A well-dressed groom doesn’t happen by accident, and the details are where a wedding look is won or lost.
The suit isn’t the hard part. The hard part is everything else, and most grooms learn this too late, standing in front of a mirror an hour before the ceremony holding a tie they bought three days ago and a pair of shoes still stiff from the box. Getting some of the jitters? We’ve got you covered. If you’re a groom, here’s a guide to dressing for your wedding day.
READ ALSO: A Groom’s Guide To Choosing The Best Engagement Ring
What Suit Should a Groom Wear?
A well-cut single-breasted suit in navy, charcoal, or stone can do more for a man than any outfit ever will. The jacket should sit cleanly at the shoulder, with no pulling or bunching across the back. Trousers break once at the shoe and no more. If the wedding is in the garden or on the beach, a linen suit in cream or pale grey can work nicely.
The barong Filipino is a great choice if you’d like to opt for something closer to home. It’s a classic for a reason, and doesn’t sacrifice comfort in the heat. A finely embroidered barong in cocoon silk, jusi, or piña can hold its own against any European tailoring.
How To Choose The Right Wedding Shoes
Because polishing them afterward is a gamble. Oxford brogues photograph beautifully. Black cap-toes are correct with a tuxedo and at very formal weddings, but they can feel stiff at anything more relaxed. Suede loafers in a warm brown work well outdoors. Whatever the choice, wear them around the house for at least a week beforehand. After all, blisters aren’t very romantic.
Stop Overthinking The Tie
The tie or bow tie is the single piece most grooms overthink. Silk ties in a matte weave, a fine stripe, or a quiet pattern hold up better in photos than shiny fabrics that catch light in unflattering ways. Bow ties that the groom has tied himself look slightly imperfect in the best way. Pre-tied bow ties look like what they are. The pocket square shouldn’t match the tie exactly. Fold it into a single point or a soft puff and leave it at that.
The Small Details That People Actually Remember
A pair of cufflinks are the detail that almost no one will notice and almost everyone will compliment up close. A simple pair in gold or silver, brushed rather than polished, suits most men. Personalized cufflinks engraved with a date or initials are a gift that gets worn again.
Why Fit Is An Important Rule Of Thumb For Any Groom Getting Dressed
Fit solves everything: a beautiful fabric cut poorly looks like borrowed clothes. An inexpensive suit tailored properly looks clean-cut and intentional. When in doubt, see a tailor at least six weeks before the wedding, and go back for a second fitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
A groom should wear a well-cut suit in navy, charcoal, or stone, paired with polished shoes, a silk tie or bow tie, cufflinks, and a watch he already owns and loves. For a more traditional route, go for a classic barong tagalog in cocoon silk, jusi, or piña.
Navy, charcoal, and stone are the strongest choices for a groom’s suit because they photograph well and work across most wedding settings and seasons.
Both are appropriate. A self-tied bow tie looks better than a pre-tied one, and a silk tie in a matte weave or quiet pattern photographs better than shiny fabrics.
A simple pair in brushed gold or silver suits most grooms. Personalized cufflinks engraved with a date or initials are a practical choice that can be worn again after the wedding.
A groom should see a tailor at least six weeks before the wedding and return for a second fitting to ensure the suit fits correctly on the day.
