Groom and Groomsmen Attire Etiquette

How Matchy-Matchy Should the Groom & Groomsmen Really Be?

One of the most popular bridesmaid trends throughout the wedding world is to coordinate in a mismatched, personalized fashion.

Different shades, textures, a print or two thrown in; these unique ensembles create gorgeous, picturesque scenes and a modern twist (sometimes boring) tradition. But does that same rule apply to the groom and his men?

Our Advice

Groom and Groomsmen Attire Etiquette

When it comes to the groomsmen, coordination truly is key. It’s an entirely different ball game when you’re talking about the boys. Their suits should match. If you feel like adding personalization in other areas – such as the ties, the socks, or even the boutonnieres, that’s where you can add a specialized twist.

You can think about mixing and matching in other ways besides different suits when it comes to the men. For example, have the groom wear one wedding color (whether it be the shirt or tie) and then the groomsmen can follow up with a secondary shade or matching neutral.

Other Expert Advice

Groom and Groomsmen Attire Etiquette

From Donna

Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc®, A Wedding Planning Guide, And Recent Mother Of The Groom –

The entire wedding party should be color coordinated. So, usually, all of the groomsmen and the groom (all of the men in the bridal party including fathers) wear the same attire and coordinating colors.

However, the groom can wear a slightly different style or coordinating color. For example, if you choose to go with green, the greens can be the same, or in the same family, but I’d stay away from using too many different shades.

Typically we’ll see 2 colors, three tops if counting a neutral. 

From Elysa Ross

PalmBeachWeddingExpert.comWedding Beauty Expert, Licensed Aesthetician & Makeup Artist

Today’s wedding designs are more about originality than following protocol. Whatever colors you choose can be used in multiple combinations – provided that they somehow complement one another.

If you choose green, stick to coordinating shades of green and neutral families. Don’t include too many different colors or things will get confusing and overwhelming. Focus on two or three shades within the green and neutral families and include those colors in your bouquets, linens, settings, flowers, etc. (although not necessarily in all of the aforementioned).

Black accents can be used as well, to tie everything together. However, don’t use much black as it can be too harsh if not used correctly.

From Brides

“Having groomsmen wear coordinating ties feels so much more modern (and therefore relevant) than matchy-matchy neckwear.

A quick tour around the tie tables at any department store will prove just how easy it is to find three (or six, or nine) ties in the same family of hues but in varying patterns.” – Brides

From Glamour

“I like when brides have their bridesmaids do the matchy-matchy thing, but when it comes to groomsmen… I don’t think it matters as much.

I know one groom who made the nine guys in his wedding party all buy matching suits. The suits were just under $300—which is what plenty of bridesmaids pay for their dresses—but it kind of seemed like a waste of money.

I mean, think of the last three weddings you went to. Do you remember what the groomsmen were wearing in any of them?!” – Glamour

More Helpful Information

photos via SMP