Dressing the groom and four to eight groomsmen is a project, especially when the guys live in different cities. This guide gives you a simple timeline, a few rules for colors and sizing, and a checklist for the week of the wedding.
Suits or tuxedos?
Let the wedding set the dress code:
- Evening or formal wedding: tuxedos, or dark suits in black, navy or charcoal.
- Daytime or outdoor wedding: suits in lighter colors like light gray, tan or blue.
- Somewhere in between: three-piece suits. The vest dresses up a suit and still looks good when the jackets come off at the reception.
Browse groomsmen suits and the full wedding collection. Not sure which way to go? Read Suit vs. Tuxedo: What's the Difference?
Pick the colors
- Groomsmen match each other. Same suit, same color, same fit.
- The groom stands out. A different color, a vest, or a tuxedo while the groomsmen wear suits.
- Use accessories to match the bridesmaids. Ties, bow ties and pocket squares can match the bridesmaid dresses, so the suits can stay classic.
- Safe colors: navy, charcoal, gray and black look good on most guys and in most photos.
Many of our styles come in several colors. The Three-Piece Vested Suit comes in black, navy, mid grey, burgundy and light grey, and the Classic Two-Button Suit comes in eight colors.
The timeline
- 3 to 4 months before: choose the style and colors. If most of the party is local, book a wedding party fitting.
- 2 to 3 months before: get everyone measured and buy all the suits at the same time, so every guy gets the same style and color while all sizes are in stock.
- 3 to 4 weeks before: alterations. In our stores, they're usually ready the same day, 2 days at most.
- 1 week before: every guy tries on the full outfit with his shoes. Fix anything that's off.
- The day before: steam the suits, hang them up and pack each guy's accessories in one bag.
Sizing groomsmen who live out of town
Send each out-of-town groomsman our size guide. All he needs is his chest measurement and his height, and it takes about two minutes. He can order online with free shipping on every US order and have the pants hemmed by a local tailor. If he lives near one of our 7 stores, he can get fitted there.
What it costs
Our suits and tuxedos start at $249 online and $299 in our stores. There are no rentals, deposits or return deadlines: every groomsman keeps his suit and can wear it again. See Buy vs. Rent a Tuxedo for the full comparison.
Wedding week checklist
- A suit or tuxedo for every guy, altered and tried on
- Dress shirts, ironed
- Ties or bow ties, and pocket squares
- Belts, dress socks and shoes
- Boutonnieres (confirm the count with the florist)
- A spare white shirt and a travel steamer
Book a wedding party fitting
Tell us your wedding date, how many guys are in the party and which store you prefer, and that store will contact you to set up the fitting. Request a fitting or find your nearest store.
Groomsmen suits FAQ
How far ahead should groomsmen order suits?
Two to three months before the wedding. That leaves time for everyone to order, get alterations and try everything on.
Do groomsmen have to buy their suits?
With us, yes. We don't rent, so every groomsman owns his suit, from $249 online.
Can groomsmen in different states match?
Yes. Everyone orders the same style and color online, or visits whichever of our stores is closest.
Should the groom wear something different?
Usually, yes. A different color, a vest or a tuxedo helps the groom stand out in photos.