Nowadays, when planning wedding attire, one of the biggest questions is what the groom should wear compared to the groomsmen. The answer is simple: the groom should stand out, while the groomsmen should complement his look without matching exactly. The goal is a coordinated appearance that looks intentional in photos and polished in person.
Quick Answer
- The groom should wear a distinct outfit that sets him apart
- Groomsmen should coordinate in similar tones or styles
- Avoid identical looks for everyone
- Use color, fabric, or accessories to create a clear difference
The Key Difference Between Groom and Groomsmen Attire
The groom is the focal point of the wedding party. His outfit should naturally draw attention without feeling out of place.
Groomsmen, on the other hand, create a cohesive backdrop. Their role is to support the overall look while staying visually connected to the groom.
A well-dressed wedding party doesn’t rely on identical outfits it relies on balance and coordination.
Matching vs Coordinating Wedding Suits
This is where many weddings go wrong.
Matching means everyone wears the same suit, same tie, same everything. This often looks outdated and flat in photos.
Coordinating means staying within the same color palette while allowing subtle differences in styling. This creates depth and a more refined group appearance.
Modern weddings always lean toward coordination.
How the Groom Can Stand Out
There are several ways for the groom to lead the look without overdoing it.
Suit Color Difference
These days, new trends are emerging in wedding fashion. Earlier, grooms preferred classic colors like black, navy, and grey, but today’s grooms are experimenting with embroidered and stone-detailed tuxedo suits and choosing more unique colors.
Based on our experience, in both this year and last year, many grooms have moved toward modern shades, with ivory tuxedo and chocolate-brown tuxedo among the most popular choices.
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Design Number: 67237Custom Ivory White Tuxedo Suit $549
Package Includes: 1 x Jacket – 1 x Pant
Get sophistication with Andre Emilio’s Custom Ivory White Tuxedo Suit, a sartorial masterpiece that blends timeless elegance with contemporary style. Perfect for any season, this half-canvas construction offers unparalleled comfort and a sharp silhouette.
- Fabric: Wool
- Super Count:: 140s
- Lining Fabric: Silk
- Pattern: Plain
- Buttons: Fabric
- Construction: Half Canvas
- Seasonality: All Season
- Jacket: Shawl Lapel, 2 Flap Pockets, Double Button Closure
- Trouser: Flat front, Satin Strip on Side, 2 Back Pockets, Zip Closure
517 in stock
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Design Number: 70495Custom Chocolate Brown Tuxedo $599
Package Includes: 1 x Jacket – 1 x Pant
Introducing the Chocolate Brown Tuxedo, a masterpiece of sophistication and style. Crafted from premium 120s fabric, this tuxedo combines luxury and comfort, perfect for any formal occasion. The double-breasted design with two buttons exudes timeless elegance, while the dark brown shawl lapel adds a refined touch. Whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, or any high-profile event.
- Fabric: 120sÂ
- Lining Fabric: Silk
- Pattern: Plain
- Buttons: Fabric
- Construction: Half Canvas
- Seasonality: All Season
- Jacket: Dark Brown Shawl Lapel, 3 Straight Pockets, Double Breasted With 2 Buttons
- Trouser: Flat front, 2 Back Pockets, Zip Closure
315 in stock
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Fabric and Texture
Velvet tuxedos, satin lapels, or premium fabrics naturally draw attention.
Tuxedo vs Suit
In today’s wedding fashion, many grooms and groomsmen feel confused about whether to wear a tuxedo or a suit. The best approach is simple: the groom should wear a tuxedo or a more detailed outfit to stand out, while the groomsmen can wear coordinated suits that complement his look. If you’re still unsure, we’ve explained the difference clearly in our guide on tuxedo vs suit.
Waistcoat Option
Adding a waistcoat gives the groom a more complete, formal appearance.
Accessories
Bow tie vs tie, statement boutonniere, or unique pocket square can set the groom apart.
Groom vs Groomsmen Color Coordination Guide
This is where most decisions happen. The key is choosing combinations that feel connected but not identical.
If the Groom Wears Black
- Groomsmen: white, ivory jacket or light grey
- Tip: Groom in tuxedo, groomsmen in suits for contrast
If the Groom Wears IvoryÂ
- Groomsmen: chocolate brown or light brown
Style Tips: If the groom wears an ivory tuxedo with a brown lapel and brown vest, the groomsmen can wear chocolate brown double breasted tuxedos. This creates a strong coordination where the lapel tones match across the group, while the groom’s ivory jacket keeps him clearly distinguished.
If the Groom Wears Grey
- Groomsmen: black, navy, or charcoal grey tones
- Works well for both formal and semi-formal weddings
If the Groom Wears Beige or Tan
- Groomsmen: wear a brown vest with a white shirt.
- Ideal for outdoor or summer weddings
If the Groom Wears Bold
- Colors (Burgundy or Green)
- Groomsmen: black, navy, or grey
Keep the group neutral so the groom stands out naturally
Wedding Theme-Based Outfit Ideas
Your wedding setting should influence your outfit choices.
Formal or Black Tie Weddings
For complete black-tie dress code rules,
Refer to this guide by Emily Post Institute.
