Must the Groom and Groomsmen Wear Tuxes?

Should my groom and his groomsmen wear tuxes? If not, what are some great-looking alternatives?


There is no rule that your groom and his guys must come clad in penguin suits. However, before you have them go sans tuxes, consider your ceremony and reception sites and your wedding style. If you’re getting married in a church or synagogue followed by a formal reception, nothing fills the bill better than a tux or a dark suit. If the men do wear suits rather than black ties and tails, your groom could don a pinstriped suit to set himself apart.

For a more informal big-day locale (such as a garden or park), the men could switch to navy sports coats, white button-down shirts and khaki pants. Hitting the beach for your nuptials? White or ivory linen suits look great on guys and even better against an ocean-blue backdrop—plus the material breathes! For an even more casual look, you could suggest the guys skip the jackets and just wear matching linen shirts. Again, your groom could pick a different colored shirt for contrast. Feel like kicking up the festive factor? Celebrate Jimmy Buffett–style with colorful Hawaiian shirts for all of the men.

Another great way to change up the menswear is to pay homage to your roots or your groom’s. Here are just a few examples: For your Korean heritage, the men could wear traditional Korean formal dress. If either of you have a Filipino background, consider having the guys wear barongs. For Scottish roots, you can break out the kilts. After all, this may be your one chance to get your guy and his best buds to really show some leg!