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How to Style Groomsmen to Match the Wedding Theme
Nov
When planning a wedding, one of the most important decisions is how to coordinate the groomsmen’s attire to match the overall wedding theme. While the bride’s dress often takes center stage, the groomsmen’s outfits should complement the wedding style and color palette, ensuring that everyone looks cohesive and polished. Whether you’re planning a formal black-tie wedding, a rustic outdoor celebration, or a laid-back beach ceremony, there are numerous ways to style your groomsmen to fit the theme.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through various wedding themes and how to dress your groomsmen accordingly, offering tips on color coordination, accessories, and how to achieve a stylish and cohesive look that will photograph beautifully.
1. Understanding Your Wedding Theme
Before you start thinking about groomsmen attire, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your wedding theme. The theme will dictate the dress code, colors, and overall atmosphere of your big day. Popular wedding themes include:
- Classic/Formal: Think of a traditional church wedding with a formal dress code, tuxedos, and sophisticated styling.
- Rustic/Outdoor: A barn or country setting that embraces natural, vintage, and relaxed styles.
- Beach/Boho: A laid-back, tropical atmosphere that calls for lighter fabrics and relaxed fits.
- Modern/Minimalist: Clean lines, simplicity, and neutral tones, ideal for urban or contemporary weddings.
- Vintage: A nod to the past with intricate details, lace, and antique-inspired accessories.
Once you know your wedding theme, you can begin styling the groomsmen to ensure they look perfect for the occasion.
2. Choosing the Right Color Palette
The color palette is one of the most important aspects of wedding styling. For groomsmen, their attire should tie in with the bride’s color scheme, the bridesmaids’ dresses, and the overall theme. Keep in mind the season of your wedding, as certain colors work better in different times of the year.
Color Choices for Different Themes:
- Classic/Formal Wedding: For formal weddings, black, navy, or charcoal gray tuxedos are classic choices. These colors are timeless and sophisticated, pairing perfectly with white or ivory dresses and elegant floral arrangements. You can add a pop of color with accessories like ties, pocket squares, or boutonnieres in shades that match the bride’s bouquet or the wedding colors.
- Rustic/Outdoor Wedding: Earthy tones like taupe, brown, green, and deep burgundy are great choices for rustic weddings. A navy or gray suit with a woodsy touch, such as leather belts, suspenders, or floral accents, will tie in well with the natural surroundings. Lighter shades like beige or light gray are also appropriate, especially for warmer months.
- Beach/Boho Wedding: For a beach or bohemian wedding, consider lighter, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton for your groomsmen. Light gray, beige, navy, or pastel colors like soft blues and blush are ideal for beach weddings. These colors exude a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. For a boho wedding, you can also experiment with mismatched outfits or incorporate textures like wool vests or suspenders for a laid-back, individualistic look.
- Modern/Minimalist Wedding: For modern weddings, think sleek, monochromatic colors. Black or charcoal gray suits with simple, bold accessories are perfect for a minimalist theme. Avoid too much embellishment or flashy colors; instead, opt for clean lines and understated elegance. You can add a small pop of color with unique ties or pocket squares that reflect your wedding palette.
- Vintage Wedding: Vintage-themed weddings often evoke the glamour of the past. You might choose suits or tuxedos in deep jewel tones, like emerald green or rich burgundy, or opt for soft pastels or metallic hues for a more romantic feel. Accessories like suspenders, bow ties, and pocket watches can further enhance the vintage appeal.
3. Suit or Tuxedo: Finding the Right Fit
The fit of the groomsmen’s suits or tuxedos is critical for ensuring that they look polished and coordinated. A well-fitted suit makes all the difference in photos and on the big day. Here are some tips for choosing the right fit based on your wedding theme:
- Classic/Formal Weddings: A traditional wedding calls for tuxedos or well-tailored suits. If you’re going the tuxedo route, look for black, navy, or charcoal tuxedos with satin lapels for that timeless look. Ensure the jackets are properly fitted, and the trousers break just above the shoes for a sharp appearance.
