We’re back to answer more on one of the most asked questions we get when we sit down with our couples to talk about their wedding – What should the groom wear? Check out the last post for more of the basics!
Shoes and Accessories
You’ll want to wear brown leather dress shoes with a blue or brown suit or trousers and black with everything else. Of course there are times you can make this more personal, like a case where many of the groomsmen were on the sailing team in college and wanted to wear boat shoes. Just don’t wear flip-flops unless you’re wedding is casual and you’re getting married on a beach!
Did you say accessories?
Yes, even grooms and groomsmen need to think of accessories! Cufflinks, ties, cummerbunds, pocket squares, boutonnieres…what are they?
Boutonnieres – Maybe you remember these from formal dances in high school. A boutonniere is typically a single focal flower that matches the wedding bouquets. As the groom, you will want to consider wearing one to really pull together your look with the bride’s bouquet in your photos. Who else gets boutonnieres? Usually your attendants, the ring bearer, your officiant, ushers as well as fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and other male members of you and your fiancé’s immediate family.
Ties – there are lesser-known options like ascots, and cravats (or euro-ties), but by far, the most popular choice for weddings is the neck tie or bow tie. You’ll want to consider the wedding colors, as well as the time of day and season. If it is a formal evening wedding in the Fall or Winter, a dark color tie works best. For all other seasons and times your options are more flexible. If the wedding colors are deep coral and navy, choose a tie that is a solid version of one of those colors or one that incorporates them into a pattern. The groomsmen can wear ties in the other complimenting wedding color.
Bow ties – most traditionally worn with a tuxedo and cummerbund, a bow tie can work with a three piece suit too. Let your personality dictate what you wear – if you’re a bow tie guy, wear one. Patterned brightly colored bow ties can be fun in Spring and Summer weddings!
Pocket square – a pocket square is a small piece of silk, lightweight cotton or linen that goes in your jacket breast pocket. This works well if coordinated with one the wedding colors – like the color of the bridesmaid dresses, or a complimenting color taken from the bouquets. It also looks great when it matches the shirt you’re wearing with your suit!
Cummerbund – this is a broad waist sash that is worn with the tuxedo or suit instead of a vest. It was originally created to cover the creasing where the shirt tucks into the trousers at the waist. Cummerbunds tend to be slimming and are usually a cooler option than a vest.
Cufflinks – cufflinks are worn when your dress shirt has French cuffs, a dress shirt that needs to be folded back before it’s fastening allowing your cuff to be double layered. Tuxedo’s always require a French cuff shirt and they can also be worn with suits. Consider wearing something customized like cufflinks with your wedding date or perhaps your father still has the cufflinks he wore on his wedding day.
Belts – Because this is your one and only big day you should have pants that fit you perfectly and that usually means they won’t require a belt. If you end up needing a belt, make sure it fits under your vest and jacket so it’s not visible in your photos.
It may sound like a lot to take in at first, but with an understanding of these basic elements of groom’s attire and a good idea of the type of wedding you are having you should have a good place to start your shopping!
