How to coordinate the groom and groomsmen’s looks without making everyone identical

Learning how to coordinate the groom’s and groomsmen’s looks can feel tricky at first. You want the group to look connected, but you also want the groom to stand out in every photo and feel good in what he’s wearing.

The good news is that everyone doesn’t need to wear the exact same outfit. Small choices, such as a different jacket, bow tie, vest or pair of shoes, can make a big difference in helping the whole wedding party feel coordinated without making the groom blend in.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to create a strong groom and groomsmen look, connect the men’s outfits with the bridesmaids, and choose the right style for the wedding. We’ll also explain why the couple should choose the group look before the fittings begin and how to avoid common coordination mistakes.

Start with the groom’s look

Before choosing pocket squares, matching colours or anything else for the group, start with the person at the centre of it all: the groom.

He may already have a specific tuxedo, suit or colour in mind. Or the two of you may arrive with a photo, a wedding theme and a few ideas still floating around. Either way, choosing the groom’s look first gives the rest of the wedding party a clear direction.

From there, you can decide how closely the groomsmen should coordinate with the bridesmaids. Many couples want both sides of the wedding party to feel connected in photos without making the outfits look overly matched. Which is why it helps to bring a photo of the bridesmaid dresses to your consultation.

The stylist can then consider:

• The exact shade of the dresses
• Their length and style
• The overall level of formality

The goal isn’t to copy the bridesmaid dresses from head to toe—in fact, we highly recommend that you don’t go this route. Rather, it’s to create enough connection between the two groups so that the full wedding party looks like it belongs together.

For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing green, the groomsmen do not need green suits, shirts and accessories—that would be colour overkill. A green pocket square, tie or bow tie is usually more than enough.

Also, please keep in mind that some colours naturally work better in smaller doses. A bright yellow, for example, may look far more stylish as a subtle accent than as the main colour in the men’s outfits.

How to coordinate the groomsmen without overdoing it

The groomsmen will usually wear matching looks. This gives the group a cohesive foundation and keeps the wedding photos balanced. Therefore, the variation tends to happen between the groom and the groomsmen, and not necessarily from one groomsman to the next.

Here are a few coordination strategies that work especially well:

#1 Keep the group within one colour story

The groom and groomsmen can wear the same colour but don’t need to end up in identical outfits. For example, a groom can wear a tuxedo while the groomsmen wear suits in the same colour.

Consider tan, which has become especially popular with wedding parties in recent years. The groom might wear the tan tuxedo version, with its more formal details, while the groomsmen wear coordinating tan suits. Everyone looks connected, but the groom still has that little something extra.

#2 Connect the two sides through accessories

Pocket squares, ties and bow ties can reflect the colour of the bridesmaid dresses without overwhelming the men’s looks. Because they add only a small touch of colour, they help the full wedding party feel connected without making the outfits look overly matched.

The accessory does not always need to be a perfect colour match. It simply needs to feel connected to the larger wedding palette.

#3 Use formal details to distinguish the groom

The groom can wear a three-piece look while the groomsmen wear two-piece suits. He might also wear a bow tie while the rest of the group wears ties, or vice versa.

At the end of the day, there is no fixed rule on how to distinguish the groom from the groomsmen. Ultimately, the right choice is the one that suits the groom and makes him feel ultra-comfortable and confident on his big day.

#4 Keep things neutral when the wedding palette is already busy

It’s sometimes easy to forget that classic black is always an option. A black tuxedo with a black bow tie also naturally coordinates with the bride, regardless of the bridesmaids’ colours. This look remains very popular because it’s formal, timeless and easy to recognize in photos.

How to help the groom stand out and still feel like himself

The groom should feel like the most important man in the room, but he should still feel like himself. A few well-chosen details can create that distinction without pushing him into a look that feels forced or is outside his comfort zone.