- Rustic/Outdoor Weddings: For rustic or outdoor weddings, a more relaxed suit in a natural fabric like wool or linen is appropriate. Light gray or beige suits in a slim or tailored cut look fantastic in rustic settings. For a more laid-back vibe, you can consider suspenders or vests to add a vintage feel.
- Beach/Boho Weddings: Linen suits are a fantastic choice for beach weddings because of their breathability and relaxed nature. A lighter fabric such as cotton or seersucker will help keep your groomsmen comfortable in warm weather. Opt for lighter colors such as beige, cream, or light blue. For a boho look, you can skip the jacket altogether or go for an open-collar shirt paired with a relaxed vest.
- Modern/Minimalist Weddings: A minimalist wedding calls for sharp, fitted suits with clean lines. Slim-cut suits in neutral colors like black, gray, or navy will work best. You can also try a double-breasted blazer for a more contemporary look. Make sure the trousers break just at the top of the shoe for a sleek, modern aesthetic.
- Vintage Weddings: Vintage-inspired groomsmen attire should reflect the style of the era you’re drawing inspiration from. For example, 1920s-inspired groomsmen may wear tweed suits with bow ties, pocket watches, and a classic fedora. Groomsmen attending a 1970s-inspired wedding might wear patterned suits with wide lapels and silk ties. The key is to capture the essence of the era in the fit and cut of the suit.
4. Accessories to Complete the Look
Accessories are essential for pulling together the groomsmen’s attire and adding personal touches to each look. Depending on your wedding theme, you can choose accessories that enhance the overall style while making your groomsmen look coordinated and stylish.
Key Accessories to Consider:
- Ties and Bow Ties: The type of tie you choose plays a significant role in completing your groomsmen’s look. For a formal wedding, traditional silk ties or bow ties in the wedding color scheme will be appropriate. For rustic or boho weddings, you might consider knit ties, floral prints, or even suspenders instead of ties for a more relaxed vibe.
- Pocket Squares: A pocket square adds an extra layer of elegance and is an easy way to incorporate your wedding colors. A matching or contrasting pocket square can elevate a simple suit and make the groomsmen feel more polished.
- Boutonnieres: Boutonnieres are a traditional wedding accessory for groomsmen, and they can be styled to match the wedding theme. For formal weddings, opt for classic boutonniere flowers like roses or orchids. For outdoor or boho weddings, consider using wildflowers or greenery for a more organic look.
- Shoes: Shoes should complement the formality of the wedding. Classic black leather shoes are appropriate for a formal or modern wedding, while brown or tan shoes work best for rustic or outdoor ceremonies. For beach or boho weddings, go with loafers or sandals that are comfortable yet stylish.
5. Groom’s Look vs. Groomsmen’s Look
While the groomsmen’s outfits should complement the wedding theme, the groom’s attire should stand out in some way. There are several ways to make the groom’s look more distinct, such as by choosing a different color tie, wearing a unique boutonniere, or selecting a different suit style (e.g., a three-piece suit for the groom while the groomsmen wear two-piece suits). This subtle differentiation ensures the groom is the focal point while still creating a cohesive look with the groomsmen.
6. Communicate with Your Groomsmen
When it comes to styling your groomsmen, clear communication is key. Ensure that everyone understands the dress code, the theme, and the level of formality. Provide them with all the necessary information about where to purchase or rent their attire and make sure everyone has the same understanding of colors, fabrics, and fit. Don’t forget to consider your groomsmen’s comfort as well, especially if they have specific style preferences or need certain adjustments for a proper fit.
Conclusion
Styling your groomsmen to match the wedding theme requires careful planning and attention to detail. By choosing the right colors, suits, and accessories that complement the theme, you’ll ensure that everyone looks polished and coordinated. Whether you’re going for a classic formal look or a relaxed rustic vibe, the key is to make sure the groomsmen’s outfits enhance the overall wedding aesthetic while making the groom shine. With the right attire, your groomsmen will help make your big day even more memorable.
