HomeOur Journal The Groom’s Guide to Wedding Suits by Dress Code
The Groom’s Guide to Wedding Suits by Dress Code
Your wedding day look should be timeless, confident, and appropriate for your chosen dress code. Whether your wedding is black tie, formal, cocktail, or semi-casual, the right groom’s suit ensures you stand out while complementing your wedding theme and partner’s outfit.
We’ve provided the ultimate guide to styling your suit to fit with your theme! All the suits below are from Oscar Hunt, one of the best groom suit designers in Australia, so you are sure to find your perfect fit!
White Tie (Ultra-Formal Groom Look)
For the most traditional setting, a white tie groom suit is unmatched. This includes a black tailcoat, matching trousers, a white waistcoat, and a crisp wingtip shirt paired with a white bow tie and gloves. Reserved for the most formal or historic weddings, this attire channels old-world grandeur and is rarely requested today. However, for society weddings or iconic venues, the white tie dress code ensures the groom’s look is steeped in formality and tradition.
Best choice: Black tailcoat with matching trousers.
Details: White bow tie, waistcoat, and gloves for ultra-traditional settings.
Black Tie Groom Suits
A black tie groom suit is the height of elegance. The go-to look is a tailored tuxedo in black or midnight navy with satin lapels, a white dress shirt, and a black bow tie. Finish with polished patent shoes and cufflinks for a sharp, timeless style. This choice is perfect for glamorous evening weddings in ballrooms or luxury venues, where a classic tuxedo makes the groom stand out with sophistication and confidence.
Best choice: A tailored tuxedo in black or midnight navy.
A formal groom suit offers timeless style without the strictness of a tuxedo. The best option is a three-piece suit in navy, charcoal, or black, styled with a crisp white shirt, silk tie, and polished dress shoes. This is the perfect choice for grooms who want to look classic, sharp, and refined while keeping things slightly more modern. Ideal for church ceremonies, elegant hotel receptions, or traditional venues, it’s a suit that feels both enduring and versatile.
Best choice: A suit in navy, charcoal, or black.
Details: Crisp white shirt, silk tie, pocket square, and polished shoes.
Cocktail Attire Groom Suits
For a modern yet polished look, a cocktail groom suit is a stylish option. Slim-fit tailoring in navy, grey, or deep green works beautifully, paired with a shirt and tie or even a bow tie. Loafers or lace-up shoes complete the outfit. This style balances elegance and individuality, allowing the groom to showcase personality with patterned ties or pocket squares. Perfect for contemporary weddings in chic city venues or wineries, cocktail attire suits strike the ideal balance between formal and relaxed.
Best choice: Slim-fit suit in navy, grey, or deep green.
Details: Tie or bow tie optional, smart leather shoes. Add subtle personality with patterned ties or pocket squares.
Semi-Formal Groom Suits
A semi-formal groom suit is less rigid but still elevated. Lighter suits in shades like grey, beige, or blue work beautifully depending on the season. Grooms can style this with a shirt and tie, or choose an open collar for summer weddings. Classic loafers or lace-up shoes finish the look. This style is perfect for daytime ceremonies, garden weddings, or winery venues, offering a relaxed but polished aesthetic that balances tradition with modern comfort.
Best choice: Light grey, beige, or blue suits depending on the season.
Details: Classic shirt and tie, or an open collar for summer. Loafers or lace-up dress shoes.
How to Match the Groom’s Suit with the Groomsmen
Choosing the right suits for your groomsmen is about balance — they should coordinate with your look, but you, as the groom, need to stand out. Here are some simple ways to achieve both:
Keep the Cohesion
Matching Palette: Choose one colour family (e.g. navy, grey, or beige) for both groom and groomsmen.
Consistent Cuts: Ensure everyone wears similar tailoring so the overall style looks unified.
Help the Groom Stand Out
Different Jacket or Vest: The groom might wear a three-piece suit while groomsmen wear two-piece suits.
Unique Accessories: Switch up the tie, bow tie, or pocket square colour for the groom.
Fabric Variation: The groom can opt for a textured fabric (like velvet or satin lapels) while groomsmen stick to simpler finishes.
Incorporating Female Groomsmen
Tailored Suits or Jumpsuits: Offer a matching suit in a feminine cut, or a chic jumpsuit in the same colour palette.
Dress Coordination: Alternatively, select a dress in a coordinating tone to the suits — ensuring she feels comfortable while staying within the bridal party style.
Accessory Matching: Use ties, pocket squares, or even shoes to subtly connect her look to the groomsmen’s outfits.
This approach keeps the wedding party cohesive, highlights the groom as the focal point, and ensures every member feels included and stylish.
Your wedding suit should reflect both the formality of your day and your personal style. From tuxedos to fun and funky cocktail looks, the right suit will not only honour your dress code but also make you feel confident as you step into marriage. When in doubt, grooms should lean towards formality — it’s your moment to shine.
Ready to find your perfect suit? Head to Oscar Hunt to view their latest collections and enquire about custom tailoring. They truly are the best Groom’s suits in Australia!
P.S. All KWH brides receive an exclusive offer on your groom’s suit! Book an appointment with us to find your dream dress to find out more!
