You’ve said yes to your dress, and now you get to help your entire bridal party look like they stepped out of a magazine spread. And that includes the groomsmen. After all, nobody wants those wedding photos where the guys look like they got dressed in the dark while the bridesmaids are serving pure elegance.
Getting everyone on the same style page doesn’t have to be complicated. With these smart styling tips, you can create a cohesive suit look that matches the bridal party beautifully.
Start With Your Wedding Color Palette
Before you even think about suit styles, nail down your color scheme. Your bridesmaids’ dresses will likely set the tone, so use them as your starting point. Are they wearing dusty rose? Navy blue? Emerald green? Sage? Whatever the color, that’s your foundation.
The groomsmen’s suits should either match, complement, or contrast intentionally with these colors. Here’s the thing: You don’t need the guys to wear the exact same color as the bridesmaids. Actually, that can look a bit too matchy-matchy. Instead, aim for harmony.
Consider these proven color combinations:
- dusty rose bridesmaids with charcoal or navy suits
- navy bridesmaids with tan or light gray suits
- sage green bridesmaids with chocolate brown or navy suits
- burgundy bridesmaids with black or charcoal suits
Notice how each pairing creates visual interest while still feeling coordinated? That’s the sweet spot you’re after.
Choose Your Suit Style Carefully
Once you’ve sorted out colors, it’s time to think about the actual suit style. Modern weddings offer tons of flexibility here, but you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.
Time and Season
Your venue and time of day matter more than you might think. A black-tie evening wedding at a ballroom calls for something different than a casual afternoon ceremony at a vineyard. Match the suit formality to your overall wedding vibe so nothing feels out of place.
Additionally, consider the season. Lighter fabrics like linen or cotton work beautifully for summer weddings, while wool suits are perfect for cooler months. Nobody wants to see your groomsmen sweating through a heavy wool suit during an August outdoor ceremony.
Fit Considerations
Here’s where a lot of couples drop the ball: they focus so much on color that they forget about fit. A well-fitted suit will always look better than an expensive one that doesn’t fit right. Make sure your groomsmen get their suits tailored.
The shoulders should sit flat, sleeves should hit right at the wrist bone, and pants should have a slight break at the shoe. When everyone’s suit fits properly, your whole bridal party elevates instantly.
Coordinate With Accessories
This is where the magic happens. Accessories are your secret weapon for tying the groomsmen’s look directly to the bridesmaids’ aesthetic. Think ties, pocket squares, boutonnieres, socks, and even shoes.
Ties and Bow Ties
Your easiest coordination move is to choose ties or bow ties that pull a color from the bridesmaids’ dresses. You can go matchy-matchy here if you want—like having the groomsmen wear ties in the exact same shade as the bridesmaid dresses. Alternatively, choose a complementary shade or pattern that incorporates your wedding colors.
Bow ties give off a more formal, vintage vibe, while traditional ties feel classic and versatile. Both work; it just depends on your personal style and wedding theme.
Pocket Squares
Don’t sleep on the pocket square. This small detail adds personality and polish while providing another opportunity to coordinate colors. Moreover, you can play with patterns here—think subtle dots, stripes, or florals that incorporate your color palette without being too loud.
Boutonnieres
These little floral arrangements sit on the lapel and create an obvious visual connection between the groomsmen and bridesmaids. Work with your florist to create boutonnieres that match the bridesmaid bouquets.
Statement Socks
Want to add a fun, unexpected element? Statement socks are your answer. Choose socks in your wedding colors or with patterns that reflect your theme. Your guests might not see them throughout the ceremony, but they’ll show up in photos and when the guys are sitting down.
Shoes
Shoes matter. They really do. Black dress shoes are the safest bet and work with almost any suit color. However, brown shoes have become increasingly popular and pair well with navy, gray, and tan suits.
Make sure all the groomsmen wear the same color and style of shoe. Mismatched footwear can throw off an otherwise perfectly coordinated look.
Consider Pattern and Texture
Solid suits are classic and safe, but don’t be afraid to explore patterns and textures. A subtle windowpane check, herringbone weave, or even a light pinstripe can add visual interest without overwhelming the overall look.
Just remember this: If your bridesmaids are wearing patterned dresses, keep the suits more subdued. Conversely, if the dresses are solid, you have more freedom to play with suit patterns. Balance is everything.
Make Sure the Groom Still Stands Out
While you want a cohesive look, the groom shouldn’t blend in completely with his groomsmen. Here are several subtle ways to distinguish him:
- a different suit color (like having groomsmen in navy while the groom wears charcoal)
- a unique tie or bow tie style
- a special boutonniere that’s slightly larger or features different flowers
- a vest when the groomsmen don’t wear one
These small differences help the groom stand out in photos without creating a jarring contrast.
Your Picture-Perfect Bridal Party Awaits
Styling the suits of your groomsmen to match the bridal party is a smart move for creating a cohesive look at the altar. And better yet, it doesn’t require a degree in fashion design. It just takes some thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and smart coordination through color, style, and accessories. We hope these tips help you plan the perfect look that aligns with your vision!
And if you still need dresses for your bridesmaids, then visit Alexandra’s Boutique! We are a bridal dress boutique carrying everything from ballroom-style wedding gowns to dainty, flowy bridesmaid dresses. You can browse our collection online and then schedule an appointment at our shop in Fall River, Massachusetts. We will help you and your ladies pick out dresses that look great and are easy to match with dapper groomsmen apparel.