How to Look Good in Wedding Photos | The Men’s Suit & Style Guide by SUITBAE

Wedding photos last a lifetime, which means what you wear – and how it fits – really does matter. The right suit, shirt, tie and shoes can be the difference between “that’ll do” and photos you’re genuinely happy to see on the wall, in the album and all over social media.

The good news? You don’t need to be a model. You just need a suit that fits properly, colours that work on camera and a few simple tricks for shirts, ties and posture. At SUITBAE, we fit hundreds of grooms, groomsmen and guests every season – this guide shares what actually looks good in real wedding photos.

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Step One: Start with a Suit That Fits Properly

No amount of posing will fix a badly fitted suit. The camera picks up every pull, sag and crease. So the first step to looking good in wedding photos is getting the jacket and trousers right.

Jacket Shoulders

The shoulders are the foundation. The seam should sit exactly where your shoulder ends – not hanging over, not digging in. If the shoulders are off, the whole suit looks wrong, especially in group photos.

Chest and Button Area

Button the jacket and stand naturally:

• If you see an “X” shape pulling across the buttons, it’s too tight.
• If there’s a ripple of spare cloth and no shape, it’s too big.
• You want clean lines with a gentle shape at the waist.

A well-fitted jacket gives you a stronger outline and keeps your posture looking better without trying too hard.

Trousers That Sit Cleanly

Suit trousers should sit at your natural waist or just below, not hanging halfway down your hips. They should fall straight down the leg with a small break on the shoe, not pooling around your ankles. Too long looks sloppy; too short looks like you outgrew them.

If you’re unsure, our fitting teams in Blackpool and Barnsley will put you in the right size and shape in a few minutes – and you’ll see the difference instantly in the mirror.

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Why a Three-Piece Suit Looks Better in Photos

For weddings, a three-piece suit almost always photographs better than a two-piece. The waistcoat does a lot of quiet work you only notice when you see the pictures back.

• It hides shirt creases and button strain through the middle.
• It creates a strong V-shape that suits most body types.
• It keeps your outfit looking smart when the jacket comes off later.
• It adds depth and structure under the jacket in close-up shots.

Whether you’re the groom, best man or a guest, a well-fitted waistcoat and tie combination is one of the simplest ways to look sharper in every wedding photo.

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Choosing Suit Colours That Work on Camera

Some colours look fine in person but don’t translate as well on camera. The right shade can make your skin tone look healthier, your suit look more expensive and your whole outfit easier to coordinate with the wedding theme.

Charcoal and Navy – The Safest Options

Deep navy and charcoal suits work in almost every venue and lighting situation. They look strong in natural light, indoors and under flash, and they complement most shirt and tie combinations without clashing with bridesmaids’ dresses or décor.

Shop Lawrence Navy Three-Piece Suit Here

Stone, Sage and Lighter Tones

For spring and summer weddings, stone, sage and softer blues can look incredible in photos – especially outdoors. The key is making sure the fit and structure are on point; lighter cloths show every bump and crease, so you need a clean silhouette and a good waistcoat.

Shop Callum Sage Three-Piece Suit Here

Black Suits and Tuxedos

Black works best for evening weddings and black tie events. A black tuxedo or dinner suit can look powerful in photos, especially next to a white shirt and crisp bow tie. Just avoid mixing a very shiny shirt or very shiny tie – they can blow out under flash.

Shop Diablo Black Three-Piece Tuxedo Here

Not sure what suits you? Try a couple of colours on in store – the right one is usually obvious as soon as you see yourself side by side in the mirror.

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Shirts, Ties and Waistcoats That Help You Look Better in Pictures

Once the suit is sorted, the finishing touches make a big difference to how tidy you look in close-ups and group shots.

Shirts That Actually Fit Your Neck

For wedding photos, your shirt must close comfortably at the collar. If you can’t do the top button up, or it feels like it’s strangling you, the camera will catch it. Go up a neck size if needed – your waistcoat will handle any extra room around the middle.

Tie Width and Knot

Very skinny or overly wide ties throw off your proportions. Aim for a tie roughly matching the width of your lapels. A neat four-in-hand or half Windsor knot that sits snugly in the collar looks clean and confident in photos. Avoid huge knots that swallow your neck.

