Coordinating attire for multiple groomsmen presents unique challenges: different body types, varying budgets, geographically scattered members, and the need to balance uniformity with the groom's distinction. This guide provides practical strategies for achieving a cohesive wedding party look without the stress.
Start with Clear Communication
The foundation of successful coordination is clear, early communication. Your groomsmen need to know what's expected of them, what it will cost, and what timeline they're working with.
Setting Expectations Early
As soon as you've confirmed your wedding party, communicate the following:
- The formality level of your wedding (black tie, semi-formal, casual)
- Whether you'll be renting, purchasing, or having groomsmen wear their own suits
- Estimated costs they should expect
- Key dates: when to order, when to have final fittings, when to pick up
- Any flexibility or non-negotiables in the attire
This transparency prevents unpleasant surprises. A groomsman who learns three weeks before the wedding that he needs to rent a $400 tuxedo may rightfully feel blindsided. One who knew from the start can budget accordingly.
🎯 Key Takeaway
Send a detailed email to all groomsmen at least four to six months before the wedding outlining attire expectations, costs, and timeline. Follow up individually to ensure everyone has received and understood the information.
Coordination Approaches
There are several ways to coordinate groomsmen attire, each with advantages and challenges. Choose the approach that best fits your wedding style, budget, and groomsmen's situations.
Full Matching (Same Everything)
All groomsmen wear identical suits or tuxedos, shirts, ties, and accessories. This creates the most uniform, formal appearance and is traditional for black-tie weddings.
Advantages: Creates polished photos, eliminates decision-making for groomsmen, ensures consistency regardless of personal style preferences.
Challenges: Different body types may look better in slightly different cuts; requires everyone to use the same supplier; can be expensive if purchasing; limited personal expression.
Matched Suits, Varied Accessories
All groomsmen wear the same suit but with individual touches in ties, pocket squares, or boutonnieres. This balances cohesion with personality.
Advantages: Uniform base with room for personal expression; easier to accommodate different body types within the same colour/fabric; creates visual interest in photos.
Challenges: Requires coordination to ensure accessories complement rather than clash; may look less formal than full matching.
Colour-Coordinated (Same Colour, Different Styles)
Groomsmen wear suits in the same colour (e.g., navy) but may choose their own cut, brand, or style within guidelines. This approach works well when groomsmen are geographically dispersed or have strong existing suit collections.
Advantages: Groomsmen can use suits they already own or will wear again; accommodates different budgets; works across distances without needing the same supplier.
Challenges: Colour matching can be tricky (navy comes in many shades); requires clear guidelines to prevent one groomsman arriving in a significantly different style; may look less uniform in photos.
⚠️ Colour Matching Warning
If allowing groomsmen to source their own navy suits, provide specific guidance: "Dark navy, not bright or royal blue." Consider requesting fabric swatches for approval before purchase. What looks navy on screen may appear quite different in person.
Managing Different Body Types
Groomsmen come in all shapes and sizes. A suit style that looks excellent on your athletic best man may not flatter your broader-built university roommate. Here's how to accommodate variety while maintaining cohesion.
Choose Versatile Styles
If selecting matching suits, opt for styles that work across body types. Modern fit often works better than slim fit for diverse groups—it's tailored without being restrictive. Navy is more universally flattering than black. Two-button jackets are more versatile than three-button or double-breasted styles.
Prioritise Individual Fit
Regardless of style, fit matters more than uniformity. A groomsman whose suit fits perfectly—even if slightly different in cut from others—will look better than one stuffed into a poorly fitting "matching" garment. Build alteration costs into your budget and timeline.
Strategic Accessories
Accessories can create unity even when suits vary slightly. Matching ties, pocket squares, and boutonnieres draw the eye and create cohesion. These elements are often more noticeable in photos than minor differences in suit cut.
Budget Considerations
Wedding party attire costs add up quickly. Be sensitive to your groomsmen's financial situations while maintaining your vision.
Who Pays for What
Traditionally, groomsmen cover their own attire costs. However, if you're requesting expensive options (designer tuxedos, full purchase rather than rental), consider subsidizing or covering additional costs yourself. It's your vision—don't burden friends financially to achieve it.
Budget-Friendly Strategies
- Rental packages: Many rental companies offer wedding party discounts. Groom's rental may be free with enough groomsmen bookings.
- Off-the-rack options: Department stores and online retailers offer affordable suits that can be tailored for a polished look.
- Own-suit policies: If colour-coordinating, letting groomsmen wear suits they already own significantly reduces costs.
- Limit accessories: Don't require expensive cufflinks or designer shoes—provide guidelines that groomsmen can meet with what they already own.
Timeline for Coordination
Working backward from your wedding date, here's a realistic timeline for groomsmen attire coordination:
Six Months Before
- Communicate overall attire plan and budget to groomsmen
- Research suppliers (rental companies, retailers)
- If purchasing, select the suit/tuxedo style
Four Months Before
- Book rental appointments or place purchase orders
- Ensure all groomsmen have been measured or visited their local branch
- Order accessories (ties, pocket squares, etc.)
Two Months Before
- Confirm all orders are on track
- Schedule final fittings
- Address any issues (delayed orders, sizing problems)
Two Weeks Before
- Final fittings completed
- All attire picked up or delivered
- Everyone tries on complete ensemble to identify any last-minute issues
💡 Pro Tip
Designate one groomsman as the attire coordinator—someone organised who can manage communication, track who's completed their fitting, and follow up on laggards. This reduces stress on you and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Distinguishing the Groom
While groomsmen should complement your look, you should stand out as the groom. There are several tasteful ways to achieve this distinction.
Subtle Distinctions
- Different tie: Groomsmen wear solid ties; you wear a textured or slightly different shade.
- Vest addition: You wear a waistcoat; groomsmen go without.
- Lapel flower: Your boutonniere is larger or features a different bloom.
- Pocket square style: You wear a more elaborate fold or different colour.
More Obvious Distinctions
- Different colour: Groomsmen in navy, you in charcoal or black.
- Different lapel style: You wear peak lapels; groomsmen wear notch.
- Different fabric: You in a premium fabric; groomsmen in standard.
Managing Remote Groomsmen
Groomsmen scattered across cities or countries require extra planning. Technology and rental company networks make this manageable.
Strategies for Distance
Major rental companies have locations nationwide, allowing groomsmen to be measured and pick up locally even when ordering centrally. Coordinate through the company's wedding group services.
For purchases, send a sizing guide and have groomsmen measure themselves or visit local tailors. Build in extra time for shipping and potential exchanges.
Video calls let you review fabric swatches, fit photos, and accessory options together despite distance. Request that groomsmen send photos in their attire before traveling to the wedding so issues can be addressed in advance.
Day-of Logistics
On the wedding day, coordinate the getting-ready process to ensure everyone looks their best.
Preparation Checklist
- Gather all attire in one location the day before—identify any missing items early
- Have a steamer available for any wrinkles
- Keep a small emergency kit: sewing supplies, stain remover, extra buttons, collar stays
- Assign someone to do a final check of each groomsman: tie straight, pocket square in place, lint removed
- Allow enough time—rushing leads to overlooked details
Final Thoughts
Coordinating groomsmen attire successfully comes down to planning, communication, and flexibility. Start early, be clear about expectations and costs, and accommodate individual circumstances where possible.
Remember that your groomsmen are participating in your wedding because they care about you. Make the process as easy as possible for them, and they'll show up looking great and ready to support you on your special day.
In the end, what matters most isn't perfect uniformity—it's having the people you love standing beside you, looking their best and celebrating with you.