Does the Groom Have to Look Different?

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It is customary for the groom and his attendants to dress alike, but the choice is ultimately yours. It's important that the men in your wedding party look and feel as polished as you do, even if you don't want them to wear identical suits or tuxes. Everyone in the wedding party, not just the groomsmen, should coordinate their attire. The best way to pull this off is by having the groomsmen match the style of the bridesmaids. If the ladies are going for a retro look, the men can follow suit by wearing throwback three-piece suits.

Wedding themes and atmospheres can be very different from one another, so it's important for the wedding crew to dress appropriately. However, there are some general rules that can help you and your groomsmen decide on a uniform look and accessories. Know the basic dos and don'ts of groomsmen fashion, even if your wedding is on the unconventional side.

The first and most important rule of thumb you should follow is to coordinate with the bride, but we do encourage you to let your personal taste be your guide. It won't work if you wear a tuxedo and bowtie and she wears a bohemian dress and wears flowers in her hair. Even though you shouldn't try to control the other person's sense of style, it is always nice to strive for some degree of harmony when putting together an outfit.

Sure, everyone will be staring at the bride, but that doesn't mean the groom shouldn't do anything to stand out. Groom and his groomsmen traditionally wear matching attire to the wedding, but it's still important for guests to be able to tell which member of the bridal party just kissed the bride.

Codes of conduct tend to be more stringent at more formal events. If you and yours are going for maximum formality, everyone on your team will be dressed in tuxes, making it more difficult to stand out. In this case, the more relaxed the party, the more freedom you'll have. However, grooms can use these four ways to stand out on your special day regardless of the sartorial dictates of your wedding.

Although it is customary for the bride to be the focus of attention on the wedding day, the groom need not feel like an afterthought. Couples who are looking to rent wedding suits often have the same question: "How do we make the groom different from the rest of the groomsmen?" True, everyone knows who the bride is, but the groom can easily get lost in a sea of suits if he doesn't do something to make himself stand out. Please find below our best advice for the groom to make his mark. Looking for the best Wedding Stylist in Melbourne? Look no further, Vines of the Yarra Valley has you covered.

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Table of Contents

Mix and Match Ties

The groom can subtly stand out from the crowd by donning a tie of a different style than the groomsmen. Both bow ties and long neckties are acceptable in the modern fashion world. Furthermore, there are a variety of options for the undergarments that can be worn with the groom's suit or tux. This is yet another easy way to make your groom the focal point of your wedding. There is a plethora of options when it comes to suspenders, cummerbunds, and vests.

Formal Groom

One surefire way to make your groom stand out is to have him be the only one in the wedding party to don a jacket or vest. It's great when the groom and his guys all wear the same pair of pants and vest/jacket combinations but still look like a cohesive unit.

In addition, this enhances the groom's sense of style and makes him look more put-together than the other men in the wedding party, which is appropriate given his status as a leading man. This is a fantastic way to ensure that the male members of your bridal party stay comfortable and cool on those scorching spring and summer wedding days. Your best men will appreciate it.

Classic White

You can approach this from a couple of angles! Commonly, the groom will don a white tie and vest, while his best men will don a different colour. Having your groom stand out in this way is extremely common. Not only that, but you can also customise the boutonnière your groom wears by requesting a different flower colour or design. A second, more contemporary option is to have the groomsmen wear the traditional white tie and vest but have the groom stand out in black or another colour that complements the wedding's colour scheme.

Wedding Attire Ideas for the Groom

Alternative Coat

One surefire way to stand out from the rest of the groomsmen is to don a jacket that doesn't match theirs. The groom can wear a jacket to a beach or other casual daytime wedding, while the rest of the groomsmen stick to vests and ties. Color is a wonderful way to stand out in a more formal setting. It's been suggested that the groom wear black and the groomsmen grey. Or the boys could wear standard black tuxes while the groom wears a satin one. Another choice is a white dinner jacket with classic black tuxedos for the groomsmen (or vice versa).

