Suit Trends for the Groom

It’s true that weddings are generally all about the bride, but there is now an upward swing in groom involvement, with style choices being made by both the bride and groom. Grooms are redefining classic wedding attire and incorporating modernity without losing an ounce of style.  
 

Breaking From Tradition

With the influx of inspiration websites and blogs, such as Pinterest, 100 Layer Cake, and Snippet and Ink, the traditional idea of the wedding party has changed. “In the old days, the groom’s party wore all black, but now we’re finding mixtures in what grooms want,” says Mel Grodsky, the owner of Tuxedos to Geaux. “For example, we’re selling all shades of gray suits to wedding parties rather than tuxedos with tails.”

Men seem to be more relaxed these days, and the wedding party often resembles that. Not all weddings are held in a church with a following reception; now we’re seeing weddings take place in courtyards, backyards, plantation homes and even music venues. Because there is a lack of formality, brides and grooms feel the need to mirror the overall vibe of their big day. A suit allows for the wedding party to remain classic and well-dressed, but without the conventionality of a traditional tuxedo.
 

Choosing What To Wear

When it comes to picking out what the groom is going to wear, he has the option to wear a slightly different colored suit, but it should still remain in the same vein as the groomsmen. A nice touch is that the groom wears a different-colored tie, perhaps white to match his bride, and a classic, beautiful white boutonniere.

Originally there were “rules” when it came to day versus night weddings. Men would wear black tuxedos and perhaps even tails to evening weddings. Now, wedding parties are making up their own rules. “Brides and grooms come in and pick out suits based on the colors of the bridesmaids in order to match the wedding party,” says Susan Berniol, a bridal consultant from Ladies and Gents Formal Wear. “Men are drawn to wearing tan and light gray anytime of day.”

Choosing a color is a fantastic way to get the groom more involved in the entire wedding process. “Often the bride and groom will come in together and make the decision,” says Kevin Rome, owner of Rome’s Tuxedos. “The bride will weigh in, but the groom usually has a good idea of what he’s looking for.”
 

More Trends in Color

For summer weddings, there’s often an increase in tan or beige suits while fall and winter weddings see all different shades of gray. “Gray is the new black,” Rome adds.

Another popular trend in weddings is to incorporate a color or pattern from the bridal party into the groomsmen’s ensembles. For example, if the bridesmaids’ dresses are a version of lilac, a light purple tie or pocket square can help tie the entire group together in an inconspicuous way. Since gray is a popular suit color, and considered a “neutral,” you can add almost any color as an accent.

Ultimately your wedding day should be an extension of both you and your groom, and coordinating the wedding parties makes for a beautiful and specific statement about who you both are, and more importantly, the commitment you’re making to yourselves and each other. The idea that traditions should be followed, with men in black and women in taffeta, is long gone. These days, wedding parties have the luxury of creating their own look and forging their own path for a day that will remain important in the years to come. The idea of making a statement and having your “own look” for your wedding day is increasingly important to brides and grooms alike.

 

Your groom knows what he wants to wear. Now what?

Whether your groom is opting for a tuxedo or suit, it’s best not to wait until the last minute. “It’s kind of like getting a wedding dress,” says Mike Hunter, manager of John’s Tuxedos. “You don’t want to wait until the month of.” Hunter suggests heading to a store six to eight months before the wedding to allow for time to look at different options and to give the groomsmen time to get their measurements.

If you have a lot of out-of-town groomsmen, Hunter says it’s still easy to shop local.
A groomsman in Los Angeles could send his measurements to the New Orleans store then pick up the suit when he comes to town for the wedding.

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