One of the clearest ways to create contrast is to dress the groom in a tuxedo and the groomsmen in suits. The satin lapels and satin-covered buttons immediately give his look a more formal finish and help him stand apart from the group.

His shoes can also set him apart. For example, the groom could wear patent leather shoes, while the groomsmen wear matte shoes.

Other ways to help the groom stand out include:

• Adding a vest to his look while the groomsmen wear two-piece suits
• Choosing a full three-piece suit or tuxedo for the groom
• Giving him a different tie or bow tie
• Selecting a distinct jacket colour or fabric
• Adding one subtle detail to set the groom apart from the rest of the group

For couples who want a more noticeable contrast, the groom’s jacket can do much of the work. An ivory jacket is a popular choice, especially when the groomsmen are wearing darker suits or tuxedos. The difference feels elegant and intentional, leaving no doubt about who is getting married.

The bow tie choice: Groom vs. groomsmen

The groom does not need to wear a bow tie simply because he’s getting married. While some men feel natural sporting one, others can feel awkward or overly dressed up. If a bow tie creates anxiety or makes him feel unlike himself, then don’t force it.

Alternatively, the groom could wear a tie while the groomsmen go for bow ties. He could also feel distinct through his jacket, lapels, vest or shoes.

Pro tip → There is no single formula for how to dress the groom and groomsmen. The outfit should distinguish him while still respecting his comfort and personal style.

Adapt the groom and groomsmen look to your wedding style

Your wedding style should shape more than the venue and décor. It can also guide how you dress the groom and groomsmen, from the level of formality to the colours, fabrics, and accessories that you choose.

A classic black-tie wedding may call for a timeless tuxedo, while a rustic celebration may suit warmer tones and more relaxed groomsmen wedding suits. The goal is to choose looks that still feel connected to the setting, season, and overall vision.

Classic wedding

Some looks become classics for a reason. A black tuxedo, crisp white shirt and black bow tie deliver that unmistakable James Bond energy: formal, flattering, and just the right amount of mystery.

For the groom, subtle tuxedo details such as satin lapels, satin-covered buttons or patent leather shoes can help him stand out among his gentlemen. Meanwhile, the groomsmen can sport coordinating black suits with matte shoes, creating a wedding-party look that’s cohesive without making everyone identical.

Ultimately, black tuxedos are always an elegant choice. They look fabulous and are highly unlikely to make you cringe when you revisit the picture album 20 years from now.

Recommended look: 

Modern wedding

For a modern wedding, the groom and groomsmen do not have to stay in the classic black or navy lane. Burgundy, tan, patterned jackets and paisley tuxedos can all bring colour and character to their look.

The key is choosing one clear statement rather than asking every part of the outfit to compete for attention. The groom could always opt for a coloured or patterned tuxedo; simultaneously, the groomsmen keep things grounded and cohesive by wearing coordinating suits. Another option is to dress the full group in the same colour family, then distinguish the groom through satin details, a vest or a different accessory.

The result feels contemporary and expressive, while still expressing that unmistakable wedding vibe.

Recommended look:

Rustic wedding

Rustic weddings tend to call for a little less black tie and a little more warmth. Tan, beige, brown, and other earth tones feel at home in country venues, autumn settings and celebrations surrounded by wood, greenery or changing leaves.

Suits are often a natural fit here because they feel dressed up without becoming overly formal. Brown shoes or belts can also work well with this style, helping the look feel a little more relaxed while still staying wedding-ready.

To keep the group connected, the groom can wear a three-piece suit while the groomsmen skip the vest, or he can choose a slightly richer shade within the same earthy palette.

Recommended look:

Winter or destination wedding

A Montréal winter wedding can certainly lean into deeper colours, black tuxedos or touches of red and white. But many local couples have another winter plan entirely: escaping the snow and getting married somewhere warm.

