There is much ado about the attire of the bride and her maids … but what about the groom and his merry men?

The reality is that the groomsmen’s apparel does not come with as many style and color options as the women – but the men definitely have some choices, especially in 2018. Read on for classic groomswear considerations, 2018 trends, and special groom-only attire recommendations.

Classic groomswear considerations:

  1. Cost: Being asked to be a member of the wedding party comes with significant cost. Be mindful of those you ask to stand with you – and think about cost as you head in to the suit and accessory shopping spree. While often the groom can purchase at a reduced price – or receive a rental for free – his groomsmen are not granted the same favor. If you have the means, your merry men will very much appreciate your help offsetting the purchase of any of their attire.
  2. Rent vs. purchase: While renting on first blush seems easiest – there are grand anxiety-filled sagas about rental orders being incorrect or late to arrive. Who wants that stress? And then there is the hassle of getting all those rental pieces back to the rental location the following day. Often buying is actually easier on the wedding party and on the wallet – not only is the suit altered to fit perfectly – but with the cost often being equivalent to renting, at least your groomsmen now have a suit in their closet that can serve for other formal social affairs, business interviews, or going to the theatre or the opera.
  3. Formality: whatever the style – the level of formality should match that of the venue and the bridal party. The groom simply should not be dressed in casual linen if the bride is decked out in lace and pearls. A tux or a 3-piece suit is the most common choice – rarely do couples choose the formality of a morning coat or a tailcoat – but they are certainly options in the right circumstance. Just make sure your vibe fits the bride’s.
  4. Style: It’s important to pick a suit style that will look good on everyone – the tall, the short, the lean, the not-so-lean. Much like with bridesmaids – choosing a color and then allowing your men to be fitted for suits that best complement their physiques is a trend for 2018 – that surely will catch on and become the norm.
  5. Timing: The men’s attire should be nailed down, measurements completed, and orders in 2-3 months before the wedding date. And someone needs to be responsible for reminding the men to keep the pick-up/final fitting appointments, as well.

Hot trends for 2018:

  1. Textures! From velvet to corduroy – the groom and his men will be seen attired in textures. Can’t you just envision that lux jewel toned wedding with the groom in velvet – how luscious!
  2. Patterns: Guaranteed this year will be filled with groomsmen attired in floral or bold statement ties. No longer relegated to the black tie of old – or the pastel ties of recent years – in 2018 the groom and his men will burst forth with color. And bow ties are back – how fun! – so don’t shy away from them!
  3. Burgundy and bright cobalt or royal blues are the “it” colors for the groom and his party in 2018. Navy, gray, and black will always remain as the traditional go-to’s – but what a great time to step boldly forth and show your colors.
  4. Not a new phenomenon – but definitely one that is going bolder this year – bold colored socks! First there were argyles, then colors, and now the trend is for bright stripes, bold solids, and funky statement socks. What a fun way for the groom’s personality to shine through.

So you have a lineup of men … how do you distinguish the groom?

  1. Alternative color – whether it be the tie, the pocket square, the vest, the suit – choosing a one-off for the groom ensures he is easily picked out from the crowd.
  2. Boutonniere – the groom’s boutonniere should be just a bit bolder, a bit larger, and a bit more unique. Not sure where to start? – Pinterest has some great inspiration on how to make the groom stand out in the floral department.
  3. Nab one of the hot trends from 2018 above and make it the groom’s signature attire!

Your wedding party is chosen and dressed – now let’s move on to that guest list … check back for tips on how to manage the minefield of the wedding guestlist!