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Updated Mar 17, 20254 Unique Wedding Attire Ideas for the Groom
Here's how to pick wedding attire that'll make him truly stand out.
by
The Knot
Sure, all eyes will be on the bride, but the groom should still set himself apart. Although wedding tradition dictates that the groom and his posse all wear similar outfits, it's important to help guests identify the special guy who just locked lips with the bride at the altar.
The more formal the event, the more strict the codes of conduct. If you and yours are opting for an ultra-formal affair, your team will wear virtually the same tuxedo, so being singular becomes a tougher task. The more casual the celebration, the more leeway you'll have. But regardless of the sartorial dictates of your wedding, grooms can use these four ways to stand out on your special day.
1. Alternative Coat
Wearing a different jacket from the groomsmen is a surefire way to make a mark. For a casual daytime affair (say, at the beach), it's acceptable for the groom to sport a jacket, while the bridal party wears only the vest and tie. For more a more formal setting, color is an excellent way to stand apart. Consider dressing the groom in black with his men in gray. Or, if the groom's tux has a satin lapel, the boys' could be plain. Another option: Choose a white dinner jacket, and put the groomsmen in traditional black tuxes (or vice versa).
2. A Fancier Flower
A unique boutonniere, a "mini-corsage" worn on the jacket lapel, is the easiest way to help guests single out the groom. If your wedding will be very formal and mismatched tuxes would seem inappropriate, run with this option. For example, have boutonnieres made of the same flower for the groomsmen, but add a berry or herbal accent, such as rosemary, oregano or mint to the groom's. Or, select a darker or lighter shade of bloom to differentiate (for example, burgandy for the bridal party and pale pink for the groom). But it's a good idea to keep the flowers in the same color family for a consistent look. Two more options: The groom can adorn himself with a two- or three-blossom boutonniere and the groomsmen with a single bloom of the identical flower, or the groom can wear a fully open blossom while the groomsmen don buds of the same flower.
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3. The Telltale Tie
Boost the center-of-attention factor by choosing a different-colored tie or bow tie than the gang. For instance, if the groom wears a silver tie, the groomsmen could sport a different color that complements or matches the bridesmaid dresses. Grooms can go one step further and wear a different type of neckwear from the guys. If he chooses a bow tie, the groomsmen could wear neckties.
4. Variety in the Vest
Vests are another element of the tux with which grooms can experiment. Pick a vest that's a different color from that of the groomsmen. If the groom chooses a black tie and black vest, the groomsmen can wear a color that matches the bridesmaid dresses. Or, set the groom apart in a cummerbund and put the fellas in vests.