A Fancier Flower

The easiest way for guests to identify the groom is with a distinctive boutonniere, a "mini-corsage" worn on the jacket lapel. This is the route to take if your wedding will be extremely formal and mismatched tuxes would be a major faux pas. Have the groom and his groomsmen wear boutonnieres made from the same flower, but have the groom's boutonniere accented with berries or herbs like rosemary, oregano, or mint. Alternately, you could pick a flower of a different hue to highlight the differences (for example, burgundy for the bridal party and pale pink for the groom). However, for a unified design, it's best to stick with flowers of the same hue. There are two other possibilities: either the groom wears a fully open flower while the groomsmen wear buds of the same flower, or the groom wears a boutonniere with two or three flowers while the groomsmen wear a single flower.

The Telltale Tie

Choose a necktie or bow tie in a shade that stands out from the rest of the group to make a statement. If the groom is wearing a silver tie, the groomsmen can choose to wear a different colour that either contrasts with or unifies the bridesmaids' attire. The grooms can take it a step further by switching up their neckwear from the rest of the men. The groomsmen can wear neckties instead of bow ties if he opts for one.

Variety in the Vest

Grooms have some creative freedom with the tuxedo, including the vest. Select a vest that stands out from the rest by going with a hue not worn by the groomsmen. For example, if the groom is wearing a black tie and vest, his groomsmen can wear a complementary colour to the bridesmaids' attire. Or, the men can all wear vests while the groom stands out in a cummerbund.

Opt for a different suit

Wearing a suit that stands out from the rest of the groomsmen in terms of style, cut, or colour is a great way to make a statement and show off your individuality on the big day. In terms of the groom's attire, there is no hard and fast rule that says you have to exactly match the rest of the guys. Grooms are increasingly opting to stand out from the crowd by donning contrasting jackets and pants. You and the rest of the groomsmen can set the tone by wearing different styles of suits; for instance, you could choose to wear a patterned suit. Whether or not you should go for this style is, of course, a matter of taste, and there are other, more understated ways to draw attention to yourself if you don't.

Wear a contrast waistcoat

One of our favourite ways to distinguish the groom from the rest of the groomsmen is by having him wear a waistcoat with a different colour than the others. You can play around with different colours and patterns to create an exciting look that will make a statement to your guests. If we may offer one piece of advice, it would be to choose a plain colour for the waistcoats of the groomsmen so as not to clash with your own. If you'd prefer a more subtle look, you could have everyone in the wedding party wear the same colour and pattern of waistcoat.

Pick a different tie & pocket square

Your groomsmen can get away with wearing standard ties and pocket squares, but you should probably go for something more flashy and in a different shade or pattern. In fact, mixing and matching will allow you to put your own unique spin on your wedding suit, so don't feel like your pocket square has to match your tie exactly. This is the simplest solution for traditionalist grooms who still want to make a statement. Traditionally a dressy accessory, bow ties are also gaining popularity as a wedding day accessory.

Make a statement with accessories

Several accessories, such as a tie bar, lapel pin, or fob watch, can help the groom express his individuality through his attire. You can change up your wedding-night look by ditching the vest and jacket and wearing just a shirt, pants, and bow tie instead, which is why braces are a great accessory.

Wear different shoes

If you're the groom, you can step it up a notch by wearing shoes that stand out from those worn by the groomsmen. Shoes of other colours, such as brown, oxblood, and navy, have largely replaced black ones in fashion. If you're looking to make a major style statement, now is the time to find an item that complements your individual sense of fashion.

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Mix And Match Groom and Groomsmen Style

To get things started, here are two major "don'ts" that you should never, ever break. The first is that you should never pair a belt with suspenders. To our great fortune, we haven't encountered a man who has made that error. The second big no-no when donning a tuxedo is a belt; instead, you should either go beltless or, at the very least, use suspenders.

Some men prefer to forego vests when donning tuxedos in favour of cummerbunds, which are sashes worn around the waist to conceal the shirt tuck. They're not required, but they add a nice touch. Vines of the Yarra Valley has proven itself to be an iconic wedding venue and function centre in Melbourne. Book today so you don’t miss out.

Suspenders or a belt? That is the question when it comes to suits. When the groom and his groomsmen take off their jackets, suspenders draw attention to themselves, while belts draw attention to the rest of their attire.

You can lead by example, or you can have your groomsmen follow a different path.

Gifts for your groomsmen who already wear belts can be personalised to make them even more stylish. For instance, we offer initial-capable leather key fobs.

