Choosing the right accessories for the groom’s suit can bring an unforgettable look on the big day.
Each detail, from the perfect tie to the polished footwear, creates a well-rounded, stylish ensemble that reflects his personality and complements the wedding theme.
The groom can enhance his style with countless options and timeless accessories like pocket squares, cufflinks, and a classic watch.
This guide will show how small additions—such as a thoughtfully selected boutonniere or a pair of patterned socks—can make all the difference, adding charm and character.
Let’s look at ways to make the groom’s attire stand out, celebrating his unique taste and the occasion's significance.
Let's get straight to the point
Accessorising the groom’s suit elevates his look and adds personality to the wedding day. From the perfect tie or bow tie to a stylish pocket square and meaningful boutonniere, each accessory brings a unique touch.
Personalised cufflinks, a belt or suspenders, and polished footwear complete the ensemble, while patterned socks or a classic watch add charm.
Attention to grooming and coordinating with groomsmen enhances the overall style. These timeless accessories make the groom’s attire stand out and create lasting memories celebrating the occasion.
1. Choosing The Perfect Tie Or Bow Tie
The tie or bow tie is often the centrepiece of the groom's accessories, adding colour, texture, and formality to the suit.
- Styles to Consider: Traditional options include Windsor knots for ties and classic self-tied bow ties. For more unique styles, consider skinny ties or western bow ties.
- Colours and Patterns: Choose colours that complement the wedding palette without matching too closely. For instance, a deep shade from the bride’s bouquet colours is a great option.
- Materials: Silk and satin ties are ideal for formal weddings, while wool or knit ties provide a softer, more casual vibe for rustic or outdoor ceremonies.
"Selecting a tie that contrasts or coordinates with the bridal party's colours can create a polished, cohesive look."
2. Adding A Pocket Square For Elegance
A well-chosen pocket square can bring sophistication to any suit, elevating a standard look with minimal effort.
- Colour: Aim for a complementary colour to the tie or bow tie, avoiding exact matches.
- Patterned vs. Solid: For added interest, choose a subtle pattern like paisley or polka dots. Solid colours work well for formal weddings.
- Folding Style: Depending on the level of formality, experiment with folds, such as the classic presidential fold or a puff fold.
A pocket square provides a refined finish and can help the groom subtly distinguish his look from his groomsman's.
3. The Boutonniere Or Buttonhole Flower
Adding a boutonniere on the lapel is a traditional and elegant way to add a floral touch to the groom’s suit.
- Choosing Flowers: Match the flowers in the boutonniere to those in the bridal bouquet, or use a single standout bloom.
- Unique Touches: Personalise with small charms or heirloom items to add sentimental value.
- Fresh or Faux: Fresh flowers offer a lush look but may wilt, especially in warm weather. Dried or silk flowers are durable and long-lasting.
The boutonniere is a small but impactful way to add colour and romance to the groom’s outfit.
4. Finding The Right Cufflinks For Personality
Cufflinks can add a personalised touch to the groom’s ensemble, showing off a bit of character.
- Styles: Go classic with silver or gold squares, or choose cufflinks that reflect personal interests, such as music notes for a musician groom.
- Customisation: Consider engraved initials or symbols that hold special meaning.
- Themes: Fun, quirky themes can be used for less formal weddings, adding charm without compromising sophistication.
These small accessories can provide a subtle nod to the groom’s personality, hobbies, or even a shared story with the bride.
5. Selecting A Belt Or Suspenders
While a custom-fit suit may not require a belt, belts and suspenders can add interest to the groom’s outfit.
- Belts: Opt for high-quality leather belts in neutral tones, such as black or brown, and match the buckle’s finish to other metal accents.
- Suspenders: For a vintage or rustic style, suspenders can replace a belt. Coordinate them with the suit colour for a cohesive look.
- Personal Touches: Engrave the wedding date or initials on the belt’s inner side for a sentimental touch.
These accessories serve a functional purpose and add a layer of style and refinement.
6. Footwear: Completing The Look From The Ground Up
A stylish suit calls for equally impressive footwear. Shoes not only add polish but also bring the entire look together.
- Styles: For formal weddings, choose classic Oxford or brogue shoes, while loafers or slip-on work for a more relaxed vibe.
- Colours: Black and brown are versatile, while navy or grey can complement less formal attire.
