Top Etiquette Q&A  |  Tuxedos vs. Suits  |  Top Suit Colors  |  More Groomsmen Attire Tips

A guide that explains everything needed to know about groomsmen attire?! YES, please!! Here are answers to the top questions and advice any couple should know about suits and tuxes. Find everything you need to help you decide what your groomsmen will wear on your big day. Choosing your groomsmen's attire has never been this easy!

*This post may contain affiliate links. While we can receive commission through affiliate links, opinions are entirely our own.*

Groomsmen Attire Shopping Etiquette Q&A

There are SO many details that go into shopping for a suit or a tux. It's important to think ahead and have a plan. Before you shop, stop, and make sure you have this figured out first: Color Palette, Aesthetic, and Theme (Venue). It'll make the shopping process run smoother and in-line with the vibe you're going for!

1) Who Pays for Groomsmen Suits?

When it's time to pick out suits and accessories, whose responsibility is it to pay? This is a decision for a couple to discuss before shopping. You and your partner may decide to pay for your bridal parties' expenses. But usually it is something your bridal party will take care of themselves.

Pro Tip: Place the entire order at the same time if possible- there may potentially be a group discount!

Black Satin Bridesmaid Dress | Coordinating Black Satin Tie

2) Wedding Suit Rental: When to Place Your Order

How far in advance do you need to place your order for groom and groomsmen tuxedos and suits?

Ask the store what they recommend, as factors may vary depending on the busy season. Ideally, it's a few months before your wedding to ensure a timely arrival and time to adjust anything. However, stores can usually accommodate on shorter notice. We find it's helpful to browse ahead of time so that you have a good idea of what you're looking for and what stores you want to shop at!

Moss Green Bridesmaid Dresses  |  Coordinating Groomsmen Ties

3) Tuxedo & Suit Accessories: What 'Extras' Are Needed for the Groomsmen?

A groomsmen's attire isn't complete without accessories! Not only dressing up the look, it adds charm to the suit or tux! The two things to consider are which accessories you want and what color scheme to follow. Select one color or more for your bridal party. Pick the same color if you want to coordinate with the bridesmaid's dresses. Select a different color that pairs well with the dresses if you want a complementary style.

When pairing accessories with a suit or tux, some are essentials like belts or suspenders. Other accessories to consider are a tie/bowtie, vest, pocket squares, and cufflinks (for a tux). Ask the store what comes with a suit/tux rental as it may include some of these.

Moss Green Groomsmen Ties | Moss Green Pocket Squares

4) Suit Rental vs. Purchase: What Should You Do?

There are different things you need to consider when deciding whether to rent or purchase a suit/tux. Either way works perfectly fine and each has its own benefits. The most important thing to keep in mind is your budget and options

Black Satin Bridesmaid Dress | Coordinating Black Satin Ties

Renting Groomsmen Suits

Many couples decide to rent their groomsmen suits because it's easy. Renting makes shopping simpler and relieves the stress of having to match it all on your own. It ensures that everyone can find the same styles of suits, dress shirts, and shoes for your crew to be ready to go on your big day! It is often a more affordable option (especially for tuxedos!)- so that is also a major plus.

We highly recommend Generation Tux when renting tuxes/suits. They offer a vast variety of styles and colors and have an effortless rental process. It's as simple as three steps- design, fit, get- and all conveniently done online! With their great collection, it's so easy to find the perfect items! Check out this guide and see how well GenTux pairs with our Kennedy Blue dresses!

Generation Tux 'Black Notch Lapel Tuxedo'

Buying Groomsmen Suits

The second option is having your groomsmen buy their suits. There are several pros to this choice, one being your groomsmen can wear their suit for more than one occasion. There's also the ability to have the suits fitted and customized - so you can guarantee a perfect fit! Obviously, rentals typically won't offer specialized adjustments.

However, it can be more expensive to buy than to rent. Extra accessories, like ties and shoes, may also raise the price - and it won't be quite the one-stop-shop that rentals provide. Overall, renting is typically a more affordable and flexible option. Meanwhile, buying provides a more personalized look and long-term benefits. As you're planning, consider whether buying or renting would work best for you and your crew.

Tuxedos vs. Suits: Which is Right for Your Wedding?

This may be the ultimate style decision - tuxedo or suit?! This choice is what helps bring your whole wedding party look together! As you think it over, take into consideration your wedding theme (venue) and aesthetic. This can help you visualize what style would look the best and get started planning from there!

Fog Wedding Colors | Groomsmen Bow Ties

Tuxedos for Groom and Groomsmen

It's a classic choice: tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen! And we can see why. Outfitting your crew with handsome tuxedos immediately dresses up a look!