You should still wear nice cufflinks, even if your attire is more relaxed. Cufflinks that have been passed down from a groom's father or grandfather are a great way to add a personal touch to your look. One of the groomsmen accessories that can be personalised and still be inexpensive are cufflinks.

Cufflinks made of metal should coordinate with buckles and wristwatches. You and the other men in the wedding party should all be wearing watches so that you can keep track of the events. You shouldn't be checking the time (and maybe even your emails) on your phones during this important event.

Pocket watches are a classy accessory that can elevate your "watch wearing." Additionally, they can be a novel option for the groomsmen's presents. This gunmetal pocket watch, for instance, features exposed gears, Roman numerals, and room for a custom inscription of up to three lines on the back.

As a whole, and especially for weddings, hats and gloves are becoming increasingly uncommon. Whether or not you think they'd be a good idea and whether or not you'd feel comfortable wearing them are both entirely up to you. Additionally, you may decide to only put them on for certain events, like a photo shoot, and forego them otherwise.

Last but not least, don't underestimate the power of the smallest details when it comes to matching your ensemble to the bride's and the groomsmen's to that of the bridesmaids. These include such nuances as the shade of the pocket squares. If you're going for a more formal look, like with a tuxedo, stick with the traditional white squares, but if you're going for a more casual one, feel free to add a pop of colour to coordinate with the bridesmaids' attire.

One of the most important things is the value of being approachable, forthright, and flexible. Do not put undue pressure on your groomsmen; they are your friends and are there to help you. A wedding should be fun, not stressful; guests should be able to dress to the nines without feeling uncomfortable. To what end would it serve to invite people to a party if they weren't happy to be there because they had to shell out hundreds of dollars for a new suit? Who wants to cringe at their wedding photos fifty years from now because they wore a silly uniform? So, think of a style, but don't alienate your audience. It's beginning to dawn on me that the groomsmen and wedding attire aren't the only things to worry about.

Provide Simple Guidelines

When it comes to the groomsmen's mismatched suits and the overall style of the wedding, the bride and groom should have final say. Men in the bridal party should be granted the same restrictions on dress colour and length as those made for bridesmaids.

If you want to look polished, you need to adhere to a few guidelines, beginning with the material you choose to wear and continuing through your choice of belt, shoes, and other accessories. The groomsmen should be aware of the dress code for the wedding, including any restrictions on the kind and colour of suits, as well as any sartorial leeway that the groomsmen may provide each other. On your wedding day, the last thing you want to do is start a debate about who has the best-looking boots.

As a first step in establishing rules for the fellas, consider the use of colour scheme. It is recommended that before the wedding, the bride and groom enquire to see pictures of the attire each groomsman has chosen.

And if you're letting the groomsmen wear their own footwear, getting a photo of the pair they've chosen. Check for cracks and don't be afraid to ask them to polish them, whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it. Check out our extensive list of Wedding Photographers in Melbourne to help capture your special moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is recommended to put your groom in neutral tones: either a light grey, charcoal grey, or even a dark blue.

Wearing black is a simple but attractive method to avoid drawing attention away from the bride and groom, who should be the focus of attention. But it also represents wealth and exclusivity. Traditionally, most suits are black, and so most grooms wear black.

While your guests shouldn't be wearing any shade resembling white to your wedding, no rule says the groom can't be in white too.

Most grooms will be responsible for sorting out their outfits. The ushers and the groom's father can be left to choose their designs unless they are to be matching also.

By tradition, the groomsmen usually pay for their suits when buying them outright, whether it's black-tie, formal or semi-formal attire. As the groom, you'll have a say in style choices, colours and how smart you want the groomsmen to be dressed.

Conclusion

Grooms and their attendants often dress similarly, but that is not required. Not just the groomsmen, but everyone in the wedding party should dress similarly. The decision of a uniform style and accessories can be simplified by following some basic guidelines. The groom ought to wear a spectacular outfit that steals the show at the wedding. If the groom wears a tie that is noticeably different from that of the groomsmen, he will be quietly distinguished from the rest of the group.