- Groom: tuxedo
- Groomsmen: suits or matching tuxedos
Beach or Destination Weddings
- Lightweight fabrics
- Softer colors like beige, sky blue or light grey
Rustic or Outdoor Weddings
- Earth tones like brown, olive, and tan
Modern or Luxury Weddings
- Deep tones like black, navy, and burgundy
- Clean, sharp tailoring
Seasonal Suit Styling for Groom and Groomsmen
Choosing the right colors and fabrics based on season improves comfort and overall appearance.
Spring Weddings
- Light grey, soft blue, pastel tones
Summer Weddings
- Beige, tan, sky blue, breathable fabrics
Fall Weddings
- Burgundy, forest green, darker neutrals
Winter Weddings
- Black, navy, heavier fabrics, velvet options
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Design Number: 87487Luxury Black Geometric Pattern Beaded Tuxedo $825
Package Includes: 1 x Jacket – 1 x Pant
- Fabric: EmbroideryÂ
- Lining Fabric: Silk
- Pattern: Geometric Beaded & Embroidery
- Buttons: Black Satin Fabric
- Construction: Half Canvas
- Seasonality: All Season
- Jacket: Satin Shawl Lapel, Decorative Button Style
- Trouser:Â Black Flat front, Black Stripe on Side, 2 Back Pockets, Zip Closure
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Design Number: 86466Custom Navy Blue Tuxedo with Handmade Embroidery $699
Package Includes: 1 x Jacket – 1 x Pant
- Fabric: Super 120s WoolÂ
- Lining Fabric: Silk
- Pattern: Plain
- Buttons: Black Fabric
- Construction: Half Canvas
- Seasonality: All Season
- Jacket: Black Beads & Hand Embroidery Peak Lapel, Double Buttons Closure
- Trouser: Navy Blue, Flat front, 2 Back Pockets, Zip Closure
343 in stock
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Design Number: 34268Bespoke Forest Green Tuxedo Suit with Black Lapel $599
Package Includes: 1 x Jacket – 1 x Waistcoat – 1 x Pant
Stand out from the crowd at your formal events with the custom forest green tuxedo suit, crafted from the most comfortable and durable fabrics. This bold and striking tuxedo features a rich green hue that is sure to turn heads, while the black lapel on the jacket and waistcoat adds an element of sophistication and elegance to the design. Perfect for the modern gentleman who isn’t afraid to make a statement, our green tuxedo is the ultimate choice for any formal occasion. Experience the ultimate in personalized luxury and elevate your style with this bespoke masterpiece today.
- Fabric: Wool
- Super Count: 120s
- Lining Fabric: Silk
- Pattern: Solid
- Construction: Half Canvas
- Seasonality: All Season
- Jacket: Double Layer Satin Peak Lapel, Flap Pockets, Single Button Closure
- Waistcoat:Â Double-Breasted with V- Shape Shawl Lapel
- Trouser: Flat front, side seam slant pockets, 2 Back Pockets, Zip Closure
992 in stock
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Design Number: 74544Custom Beige Tuxedo with Same Fabric Lapel $599
Package Includes: 1 x Jacket – 1 x Pant
This beige tuxedo with same fabric lapel is crafted from premium 120s fabric for a refined look and comfortable wear across all seasons. Featuring a same-fabric shawl lapel, two flap pockets, and a single-button closure, it blends modern style with timeless tailoring. Designed with half-canvas construction, this tuxedo ensures a sleek fit and lasting structure, perfect for prom or any formal occasion.
- Fabric: 120s
- Lining Fabric: Silk
- Pattern: Solid
- Button:Â Beige Fabric
- Construction: Half Canvas
- Seasonality:Â All Season
- Jacket: Same Fabric Shawl Lapel, 2 Flap Pockets, Single Button Closure
- Trouser: Flat front, 2 Back Pockets, Zip Closure
156 in stock
Fit and Tailoring Consistency Across the Wedding Party
Even if colors differ, fit must stay consistent.
A well-fitted group looks sharp in photos and feels more refined overall. Poorly fitted suits—even expensive ones—can ruin the entire look.
This is where custom sizing becomes important, especially when coordinating multiple groomsmen in different locations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Groom blending in too much with the group
- Using too many colors in one wedding party
- Ignoring the wedding theme
- Poor fit across groomsmen
- Leaving suit decisions until the last minute
When to Order Wedding Suits
Timing plays a major role in getting everything right.
- Start planning at least 6–8 weeks before the wedding.
- Allow time for measurements, adjustments, and coordination.
- For groups, finalize styles early to avoid last-minute issues.
If you’re running late with wedding planning, there’s still a solution. Andre Emilio offers fast delivery, so your groom and groomsmen suits can be custom-made and delivered within 11 to 14 days at no extra cost. If you need it even sooner, you can choose rush delivery for just $40 and receive your custom suits in as little as 10 days.
Final Thoughts
The groom should lead the look with confidence, while the groomsmen support it through coordinated styling. The goal isn’t to create identical outfits—it’s to create a balanced, well-planned appearance that looks sharp from every angle.
When done right, the entire wedding party looks connected, intentional, and ready for the moment.
