
No. Many modern weddings feature coordinated looks rather than identical outfits.
Can the groom wear a tuxedo while groomsmen wear suits?
Yes. This is a popular option that helps the groom stand out while maintaining a cohesive wedding-party appearance.
When should groomsmen get measured?
Measurements should ideally be completed three to four months before the wedding date.
How many groomsmen should I have?
There is no fixed number. Wedding parties commonly range from two to eight groomsmen, depending on the size and style of the wedding.
Ready to Coordinate Your Wedding Party?
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a large wedding celebration, Tuxedo Fashions can help coordinate attire for the entire wedding party.
Let our formalwear experts help create the perfect wedding-day look.