The groom can choose from a wide range of underwear styles to complement his suit or tux. A unique coat or boutonniere might help the groom stand out. Choose a hue or pattern for the boutonnière that reflects your groom's interests and tastes. The vest is an area where grooms can express their individuality in the tuxedo. Contrary to popular belief, there is no rule that states you must conform to the norms of male society.

More and more grooms are choosing to stand out by wearing a jacket and pants of a different colour. Changing up your look with a new waistcoat, tie, or pocket square is a terrific way to get people's attention. Taking off the jacket and vest in favour of only a shirt and slacks is a terrific approach to express your unique style. Wearing a belt with suspenders or suspenders with a tuxedo is a major fashion faux pas.

Even if you're dressing more casually, you should not skip the cufflinks. Dressing to the nines and having a good time at a wedding shouldn't be mutually exclusive. Don't place too much weight on your groomsmen's shoulders; they're just friends helping friends. Bridal party men should be subject to the same colour and length restrictions as bridesmaids.

The groomsmen need to know whether there are any limits on the type or colour of suits they can wear to the wedding. Inquire about any damage, and have them shine the shoes, for the big day.

Content Summary

  • Everyone in the wedding party, not just the groomsmen, should coordinate their attire.
  • The best way to pull this off is by having the groomsmen match the style of the bridesmaids.
  • Know the basic dos and don'ts of groomsmen fashion, even if your wedding is on the unconventional side.
  • The groom can subtly stand out from the crowd by donning a tie of a different style than the groomsmen.
  • Furthermore, there are a variety of options for the undergarments that can be worn with the groom's suit or tux.
  • This is yet another easy way to make your groom the focal point of your wedding.
  • One surefire way to make your groom stand out is to have him be the only one in the wedding party to don a jacket or vest.
  • Having your groom stand out in this way is extremely common.
  • Not only that, but you can also customise the boutonnière your groom wears by requesting a different flower colour or design.
  • A second, more contemporary alternative is to have the groomsmen wear the customary white tie and vest while the groom wears black or another complementary colour.
  • However, for a unified design, it's best to stick with flowers of the same hue.
  • Choose a necktie or bow tie in a shade that stands out from the rest of the group to make a statement.
  • Select a vest that stands out from the rest by going with a hue not worn by the groomsmen.
  • If the groom is wearing a black tie and vest, his groomsmen can wear a complementary colour to the bridesmaids' attire.
  • Wearing a suit that stands out from the rest of the groomsmen in terms of style, cut, or colour is a great way to make a statement and show off your individuality on the big day.
  • Wear a contrast waistcoat
  • One of our favourite ways to distinguish the groom from the rest of the groomsmen is by having him wear a waistcoat with a different colour than the others.
  • If you'd prefer a more subtle look, you could have everyone in the wedding party wear the same colour and pattern of waistcoat.
  • Pick a different tie & pocket squareYour groomsmen can get away with wearing standard ties and pocket squares, but you should probably go for something more flashy and in a different shade or pattern.
  • Wear different shoesIf you're the groom, you can step it up a notch by wearing shoes that stand out from those worn by the groomsmen.
  • The first is that you should never pair a belt with suspenders.
  • The second big no-no when donning a tuxedo is a belt; instead, you should either go beltless or, at the very least, use suspenders.
  • Last but not least, don't underestimate the power of the smallest details when it comes to matching your ensemble to the bride's and the groomsmen's to that of the bridesmaids.
  • One of the most important things I've learned is the value of being approachable, forthright, and flexible.
  • Do not put undue pressure on your groomsmen; they are your friends and are there to help you.
  • So, think of a style, but don't alienate your audience.
  • It's beginning to dawn on me that the groomsmen and wedding attire aren't the only things to worry about.
  • When it comes to the groomsmen's mismatched suits and the overall style of the wedding, the bride and groom should have final say.
  • The groomsmen should be aware of the dress code for the wedding, including any restrictions on the kind and colour of suits, as well as any sartorial leeway that the groomsmen may provide each other.
  • As a first step in establishing rules for the fellas, consider the use of colour scheme.
  • It is recommended that before the wedding, the bride and groom enquire to see pictures of the attire each groomsman has chosen.
  • And if you're letting the groomsmen wear their own footwear, getting a photo of the pair they've chosen.

 

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