The Groom's Suit Guide: Morning Suits, Lounge Suits and Tuxedos
Choosing a wedding suit — morning dress, lounge suits and black tie — plus hire vs buy and tailoring tips.
The groom's suit sets the tone for the whole wedding party. Choose it after the dress style and venue are decided so everything feels coherent.
Know the dress codes
- Morning dress — tailcoat, waistcoat and striped trousers. Traditional for formal daytime church weddings.
- Lounge suit — a two- or three-piece suit. The most popular choice for UK weddings and the most versatile.
- Black tie — a dinner jacket for evening receptions and very formal weddings.
- Tweed and heritage — perfect for autumn and winter country weddings.
Colour and fabric
Navy, grey and charcoal suit almost everyone. Green, blue checks and earthy tones are popular for barn and countryside weddings. Lightweight wool or a linen blend keeps summer grooms cool; heavier wool flannel and tweed suit colder months.
Hire, buy or bespoke?
- Hire is economical for morning dress and large groomsmen parties.
- Buying off the peg with alterations gives you a suit to wear again.
- Made-to-measure and bespoke offer the best fit; allow at least three months.
Timing
Order or book four to six months before the wedding, have a fitting six weeks out, and collect hired suits a few days before the day.
Should the groom match the groomsmen?
Many grooms wear the same suit with a different waistcoat, tie or buttonhole so they stand out subtly.
What colour suit is best for a summer wedding?
Light grey, soft blue and sand tones in lightweight fabrics look fresh and keep you comfortable.
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