Beyond the Black Tux: Stylish Groom Inspiration
Grooms, it's your time to shine, too! Discerning gents are stepping up their style game with sharp suits or tuxedos and injecting personality into their attire with notice-me neckwear and boutonnieres. Check out inspiration for fellas who want to break the mold and look just as chic as their better half.
By: Stefania Sainato
Beige Suit or Tux
The most casual of the bunch, khaki suits are the go-to for balmy beachside nuptials, especially in linen. They also work well for other al fresco settings, such as vineyards and rustic barns. Some bridal parties choose to ditch the jackets and wear suspenders instead.
Photo Credit: Chrystal Stringer Photography
Colorful Suit or Tux
Reserved for the boldest grooms who like to take fashion risks on an everyday basis, colorful tuxedos are guaranteed to make a statement on the big day. We love that this guy paired his with a kaleidoscopic tie!
Photo Credit: Fairy Tale Photography
Gray Suit or Tux
Gray is a popular alternative to a traditional black tuxedo because it makes for a distinctive yet relaxed look. Tying the knot in the spring or summer? Evoke the season in a light hue paired with pastel boutonnieres or other accessories. Throwing a winter wonderland-themed affair? Opt for a dark charcoal in a heavier fabric.
Photo Credit: The Amberlight Collective
Military Uniform
Ceremonial dress uniforms are an integral part of a military wedding. They vary depending on the branch and rank of the officer. The bride or groom may select to wear a “Mess” dress uniform or a Class A (Service) dress uniform. Mess is worn for white-tie or black-tie weddings and usually entails a dark blue uniform and, depending upon the time of year and branch of service, white trousers. Class A uniforms are suited for semiformal events and equal a “suit-and-tie” level of formality. These uniforms are also a dark blue with optional white trousers. (Fun fact: Nothing can be added to the Marine uniform —meaning flowers, even in a boutonniere, are not allowed.)
Photo Credit: Sknow Photo By Sarah Mitchell
Mix-and-Match Separates
A groom who marches to the beat of his own drum will feel right at home in quirky mix-and-match separates. You can adapt them to fit any theme: We spotted preppy mint and navy at a Southern gathering, patterned shirts with tweed at a barn bash, and the groom pictured here at a vintage-inspired affair.
Photo Credit: From the Hip Photo
Navy Suit or Tux
Blue is anything but basic when it comes to grooms and groomsmen attire. Midnight blue tuxedos with a black lapel or luminescent sheen are perfect for a formal soirée, and they look fantastic in photographs. (You can outfit the bridal party in gray to create contrast and have the groom stand out.) A more casual wedding might call for a navy suit with a skinny tie (or lack thereof).
Photo Credit: Swatch Studios
Snazzy Accessories
Add personality to your bridal attire with a funky patterned bow tie or skinny tie, a tie clip, pocket squares, or boutonnieres with a bold pop of color.
Photo Credit: Photo Love
White Dinner Jacket
Nothing screams "classic" more than a dapper groom in a white dinner jacket and black slacks. From Bogart in Casablanca to James Bond, this look commands the attention of the room.
Photo Credit: Derek Chad Photography