That said, destination weddings often require lighter colours and a more relaxed approach. Light blue, tan and other soft shades work beautifully in sunny settings, especially when paired with an open-collar shirt. The groomsmen may skip ties and bow ties altogether, while the groom adds one distinctive detail to make his look feel a little more special.

That could be a bow tie, a vest or the tuxedo version of the same colour worn by the groomsmen. The goal here is to ensure that the overall look stays light and easy, while leaving space for the groom to shine.

Recommended look:

What to avoid when coordinating the wedding party

One of the most common mistakes is trying to match the men’s outfits to every part of the wedding. The flowers, table décor, and napkins do not all need to appear in the groomsmen’s accessories. Once every decorative colour is added to the clothing, the result can quickly become way too busy.

The same applies when bridesmaids wear different shades of one colour. Burgundy dresses may range from deep wine to lighter red tones, and that variation can look beautiful on the bridesmaids. But it does not mean that every groomsman needs a different burgundy bow tie to match one specific dress. The men need a cohesive overall look, not an individual colour assignment.

Pro tip → Focus on the global feel of the wedding rather than trying to reproduce every shade and detail. Too many different suits, accessories and patterns can make the group feel disconnected and create avoidable stress.

Choose the look before inviting everyone’s opinion

One of the easiest ways to keep the planning process calm is for the couple to choose the group look before the groomsmen arrive for their measurements.

Classy offers bride and groom consultations so the couple can meet privately, explain their vision and make the major decisions together without outside influences. Think: No groomsmen, mothers or mothers-in-law. No outside noise. Just the couple and their wants and dreams about the perfect wedding look.

This matters because couples can sometimes become so focused on pleasing everyone else that they move away from what they originally wanted.

During the consultation, approximately 80% of the group look and its details can be decided. The information is then added to the wedding registration. When the groomsmen arrive, they are presented with a clear tray of approved options rather than being asked to design the wedding look themselves.

Account for every important person in the wedding

Not every man involved in the wedding will officially be a groomsman. The bride’s brothers, close family members or people seated at the honour table may still need to look connected to the wedding party.

This is why we ask couples to complete their wedding registration before the appointments begin. The registration includes various questions, such as identifying each person and their role, and leaves space for the couple to include any important notes.

Couples can also flag details such as sizing needs or special outfit requests in advance. This gives the Classy team time to prepare and recommend a look that shows someone is part of the family or wedding party without dressing him exactly like the groomsmen.

The key takeaway from all of this? A little homework at the beginning makes the entire fitting and coordination process much more organized.

Plan the group look before the fittings begin

A coordinated wedding party begins with the couple’s vision and the groom’s outfit.

Once those pieces are clear, the suits, tuxedos, colours and accessories can fall into place without turning the process into a group debate.

Let’s plan your group look together. Book a free consultation with Classy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should the groom and groomsmen wear the same colour?

They can wear the same colour, but the groom should have one or two details that distinguish him. For example, a tuxedo instead of a suit, different shoes or a vest can create a coordinated groom and groomsmen look while still helping him stand out.

Do the groomsmen need to match the bridesmaids exactly?

No. A coordinating pocket square, tie or bow tie is often enough. The goal is to connect the two sides of the wedding party without copying the bridesmaid dresses too literally.

Can the groom wear a tie instead of a bow tie?

Yes, absolutely. There is no rule that requires a groom to wear a bow tie. He can wear a tie and stand out through his jacket, vest, shoes, lapels or another detail. When deciding how to dress the groomsmen, you can then choose accessories that support or complement the groom’s look without repeating it exactly.

What should we do about brothers or family members who are not groomsmen?

Include them in the wedding registration and make sure to explain their roles. Our team will work with you to create a related look so they feel connected to the wedding party without being dressed exactly like the groomsmen.

When should we choose the groomsmen’s outfits?

The couple should choose the look before the groomsmen attend their fittings. A private consultation allows you to establish the groom’s outfit and the main details first, making it much easier to coordinate the groom and groomsmen once they come into the store for the fittings.