Let’s be honest. You’re the groom, or part of the wedding party, and you have one job: don’t mess up the photos. The wedding photos will last forever, and the last thing you want is to be that guy in the ill-fitting suit that ruins every shot. Forget the vague advice. You need a system, not a list of suggestions.
This is your definitive, step-by-step guide to mastering the wedding outfit. We’ll show you exactly what to focus on (the 20% of effort that gets 80% of the results) and what to ignore completely. Follow this helpful guide, and your entire wedding party will look sharp, confident, and perfectly styled for the big day. This isn’t just about avoiding disaster; it’s about looking incredible.
The Most Important Thing: Nailing the Suit
Before you worry about a tie or pocket squares, understand this: the fit of your suit is everything. A $2,000 suit that fits poorly looks worse than a $200 suit that fits perfectly. This is the first step in any wedding outfit plan.
Fabrics and Colours That Actually Work
The wedding invitation is your first clue. Is it a formal wedding or a casual wedding? The location and season dictate your choices.
- For Most Formal Weddings: You can’t go wrong with a dark suit in charcoal or navy. These are versatile, timeless, and suit most body types. Our Serra Charcoal Suit is a perfect example of a workhorse for any formal wedding. For a classic black tie wedding, a black tuxedo is non-negotiable.
- For Summer or Beach Weddings: Don’t sweat. This is where light fabrics like linen or cotton come in. A casual wedding calls for lighter shades like beige or light grey. Consider our Sand Linen Suit for a sharp, comfortable option that’s perfect for a destination wedding or summer weddings.
Stop agonising over a thousand options. Stick to these classics for the specific occasion, and you’re already ahead.
The Only Two Fits That Matter
Forget confusing terms. Your choice is simple:
- Slim Fit: A modern, narrow cut that’s best for leaner builds.
- Tailored/Regular Fit: A more classic, comfortable cut with a clean line that works for almost everyone.
The most important thing is how it fits your shoulders. The seam of the suit jacket should end exactly where your shoulder does. The trousers should have a gentle break over your dress shoes, not bunch up like messy accordions. To get this right, you need to get fitted. Don’t guess. Book a fitting—it’s the highest-impact thing you can do.
Decoding the Wedding Dress Code
The dress code on the wedding invitation is not a suggestion; it’s a rule. Breaking it makes you stand out for all the wrong reasons. Here’s what the most common formal dress codes and semi-formal instructions actually mean for the men who have to wear them. Our full dress code guide has more details.
Black Tie & Formal Wedding Dress Codes
- Black Tie: This is the peak of formal wear. It means a tuxedo, specifically a Midnight Blue or Black Tux. You’ll need a white collared dress shirt, a bow tie (learn to tie your own if you can), and black patent leather dress shoes. No exceptions. This dress code is common for evening and formal wedding receptions.
- Black Tie Optional: You can wear a tuxedo, but a dark suit (like a sharp Jet Black Suit) with a conservative tie is also acceptable. This dress code gives you a choice, but for a formal wedding, a tux is always the best bet.
Semi-Formal & Cocktail Dress Codes
This is the most common dress code for a wedding. It’s also the easiest to get wrong. Semi-formal weddings don’t mean you can show up in t-shirts and flip flops.
- Men should wear a suit and tie. You have more freedom with colour. A grey, blue, or even a subtle burgundy suit works well for these afternoon events or evening receptions.
- Suit separates can work for a more laid-back semi-formal dress code, but a full suit is always a safer, sharper choice. The goal of this dress code is to look polished before the dancing begins.
Casual Wedding & Beach Wedding Dress Codes
A casual wedding dress code does not mean sloppy. It means you can ditch the dark colours for lighter ones.
- Beach Wedding: Think light fabrics. A linen dress shirt (no short sleeves!), linen trousers or chinos, and loafers (no socks) is a great look. You might even consider a light-coloured suit jacket like our Uberstone Tyson Linen Jacket.
- Casual Wedding (Not on a beach): A suit is likely not required, but a sport coat or blazer with a collared dress shirt and smart trousers is a good idea. Check with the groom or bride if the wedding invitation is unclear on the dress code.
Coordinating the Wedding Party: The Simple System
Your goal is cohesion, not conformity. The groom should stand out slightly, and the groomsmen should look like a unified team.
The Rule of One: A Cohesive Look
The easiest way to coordinate the wedding party is to have the groomsmen wear the same suit. This is your anchor. From there, you can introduce personal style.
- Anchor: Every groomsman wears the same suit, like the Lithium Blue Suit.
- Variable: Allow for different accessories. The groom could wear a distinct bow tie, while the groomsmen wear a matching floral tie or solid tie.
This creates a sharp, intentional look for the entire wedding party without being boring. The bride and other guests will be impressed by the attention to detail.
Accessories: Ties, Bow Ties, and Pocket Squares
Accessories are where you add personality to the wedding outfit.
- Ties & Bow Ties: Choose a tie or bow tie that complements the bridesmaids’ dresses. Don’t match it perfectly—that looks dated. Instead, pick a complementary shade. For a modern look, consider a set like our Tie & Pocket Square Set in Wedding Navy. A tie bar is a small detail that adds a huge amount of polish.
- Pocket Squares: Your pocket square should not match your tie. It should pick up a secondary colour. If your tie is navy with pink dots, a pink or white pocket square works perfectly. We have a range of self-pattern pocket squares to choose from.
Shirts and Shoes: The Non-Negotiables
- Shirts: A crisp, collared dress shirt is mandatory for any dress code above casual wedding. A white single cuff shirt is the most formal and versatile option. It provides a clean canvas for your tie and suit.
- Shoes: Dress shoes are a must. Brown shoes go with blue, grey, and lighter suits. Black dress shoes go with black, charcoal, and navy suits. Make sure every member of the wedding party wears the same colour and style of shoe for a cohesive look.
Finishing Touches That Set You Apart
You’ve handled the big stuff. Now, a few final details will elevate the entire wedding outfit.
Grooming and Presentation
Grooming is not optional. Get a haircut a week before the wedding day. Make sure your nails are clean. If you have facial hair, trim it neatly. These small things have a massive impact on your overall presentation and are key for any groom wear.
The Right Accessories
- Cufflinks: A simple pair of silver round cufflinks adds a touch of sophistication. Match the metal to your watch.
- Lapel Pin: A subtle lapel pin can add a dash of personality, but don’t overdo it. One statement accessory is enough.
- Belt: Your belt should match your shoes. Brown shoes, brown belt. Black shoes, black belt. Our Clarke Auto Mocha is a great example for a brown shoe pairing.
By focusing on these key areas—fit, dress code, coordination, and finishing touches—you can build a perfect wedding outfit system for the entire wedding party. Stop worrying and start planning. If you want to make it even easier, check out our hire range or book a fitting with our experts today.