Tie Colours That Always Work

If in doubt, go for:

• Navy – works with nearly everything.
• Burgundy – great with navy and charcoal.
• Soft pastel tones – ideal for stone and light grey suits in spring/summer.

Loud prints and novelty ties date quickly and can drag attention away from the rest of the wedding party in group shots.

Matching your tie and pocket square to the theme is great – just keep the tones subtle enough that you’ll still like the photos in ten years’ time.

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Groom vs Groomsmen | How to Stand Out the Right Way

The groom should be clearly marked out in photos, but not so different that he looks like he’s at a different event. The trick is using small changes that show up clearly on camera.

• Contrast waistcoat: Groom in a contrast waistcoat, groomsmen in matching three-pieces.
• Different tie colour: Same suit colour, groom with a different tie that links to the flowers or theme.
• Double-breasted for the groom: Groom in a double-breasted version, groomsmen in single-breasted suits.

These details show up clearly in photos without making the groom look out of place next to his own wedding party.

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Simple Posture and Pose Tips for Men

You don’t need model training to look better in photos. A few basic posture habits go a long way.

• Stand tall: Imagine a string gently pulling the top of your head up. It straightens your back without looking stiff.
• Relax your shoulders: Drop them slightly away from your ears so you don’t look tense.
• Angle your body: Turn a fraction to the side instead of facing the camera dead-on; it’s more flattering on most body types.
• Hands: One hand in a pocket (thumb out) and one relaxed by your side, or both lightly clasped in front/behind you. Avoid clenched fists.

Above all, breathe and look at someone you know – your partner, a mate, the photographer. Forced smiles are obvious; relaxed ones come from actually enjoying the moment.

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Group Photos: How Not to Be “The Messy One”

There’s always one person in a group shot whose jacket is open, tie is crooked or shirt is half untucked. Here’s how to make sure it isn’t you.

• Button check: For most single-breasted suits with a waistcoat, don't button the suit, you'll hide the waistcoat.
• Tie knot: Before every set of photos, quickly adjust your tie and pull it snug into the collar.
• Pocket square: Make sure it’s sitting neatly and not drowned in the pocket.
• Phone and keys: Take them out of your trouser pockets so the silhouette stays smooth.

These tiny checks take seconds but make a big difference to how tidy you look in the final images.

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Grooming and Shoes | The Details the Camera Notices

Two things that can quietly spoil otherwise solid wedding photos: unprepared hair and tired shoes.

Hair and Beard

Get your hair cut a few days before the wedding – not the night before – so it has time to settle. If you have a beard, shape it properly and check for stray hairs. The camera catches more detail than the bathroom mirror.

Shoes

Worn-out shoes with creases, scuffs and chunky soles pull everything down, especially in full-length photos. A simple black or dark brown pair, polished and in proportion with the suit, always looks better than trainers with a formal outfit.

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FAQ: Looking Good in Wedding Photos

Do I really need a three-piece suit for good photos?

Strictly speaking, no – but a three-piece makes it much easier. The waistcoat hides shirt issues, tidies your shape and keeps you looking smart when the jacket comes off. Most men prefer their three-piece photos once they see them.

What colour suit looks best in wedding photos?

Navy and charcoal are the safest options for most venues. For outdoor or summer weddings, stone, sage and lighter blues can look brilliant as long as the fit is right and the rest of the outfit is kept simple and clean.

Should I wear a tie in wedding photos?

In most cases, yes. A tie or bow tie keeps the collar tidy and frames the shirt, which looks better in high-resolution photos. Open collars are much harder to get right – especially for grooms and groomsmen in the main pictures.

How early should I try on my suit before the wedding?

Ideally, at least 8–12 weeks before the date. That gives you time to make sure everything fits, checking if the sizes are still ok, and if needed, make any small adjustments so everything looks dialled in on the day and in the photos.

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Visit SUITBAE for a Wedding Photo-Ready Fitting

If you want to look good in your wedding photos, the easiest way is to start with a properly fitted suit. Visit us in Blackpool or Barnsley, or browse our range online at SUITBAE.COM.

We’ll help you choose a suit, shirt, tie and waistcoat combination that fits your build, suits the wedding theme and looks sharp from the first photo to the last dance.

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SUITBAE — Made for the moments that matter.