Not all wedding suits should match. Discover how grooms vs groomsmen suits differ and how to style different roles for your big day.
One of the most common questions our grooms ask us is “what’s the deal with groom vs groomsmen suits?” And it’s a good question. After all, weddings aren’t one-size-fits-all… So why are the suits?
At some point, it became commonplace for grooms, the best man and groomsmen to all wear the same thing. Same suit. Same tie. Same accessories. Uniform across the board.
Sure, it’s an easy and safe approach to take. But is it memorable?
The beauty of your wedding party is that every role is different. Your styling should reflect that: this comes down to coordination, rather than matching.
Read on for the Hunter & Grey’s lowdown on groom vs groomsmen suits.
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Why groom vs groomsmen roles should influence style.
While aesthetics, of course, matter, it’s important to remember that they aren’t everything – your wedding is also about the people, the relationships and the unforgettable moments.
When it comes to the groom’s party, every role carries a different weight. Let’s break it down.
🎩 The GROOM is the centre of it all
🎩 The BEST MAN is the right-hand support
🎩 The GROOMSMEN are the wider circle
Your suits are the perfect place to showcase that, without sticking a badge on everyone’s chest. Think subtle but stylish differences, with a seamless thread pulling it all together. Oof – that’s a chef’s kiss right there 🤌
So, what does this mean in context?
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The Groom – aka, main character energy.
It all starts with the groom. Something we feel really strongly about here at Hunter & Grey’s HQ is that the groom should command just as much attention as the bride. It’s their day too, afterall. And that’s why we’re all about helping grooms find a suit that feels undeniably them, but elevated.
It’s also why the groom’s suit should lead the group, not blend into it. Just some of the ways you can do this include wearing a different colour or deeper tone to the groomsmen, opting for richer fabric or a subtle texture, wearing a different waistcoat or adding in some unique details.
Take Phil. He coordinated perfectly with his groomsmen, but amped things up a notch by wearing tails rather than a jacket, as well as blush pink (instead of navy) for his tie and pocket square, which was also silk instead of wool. Differences that didn’t scream or outshine, but quietly set him apart – the kind of details you notice without quite knowing why, and that’s exactly the point.
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The best man – aka, the right-hand man.
The best man is front and centre far more than most people realise. They’re there for the speeches, the photos and all of the key moments. It’s a role to be proud of, and so their suit should reflect that.
Here, you’re looking for a wardrobe that mirrors the groom in one or two ways, while not being a total reflection. It should be balanced, not identical, and a slight step up from the groomsmen. You could achieve this through wearing a matching boutonnière with the groom, or a couple of refined accessories compared to the rest of the party.
The groomsmen – aka, the supporting cast.
Enter, the rest of the crew: the all-important groomsmen.
Your groomsmen are there to set the tone, bring the energy and spark up the atmosphere. Their looks should feel cohesive, sharp and comfortable, ready for a full day of wear (and the partying that comes with that).
Top tips for this include:
🎩 Matching suits or coordinated tones
🎩 Simple accessories
🎩 Optional relaxed elements (if it fits with your vibe)
Essentially, you want them to look A+, but without pulling the focus.
How to coordinate groom vs groomsmen suits without looking ‘copy and paste’.
Grooms vs groomsmen suits can follow different trends and approaches. We’ve encouraged grooms to go with one base suit, but different accessories, one colour palette and different tones and even the exact same suit, but with the groom landing the standout detail.
We’ve also seen it go in the other direction. Everyone is wearing the same thing with no hierarchy. The groom blends in so much that you can’t even tell which one they are. Overcomplicating things with way too many variations. Not great – not great at all.
It brings us back to the big, glaring fact that your wedding is about so much more than the aesthetics. The suits you choose for the people standing next to you matter. Because those people matter – you’ve chosen them to be a part of your big day for a reason.
When your wedding party style reflects that, and everyone feels comfortable, confident and like themselves, it shows. Not just in photos – in the entire day.
Making wedding party attire work (without overthinking it).
You don’t need everyone matching to look put together. In fact, the best weddings rarely do.
Making careful, considered choices to style the groom, best man and groomsmen with intention means that you can create something truly personal and, as a result, memorable.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure out groom vs groomsmen suits on your own.
The key is keeping it simple. With clear direction, thoughtful direction and expert guidance, we can ensure your wedding wardrobe ticks all of the boxes.
Plus, understanding the difference between suit hire vs buying will also help shape how you approach styling your group – especially when balancing budgets and flexibility.
To find out more about groom vs groomsmen suits, it all starts with a consultation. We want you to feel like the ultimate VIP when you come to Hunter & Grey’s. For that reason, all visits are appointment-only. But trust us when we say that we will make you feel a-ma-zing when you drop into our Shedfield store. Book your slot here. We can’t wait to meet you.
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