Looking for something a bit different on your big day? Read our latest guide on how to style non-traditional wedding suits.
Weddings no longer follow a cookie-cutter format – so why should the suits? Welcome to the era of the non-traditional wedding suit.
A non-traditional wedding suit will mean something different to everyone. Whether it’s playing with colour, mixing up textures or really writing your own rules with the addition of something unique, a non-traditional wedding suit is all about prioritising personality over expectations.
And as more and more couples shift away from traditional weddings, it’s no surprise that grooms are on the hunt for a wardrobe that offers more choice, expression and comfort.
Read on for inspiration and practical tips on how to style a non-traditional wedding suit.
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What do we mean by a non-traditional wedding suit?
For us, a non-traditional wedding suit is actually our bread and butter. Offering something different, unique and totally tailored to the individual is what we’re all about.
So, with that in mind, a non-traditional wedding doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch – think of it as doing things your way.
We’ve seen couples get married outdoors, at festivals, destination weddings, city or registry weddings, micro weddings… The list goes on, and each option (and different setting) offers up an opportunity to shift your styling. Less rigid rules and less formality means more ways that you can capture your wedding vibe with a non-traditional wedding suit brimming with personality.
Start off by thinking about your venue, the (anticipated, especially if it’s a UK wedding!) climate, time of year and your usual style. There’s no “one right look” or single answer. And working with an epic suit provider (ahem) will be paramount in guiding you through this process.
Choosing the right style for a non-traditional wedding suit.
This is where things get interesting – because you’ve got options. Lots of them.
One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing with modern grooms is the move away from rigid, traditional tailoring and towards something that feels more relaxed, more wearable, and ultimately more you. And that’s exactly where non-traditional wedding suits come into their own.
There’s no single formula here; just a range of modern groom suit ideas that you can tailor (literally) to suit your day.
Relaxed tailoring is often the starting point. Think unstructured jackets, softer silhouettes and more adaptable shapes than a classic formal suit. It still looks sharp, but it moves with you, feels lighter, and works beautifully for outdoor or more informal settings. This is a go-to for grooms wanting relaxed wedding suit ideas without losing that polished edge.
Then there’s fabric choice, which makes a bigger difference than most people expect. Linen, cotton blends and textured wools all bring something different to the table: not just visually, but in how they feel throughout the day. Breathability and movement become especially important for summer weddings or destination settings, where comfort is key, whereas smart layers hold out in the cold for a winter wedding.
And if you really want to step away from the traditional, mixing pieces is where things open up even further. That could mean separates (different jackets and trousers), wearing a waistcoat without a jacket, or leaning into a smart-casual crossover that sits somewhere between formal and relaxed. Done right, it feels effortless, not underdressed. You could even add in a Highland kilt, like one half of the H&G duo, Sean did on his and Hannah’s big day.
The key with all of this? Intentional choices. It might be non-traditional, but it should never feel thrown together.
Non-traditional wedding suit colours.
If there’s one place non-traditional weddings really stand out, it’s colour.
While navy and black will always have their place, more and more grooms are stepping into a wider (and more adventurous) palette.
Earth tones, like beige, taupe and olive, work particularly well for countryside or outdoor weddings, while soft pastels are also having a moment, especially for spring and summer celebrations. We also love to see richer tones like rust, forest green and burgundy used for autumn weddings, as they bring depth and personality without feeling over the top.
The key is to think about your surroundings. A beach wedding naturally works with lighter, softer tones. A city setting might call for something sharper or more contrasted. And for UK weddings (where the weather likes to keep you guessing), versatility is always a win.
One thing to avoid? Colours that feel too harsh or out of place in natural light. Non-traditional doesn’t mean loud for the sake of it.
That’s where the best unique wedding suits really stand out: they don’t just look different, they feel right for the moment.
Styling details that make the look yours.
You can own an iconic non-traditional wedding suit, but still feel like something’s missing. One of our favourite ways to help clients mix things up as a groom is by exploring personalised suit accessories.
Groomswear accessories are great as they let you show your personality without going overboard. Because it’s true what they say: small details can make the biggest difference.
Styling details that you can seamlessly slot into your non-traditional wedding suit include:
- Patterned ties
- Textured pocket squares
- Heirloom cufflinks
- Stylish watches
- Bold boutonnieres
- Footwear choices
However, avoid overloading your modern wedding attire with too many extra details, or losing the “wedding feel” entirely by diving headfirst into the casual end.
And remember: trends are great, but comfort and tailoring is even better. Always keep in mind that the fit of a suit is what truly elevates it, as is ensuring that the style actually captures who you are as a person (and not who you think you should be emulating).
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Let Hunter & Grey’s find your perfect non-traditional wedding suit.
The best non-traditional wedding suits don’t look thrown together in a stress fog haze – they look effortless.
From cohesion across the couple to intentional styling, modern wedding suits are about choosing a suit that actually works for you and your special day.
The great news? This is something that we specialise in. Give us a call to book your private consultation at our Shedfield showroom. We’d love to show you how good a non-traditional wedding suit can really look.