Should the Groom Match the Groomsmen or Stand Out?
Choosing what the groom will wear is one of the biggest formalwear decisions for a wedding. But once the groom finds his look, another question usually follows:
Should the groomsmen match him, or should the groom stand out?
There really isn’t one rule that works for every wedding.
Some grooms prefer the clean, traditional appearance of the entire wedding party wearing the same tuxedo or suit. Others want something that clearly distinguishes the groom while still keeping everyone coordinated.
The key is understanding the difference between matching and coordinating.
Does the Groom Have to Match the Groomsmen?
No. The groom and groomsmen don’t have to wear exactly the same tuxedo or suit.
What matters most is that everyone looks like they belong together.
For some weddings, that means identical tuxedos with a small difference in accessories. For others, the groom may wear a completely different color or style while the groomsmen share another coordinated look.
The groom is one of the two people at the center of the wedding day, so there’s nothing wrong with allowing his formalwear to reflect that.
As these wedding parties demonstrate, standing out doesn’t necessarily mean choosing something completely different. The groom’s look can be distinctive while still feeling like a natural part of the wedding party.
Matching Doesn’t Have to Mean Identical
One of the easiest approaches is to start with the same tuxedo or suit and make subtle changes to the groom’s look.
The groom might wear a different vest, tie or bow tie. His boutonnière may be different. A change in shirt style, pocket square or accessories can also provide just enough distinction.
This works particularly well for couples who want the wedding party to have a very traditional, uniform appearance while still making the groom immediately recognizable.
Sometimes the smallest difference is all that’s needed to complete a tuxedo package.
Let the Groom Stand Out With a Different Tuxedo
The groom can also take a much bolder approach.
Instead of changing the accessories, change the tuxedo.
A groom might wear a classic black tuxedo while his groomsmen wear navy. He could choose a white or ivory dinner jacket surrounded by groomsmen in black. A groom wearing a different shade of blue, gray or another wedding color can create the same effect.
The important thing is that the colors and styles complement one another rather than compete with each other.
This is where knowing your personal style becomes important. If you’re still deciding what kind of groom you want to be, our guide, Which Groom Are You? Find Your Style, can help you identify a look that feels more like you.
Consider the Wedding Venue and Style
Where you’re getting married can help determine how much the groom should stand out.
A formal ballroom or black-tie wedding may call for a more coordinated appearance. A destination, outdoor or rustic wedding can provide more freedom to experiment with different colors, fabrics and individual styles.
The season matters too.
A fall wedding might incorporate deeper blues, greens, browns or burgundy tones, while spring and summer weddings often provide opportunities for lighter colors and fabrics.
Before making the final decision, consider how the groom’s look, the groomsmen’s formalwear and the venue will work together. Our guide to The Best Wedding Suit and Tuxedo Colors for Every Venue Type explores this relationship in more detail.
Picture the Entire Wedding Party Together
One of the easiest ways to make the decision is to stop thinking about each tuxedo individually.
Picture the photographs.
Imagine the groom standing beside the bride. Now add the best man. Then the entire wedding party.
Does the groom disappear into the group?
Does he stand out too much?
Or does your eye naturally recognize him while the entire wedding party still looks coordinated?
That’s usually the balance you’re looking for.
The contrast of a white dinner jacket surrounded by classic black tuxedos is a perfect example. The groom immediately commands attention, but the shared level of formality keeps the entire group visually connected.
Wedding photographs will last much longer than the wedding day itself, so thinking about the complete picture before choosing formalwear can make a significant difference.
Your Wedding, Your Style
Today’s groom has more formalwear choices than ever before.
You can keep everyone in the same classic tuxedo, distinguish the groom through subtle accessories, or create a completely different look for him. There isn’t a single correct answer.
The groom should look like the groom.
And the groomsmen should complement him without making the wedding party feel disconnected.
At Tuxedo By Sarno, we help grooms and wedding parties find that balance every day. With locations and participating partner stores throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, our formalwear specialists can help coordinate the groom, groomsmen and even out-of-town members of the wedding party.
Whether your groom wants to match, stand out or find something somewhere in between, the right look begins with finding a style that feels like him.
Find a Tuxedo By Sarno location near you and start creating your wedding-day look.
