For some reason, wedding fashion advice assumes grooms are happy to disappear into a sea of identical suits while all the personality gets reserved for the bride. Grooms tend to get handed the same options: black suit, navy suit, grey suit… or if you’re really out there, maybe a bit of tweed. But if your wardrobe already leans towards the darker side, your wedding doesn’t need to be the one day you dress like you’re headed to a corporate awards dinner.
Choosing to wear a suit isn’t the problem, the problem is when you pick one without considering the plethora of other amazing menswear options. The difference usually comes down to details.
Texture Makes All the Difference
A suit doesn’t have to be flat. Swapping smooth wool for velvet, brocade, jacquard, linen, corduroy or textured tweeds instantly adds depth and personality. Different fabrics catch the light in different ways and photograph beautifully, whether you’re getting married in a candlelit manor house, a city warehouse or a festival field.
A velvet dinner jacket makes a statement without feeling over the top, while a patterned waistcoat or textured blazer can completely transform an otherwise classic suit.
Never Underestimate a Good Waistcoat
And speaking of waistcoats, if there’s one place to show some personality, it’s here. Maybe that’s a bold brocade waistcoat, an embroidered design, a strong pattern (yes, you can get waistcoats with skulls on!) a contrasting fabric or a colour that wouldn’t normally make its way into traditional wedding menswear. Whatever you choose, it becomes even more noticeable once the jacket comes off.
It’s also one of the easiest ways to make an off-the-rack or hired suit feel like your own.
Think Beyond the Standard Tie
Swap a standard silk tie for a cravat, bolo tie, knitted tie, ribbon tie, western neckerchief or even an open collar if that’s more your style. Small changes like this can completely shift the feel of an outfit without requiring a whole new wardrobe.
The best choice is the one that feels like something you’d actually wear, just elevated for your wedding.
Don’t Ignore the Details
Lapels, buttons, linings and trims rarely get much attention, but they’re often what separates an average suit from one people remember.
Peak lapels feel sharper than standard notch lapels. Contrast piping, coloured buttonholes, patterned linings or unusual buttons can all add character without overwhelming the look.
Shoes & Accessories
The best accessories are the ones that already mean something to you, or showcase your personal style.
Maybe that’s a collection of rings you’ve worn for years, vintage cufflinks inherited from a family member, a favourite pair of boots, or jewellery that reflects your style outside of weddings. You don’t need to buy an entirely new personality to get married.
Don’t Forget the Fit
Whatever direction you take, tailoring matters. The bolder the fabric or styling, the more important a great fit becomes. Even relatively simple wedding tailoring can look exceptional when it fits properly, while the most expensive suit in the world won’t work if the shoulders sit in the wrong place or the trousers puddle around your shoes.
It’s always going to be worth investing in alterations or working with a tailor who specialises in wedding tailoring. A few adjustments can make an off-the-rack suit look made for you.