Groomsmen Suits: 5 Stylish Outfits for Every Wedding Time

Selecting the right groomsmen suits is essential to achieving a cohesive and stylish wedding party look. Whether your ceremony is early in the morning, midday, late afternoon, or under the stars, coordinating your groomsmen’s outfits with the timing and style of your wedding adds elegance and charm. Here are five outfit ideas, with tips on coordination and details for each.

This selection leans toward contemporary suit styles with clean tailoring and thoughtful fabric choices. You’ll find some three-piece suits suggested and style notes for more formal ceremonies or evening events, while most styles are kept modern and minimal for versatility.

1. Morning Elegance

Ideal for: Noon and Early Afternoon Weddings

Suit Choice: Light Grey or Beige Suits

• Coordination Tips:
  • Pair suits with pastel or neutral-colored ties and pocket squares.
  • Opt for brown leather shoes and matching belts.
  • Incorporate subtle floral boutonnières for a fresh, morning-appropriate touch.

Details:

• Single-breasted jacket
• Notch lapels
• Slim or tailored fit trousers

2. Midday Classic

Ideal for: Early Afternoon Weddings

Suit Choice: Navy Blue Suits

• Coordination Tips:
  • Choose ties and pocket squares in complementary shades like blush pink, coral, or sage green.
  • Add brown or tan oxford shoes for a refined daytime look.
  • Match socks to ties for a subtle yet stylish coordination.

✅ Why It Works for a Groomsman

• Royal Blue Three-Piece Suit
  Bright and bold, the royal blue makes a confident statement while still feeling formal. The vest sharpens the look and ensures wedding-level polish.
  
• Light Blue Shirt
  A tonal match that keeps the outfit cohesive and fresh — it softens the boldness of the suit and brings a crisp elegance.
  
• Brown Patterned Tie
  The brown tie adds warmth and earthiness, grounding the bright blue and adding subtle texture that feels modern and thoughtful.
  
• Timeless, Tailored Fit
  Well-cut with just the right amount of structure, this look is stylish but not overly trendy — ideal for wedding portraits and long ceremonies.
  
• Versatile Setting
  Works well for both indoor and outdoor weddings, especially in spring or summer. Pairs beautifully with gold, blush, ivory, or greenery-based wedding palettes.

Details:

• Two-button jacket
• Peak lapels for a slightly formal touch
• Crisp white shirts for contrast

3. Afternoon Sophistication

Ideal for: Late Afternoon Weddings (3 PM – 5 PM)

Suit Choice: Charcoal Grey or Slate Blue Suits

✅ Why It Works for a Groomsman

• Light Gray Three-Piece Suit
  Fresh and modern, the light gray pops in photos and feels formal without being stuffy. The subtle texture adds polish.
  
• Black Shirt + Tie
  Bold and confident, the all-black combo adds edge and balances the light suit — sleek and evening-ready.
  
• Coordinated Boutonnière
  Ties in perfectly with the black accents. A minimalist bloom like a ranunculus keeps it sharp without outshining the groom.
  
• Pocket Square & Sunglasses
  The black pocket square completes the look, while aviators add effortless cool for outdoor arrivals.

Details:

• Three-piece suits (optional waistcoat for elevated style)
• Peak or notch lapels
• Pocket squares with subtle patterns for added depth

4. Sunset Glamour

Ideal for: Early Evening Weddings (5 PM – 7 PM)

Suit Choice: Dark Green or Black Suits

This look Works particularly well for fall weddings, rustic-chic themes, or destination ceremonies in places like Tuscany, Napa, or Andalusia. It might feel too fashion-forward for ultra-formal black-tie weddings, but it nails the vibe for modern, stylish events.

✅ Why It Works for a Groomsman:

• Three-Piece Suit: The matching vest adds formality and polish, making it ideal for a wedding.
  
• Dark Green Hue: A stylish and modern alternative to navy or charcoal; still formal but more personality-driven.
  
• Brown Tie + Patterned Shirt: Adds visual texture while keeping things earthy and tasteful—very in line with fall or vineyard weddings.
  
• Boutonnière: Clearly signals a wedding party role.
  
• Slim Fit & Clean Lines: Gives an editorial edge that feels upscale and contemporary.

• Coordination Tips:
  • Rich brown tie or deep neutral tones for warmth and elegance.
  • Brown leather loafers and matching belt for a soft contrast.
  • Minimalist white shirt and pocket square for balance.

Details:

• Slim tailored silhouette
• Notch or Peak lapels for modern structure
• No cummerbund needed; emphasis on clean, contemporary style
• Ideal with Mediterranean-inspired or outdoor sunset settings

5. Evening Luxe

Ideal for: Late Evening Weddings (7 PM onwards)

Suit Choice: Midnight Blue or Black Tuxedos

• Coordination Tips:
  • Satin or silk lapels for luxurious texture and shine.
  • Elegant bow ties or narrow silk ties in classic black or deep jewel tones.
  • Polished black patent leather shoes for a refined finish.

Details:

• Single or double-breasted jackets
• Matching waistcoat for three-piece tuxedo styling
• Shawl lapels preferred for ultra-formal elegance
• Cufflinks, pocket squares, and boutonnières coordinated in understated luxury

Formality Notes

Common Lapel Types for Groomsmen Suits:

1. Notch Lapel
   • Most common and versatile
   • Ideal for semi-formal to formal weddings
   • Works well for both single- and double-breasted suits
     
2. Peak Lapel
   • Slightly more formal and bold
   • Offers a strong, masculine silhouette
   • Great for upscale or evening weddings
     
3. Shawl Lapel
   • Rounded, continuous lapel—often seen on tuxedos
   • Best for black-tie or very formal weddings
   • Elegant and refined, especially for evening receptions

Whether a 2-piece or 3-piece suit is more recommended for groomsmen depends on the formality, time, and aesthetic of the wedding. Here’s a quick breakdown:

✅ 2-Piece Suits (More Common)

• Most commonly used for groomsmen, especially for daytime, outdoor, or semi-formal weddings
• Consists of jacket + trousers
• Easier to coordinate across a group
• More versatile and comfortable, especially for warmer climates
• Matches modern, minimalist aesthetics
• Easier to wear again for other occasions

Recommended for:

• Morning, midday, or early afternoon weddings
• Less formal venues (beach, garden, countryside)
• A clean, contemporary look

🔷 3-Piece Suits (More Formal)

• Includes waistcoat/vest, offering a more structured and elevated silhouette
• Gives the group a more refined, traditional look
• Perfect for fall/winter weddings or indoor, formal settings
• Great when the groom wants to subtly stand out (groom wears 3-piece, groomsmen wear 2-piece)

Recommended for:

• Late afternoon, sunset, or evening weddings
• Rooftops, ballrooms, city venues
• Formal dress codes (black tie optional, cocktail formal, etc.)

👔 You Can Also:

• Mix both: Let the groom wear a 3-piece, while groomsmen wear coordinating 2-piece versions. This visually sets the groom apart while maintaining group cohesion.
• Keep colors and accessories consistent across the group to avoid mismatched formality.

Choosing the perfect groomsmen suits based on your wedding time not only complements the overall aesthetic but also enhances the sophistication and unity of your wedding party. Whether you aim for relaxed morning charm or sophisticated evening glamour, these outfit ideas will ensure your groomsmen look impeccable throughout the day.

—Edited by Fernando Lahoz-García, a fashion art director and journalist working between New York and Miami.