1) Tuxedos Are Preferable for Formal Weddings

A tuxedo is certainly classy and is usually selected for fancier evening events (black-tie). It's a distinguished style that delivers a grand presence. The exquisite satin details and striking color brings your look to a whole new level. You can never go wrong with a tux!

2) Tuxedos Include Different Accessories

It's a timeless look with a crisp white collared dress shirt and slick black patent shoes. What makes a tuxedo stand out are the jazzy accessories that dress it up. These include bowties, suspenders, vest/cummerbund, and cufflinks.

Suits for Groom and Groomsmen

Suits are the most common choice when it comes to outfitting the groomsmen. So, you truly cannot go wrong with this choice! Unless your dress code is black tie, suits will always be fancy enough for weddings. Plus, they allow for much more personalization options!

1) Suits Are More Versatile

A great feature about a suit is how it's suitable attire for any time or occasion! It's flexible in the ways it can be worn and styled. You can dress the suit up to be formal or dress it down to be more casual, depending on the event. Suits are fun to bring out your own style and add a pop of personality. Wearing something like cool sneakers or a bold-print tie gives a modernized look to your wedding party!

Moss Green Groomsmen Ties | Moss Bridesmaid Dresses

2) Suits Are Most Common for Grooms & Groomsmen

For the majority of wedding parties, suits are the preferred choice. Oftentimes, they are more accessible, available in a wider variety of colors, and are typically more affordable. Unless you're pining for the specific tuxedo look, suits are always a safe choice.

What Color Suits Should the Groom & Groomsmen Wear?

When it comes to your wedding there isn't a set of rules or designated dress style you must follow. It's totally up to you! Choose what you like and what feels best for your wedding. While black suits are most common, alternate suit colors are increasingly becoming popular! A few favorites are grey, blue, and tan.

1) Black Suits for Groomsmen

A sleek black suit is generally more formal. It's a classic and timeless piece that matches everything. This is usually the primary choice for a traditional wedding look.

2) Grey Suits for Groomsmen

Suits with shades of grey always complement any color scheme. From soft light hues to deep rich tones, there's for sure a grey color that will match your wedding!

Kennedy Blue in Sea Glass | Sea Glass Groomsmen Ties

3) Blue Suits for Groomsmen

Suits in the blue spectrum add such a splash of color to your wedding party! Whether dark or light, blue is definitely a vibrant color that offers a chic elegance.

Other Tips for Groomsmen Attire

Our Guide to Groomsmen Attire is almost complete- but we haven't shared the best advice just yet. We still have a few more gems that'll help you plan the wedding of your dreams!

1) Match Groomsmen Attire with the Vibe of Your Wedding

A wedding vision needs a color palette, aesthetic, and venue. As you shop for groomsmen attire, make sure to take your location into consideration. Different types of formalwear are considered appropriate depending on where your wedding is. A grand ballroom, a cozy beach, and a rustic barn are each a distinctive setting. A polished grey suit would look stunning with a cityside backdrop. For a formal ballroom reception, a black tuxedo would look phenomenal.

Maroon Bridesmaid Dresses | Coordinating Groomsmen Ties

2) Coordinate Your Groomsmen with the Bridesmaids

It may sound simple, but it's one of the best tips! Pick out bridesmaid attire first, and follow that with the groomsmen's outfits! That way, you can color match the groomsmen's accessories, such as ties and pocket squares. This is essential to maintaining a cohesive color scheme with your wedding party. Check out the secret to coordinating bridal party colors for more tips!

Cinnamon Bridesmaid Dresses | Coordinating Groomsmen Ties

3) Consider Making the Groom Stand Out

It's your big day and the bride will stand out, so why not make the groom's outfit special as well? This could be an entirely different color palette with the suit and accessories. It could also simply be a noticeable color variation. The groom's attire should have something that's distinguishing. Select a different color or style for the groom with his suit, tie, dress shirt, or anything in accessories. But also know that if you want the groom and his crew to share a cohesive look, that is okay too!

Pick Out the Perfect Suits for Your Wedding Day!

We hope that this guide was helpful and makes shopping a little bit easier! Always keep your vision in mind and remember three important things: color palette, aesthetic, and theme (venue). It will help you plan the perfect attire for your dream wedding!

Find Your Top Wedding Colors

Interested in learning more about how to coordinate your bridal party's look?! It's something we've shared in 5 Reasons Color Swatches Make Wedding Planning a Breeze. This will DEFINITELY help you plan your big day! 

Kennedy Blue in 'Latte' | Color Swatch in 'Latte'