Should Grooms Match Groomsmen? | The SUITBAE Wedding Guide
Should Grooms Match Their Groomsmen? | The Wedding Coordination Guide by SUITBAE
One of the biggest questions couples face when planning wedding outfits is simple: should the groom match the groomsmen, or should he stand out?
There’s no single rule, but there is a modern way to do it that looks cleaner in photos and avoids colour clashes. Today’s weddings favour coordinated, not identical. The groom should look connected to the group, but still clearly stand out as the main man.
This guide breaks down exactly how to do that, using the same advice we give wedding parties at SUITBAE.
1. Should the Groom Match the Groomsmen? (Short Answer: No.)
Matching perfectly — same suit, same tie, same waistcoat — is old-fashioned and makes the groom blend in.
Modern weddings look best when the groom:
- Wears a richer or deeper version of the groomsmen’s colour
- Has a different waistcoat (texture, pattern or tone)
- Wears a different tie shade
- Or chooses a different suit colour entirely that still coordinates
The goal isn’t to make the groom look separate from the group, but to create a clear visual hierarchy: groom first, then best man, then groomsmen.
2. The Groom Should Be the Sharpest One in the Photos
Wedding photos last a lifetime. If the groom blends into a row of identical suits, the images lose structure and focus.
The easiest and cleanest ways to create that hierarchy:
- Groom in a double-breasted suit jacket, groomsmen in single-breasted
- Groom in a different waistcoat or trousers (richer tone, contrast, or textured cloth)
- Groomsmen in the matching three-piece from their chosen suit
- Groom wearing a deeper or richer tie shade than the rest
- Groom in a slightly darker suit colour from the same palette
- Groom with a stronger pocket square, groomsmen in simple white
These differences look intentional and stylish without ever feeling loud or gimmicky.
3. Best Colour Combinations for Groom vs Groomsmen
Certain colour pairings work especially well for creating contrast while keeping the wedding party unified.
Navy Groom / Midnight Blue Groomsmen
A clean, modern classic.
- Groom: a strong navy three-piece (e.g. Lawrence Navy)
- Groomsmen: midnight blue three-piece (e.g. Jake Midnight)
Stone Groom / Stone Groomsmen
- Groom: textured stone three-piece (e.g. Escobar Stone)
- Groomsmen: stone three-piece (e.g. Kian Stone)
Stone Groom / Light Grey Groomsmen
- Groom: stone check suit (e.g. Charles Stone)
- Groomsmen: light grey suits (e.g. Harry Light Grey, Mason Grey)
Sage Green Groom / Forest Green Groomsmen
- Groom: sage green suit (e.g. Callum Sage)
- Groomsmen: forest green suits (e.g. Charles Green, Archie Green)
4. How the Groom Should Stand Out
You don’t need loud colours or novelty accessories to stand out.
- Double-breasted suit jacket for the groom
- Different waistcoat (patterned, textured or deeper tone)
- Groomsmen in matching 3-piece sets
- Groom’s tie one shade deeper
- Groom in a richer suit colour from the same palette
- Bolder pocket square for the groom
5. When Matching Actually Works
Small Weddings
Minimal weddings sometimes suit uniformity.
Strict Black Tie
Black tie weddings are built around matching black tuxedos, but the groom can still elevate the look with subtle differences.
6. What About the Best Man?
The best man should visually sit between the groom and the groomsmen.
- Same suit as groomsmen, but same tie as groom
- Same suit as groom, but waistcoat matching groomsmen
- Or a pocket square that subtly links him to the groom
7. The SUITBAE Wedding Party Formula
- Groom: double-breasted jacket, richer tie, unique waistcoat.
- Best Man: midpoint styling that links groom and groomsmen.
- Groomsmen: matching single-breasted three-piece suits.
Conclusion
The groom shouldn’t match the groomsmen exactly — he should coordinate. Subtle differences in jacket, waistcoat and tie shade make the whole wedding party look structured and premium.
SUITBAE — Made for the moments that matter.