Quick Answer: How Should Groomsmen Dress?
- Match the formality of the wedding: tuxedos for black tie, suits for everything else.
- Coordinate with the groom without matching him exactly, so he stands out.
- Unify the group with the same suit colour, tie and pocket square or boutonniere.
- Set a budget everyone is comfortable with, and communicate it early. Tip Top suits and tuxedos start from $279 for the jacket and pants.
- Make sure everyone wears the same style and colour of polished shoes.
Choosing your groomsmen is the easy part. Getting five or six guys, with different builds, budgets and schedules, into coordinated outfits takes a plan. Your wedding party will be in nearly every photo, standing right next to you, so it's worth getting right. Here's a stress-free approach.
Start With the Wedding's Formality
Your groomsmen should dress at the same level as the wedding itself, usually one step more formal than guests.
- Black tie: matching tuxedos, black bow ties and white tuxedo shirts.
- Formal and semi-formal: matching suits, often with vests for a three-piece look.
- Cocktail and casual: suits without vests, or coordinated sport jackets and blazers, vests and dress pants for a relaxed summer feel.
Not sure where your wedding falls? Our wedding dress code guide explains every level.
Coordinate, Don't Copy
The groom should be easy to spot in every photo. A simple test: line everyone up. If a stranger can't tell who the groom is, adjust.
Ways to set the groom apart:
- Different colour: the groom in charcoal, the groomsmen in navy. Or the groom in navy while groomsmen wear grey.
- Different level of formality: the groom in a tuxedo or three-piece suit, the groomsmen in two-piece suits.
- Different accessories: the groom wears a unique tie, bow tie or boutonniere while the groomsmen match each other.
Unify the Group
While the groom stands apart, the groomsmen should look like a team:
- The same suit colour and fabric
- Matching ties or bow ties, often in the wedding's accent colour
- Matching pocket squares or boutonnieres
- The same dress shirt colour, usually white or light blue
A simple way to plan it: choose a primary colour for the suits, a secondary colour for the shirts and an accent colour for the ties and accessories.
Respect Everyone's Budget
Budgets vary, and it's worth talking about early. Decide whether you're covering the outfits, contributing, or asking groomsmen to buy their own, and share the expected cost up front.
Buying is often better value than renting, especially when each groomsman can keep a suit he'll wear again to other weddings, interviews and events. Our guide to buying vs. renting a wedding suit breaks down the math, and our own your suit or tux for less than a rental collection is a great place to start.
Plan for Different Builds and Locations
Your groomsmen won't all share the same body type. Choose a suit style available in multiple fits (Tip Top offers Modern Fit and Slim Fit) so everyone looks consistent while getting a fit that suits them. Point everyone to the size guide before ordering.
If your groomsmen live in different cities, shopping from one retailer with 80+ locations across Canada and an online shop makes coordination much easier. Our Wedding Shop has planning tools to set your looks and share them with your party.
Don't Forget the Shoes
Mismatched or scuffed shoes stand out in group photos. Agree on one style and colour (black for formal and evening weddings, brown for daytime and casual) and make sure everyone shows up polished. Shop dress shoes and matching belts.
Groomsmen Attire Timeline
- 4 to 6 months before: choose your colours and suit style.
- 3 months before: share the looks and budget with your groomsmen.
- 6 to 8 weeks before: everyone orders or buys their outfits.
- 2 to 4 weeks before: try everything on, together if possible, and confirm sizes.
- The week of: steam suits, polish shoes and pack accessories.
Matching suspenders and bow ties are a fun way to unify a wedding party. Ask about alterations early, so everyone's fit is sorted well before the big day.
Comparing options for your party? See where to buy wedding suits in Canada.
Dressing for the night before? Here's what to wear to a rehearsal dinner.
FAQ
Should groomsmen wear the same suit as the groom?
They can wear the same colour, but the groom should stand out through a different colour, a vest, a tuxedo or unique accessories.
Do groomsmen have to buy their own suits?
It depends on the couple. Many groomsmen buy their own, and owning a suit is often better value than renting.
What colour suits should groomsmen wear?
Navy, grey and charcoal are classic and flattering. For summer weddings, light grey, tan or light blue are popular choices.
Outfit Your Wedding Party at Tip Top
From suits and tuxedos to boys' suits for ring bearers and wedding accessories, Tip Top has the whole party covered. Start planning at the Wedding Shop. Proudly Canadian Since 1909.