- Comfort and Fit: Ensure the shoes are well-fitted and comfortable, especially if the groom will be on his feet throughout the day.
A pair of high-quality, well-maintained shoes will provide comfort and style for the wedding day.
7. Adding A Fun Element With Stylish Socks
Socks might seem like a minor detail, but they allow the groom to inject personality into his attire.
- Patterned or Solid: Bold patterns like polka dots or stripes add fun, while solid colours offer a more subdued look.
- Matching Elements: Coordinate the socks with other accessories, like the tie or pocket square, to create a seamless look.
- Quality and Fabric: High-quality cotton or wool socks will ensure comfort throughout the day.
Patterned socks also make for memorable photos and allow the groom to show off his playful side.
8. Choosing A Watch Or Pocket Watch
A classic or pocket watch can be a practical yet stylish addition to the groom’s attire.
- Wristwatch Styles: Choose a minimalist design for a sleek, modern look, or go vintage with a classic leather band.
- Pocket Watches: A pocket watch adds a touch of nostalgia and elegance, especially for a vintage-themed wedding.
- Colour Matching: Coordinate the watch’s metal with accessories like cufflinks or tie clips.
These timepieces are functional and stylish, adding a polished finish to the look.
9. Facial Grooming And Skincare Essentials
Grooming is essential for a polished appearance and complements the suit and accessories.
- Beard or Clean Shave: If the groom has a beard, ensure it’s neatly trimmed. A clean shave on the wedding morning provides a fresh look.
- Skincare Prep: Moisturise and use a light exfoliation before the wedding for clear, radiant skin.
- Hair Styling: Schedule a haircut a week before the wedding so it looks natural on the day.
These grooming practices will ensure the groom looks sharp and confident in every photo.
10. Final Touches: Tie Clip, Belts, And Suspenders
For the finishing touch, the groom can add a few well-chosen extras:
- Tie Clip: A subtle, elegant addition that keeps the tie in place.
- Belt or Suspenders: Ensure they match style and colour if wearing both. Avoid flashy or oversized buckles.
- Sentimental Additions: Small details, such as engraved initials, bring a personal element to the accessories.
These touches ensure the groom’s look is polished, stylish, and unique.
Coordinating With Groomsmen
To create a unified look for the groom and groomsmen, follow these guidelines:
- Colour Family: Choose accessories in similar shades but avoid exact matches. For example, shades of blue can create a cohesive yet varied look.
- Similar but Unique: Allow groomsmen to wear variations in tie patterns or sock styles.
- Consistent Footwear: Coordinating the shoes across the group helps achieve a cohesive appearance.
A well-coordinated wedding party enhances the visual aesthetic of the event and creates lasting memories in photos.
Conclusion
Accessorising the groom's suit is more than just adding finishing touches; it’s a way to highlight his unique personality and celebrate the wedding day with meaningful details.
From the perfect tie to a thoughtfully selected boutonniere and polished shoes, each accessory contributes to a cohesive, memorable look.
By incorporating personal touches and coordinating elements with the wedding theme and groomsmen’s attire, the groom can achieve an elegant and true style.
These timeless accessories will look great in photos and create lasting memories that reflect the joy and significance of this special occasion.
FAQs About Weddings
Blue or navy groom suits are the best choice for a colorful look. Shades of blue tend to punch up the colors you pair with them, bringing out the best in your tie, pocket square, or even the dress shirt you choose. The blue suit is modern and bold—a smart choice for an evening wedding in the spring or summer.
So, can the bride see the grooms suit? The bride can see the groom's suit before the wedding if desired by both the bride and the groom. While no etiquette or superstition suggests its bad luck, it may take away any surprise desired from either party on the wedding day.
You might think that the groom only needs to make one fashion choice for the big day, but that means you forgot about one tiny, but crucial detail: wedding cufflinks. Just like the perfect pair of suspenders or fresh tie, cufflinks are a necessary accessory for grooms sporting a tuxedo or suit at the altar.
Should you have a pocket square? A pocket square is both a decorative and functional detail for a suit. It is optional, but if you decide to wear one, it's common to use a classic plain white cotton or linen one for a wedding-day look, folding it into a presidential/square fold (which is the most formal).
As a rule, you should complement the groom. This means wearing an ensemble of similar formality and color, but not exactly the same thing that the groom is wearing. An exception to this would be if you're all wearing tuxedos, in which case it's perfectly appropriate to dress identically.