I’m so excited to have the folks from The Black Tux on the blog today talking about groom style! I’ve had so many questions from couples about how pick the groom’s attire and how to help their wedding party choose their outfits, and I’m so excited to have these experts on the blog to answer some of those questions!

Classic, sharp and stylish: there is nothing quite like the look of a well fitted tuxedo or suit. When it comes to finding the right tuxedo or suit, there are many details to take into account. No matter if you are planning to be in a wedding in the near future or invited to attend one, it’s time to begin narrowing down your selection for the perfect tuxedo or suit rental (or purchase). Follow these simple tips and pointers to make sure you not only look good, but also feel good when you show up to any event.

Tuxedo or Suit? What’s The Difference?
First thing’s first: what kind of look are you going for? Did you have something in mind that was more formal, sophisticated, and refined? Or were you thinking of a look that was casual, relaxed, and functional? Most importantly, what is the theme of the event that you’re attending? These are important questions to keep in mind when you start deciding between the attire of a tuxedo or a suit.

A tuxedo has a look that is elevated, and often indicates that you are heading to an event that is special. Classic and sharp, tuxedos usually have a lapel that is a silk, and satin buttons for their jackets. Although not always, most tuxedos are black. Consider wearing a tuxedo if the wedding you’re in (or attending) has a dress code that is strictly black-tie.

Suits are much more casual and can come in a variety of colors and styles. The main difference between a tuxedo and suit is that their lapels are not made of silk, and their buttons are made from different materials. Suits can be worn in daily activities, like going to work or grabbing a drink with friends after, giving them a much more casual appearance. For weddings or other special occasions, consider wearing your suit with a nice tie and undershirt that give the outfit a dash of color.

How can you tell which look you should go with? Head into your local tuxedo and suit shop to try on the different styles. Or if you’re interested in saving the time, online tuxedo and suit rental companies, like The Black Tux, offer a free at home try-on process that makes finding the right fit easier than ever! Their fast and free shipping process will have you looking great in one of their high-quality tuxedo and suit rentals in no time!

Match But Don’t Over Do It.
If you’re a groom this wedding season, you might be thinking, “How can I stand out when all groomsmen are wearing the same tuxedo or suit as me?” Easy! Think of using small details. Choose a unique pair of shoes or an undervest that is a different color. Bow ties are a great way to set yourself apart, and there are many different styles and ways to wear bow ties to distinguish yourself from your wedding party. Another fun idea to give groomsmen their own unique style is to let them pick out their own pair of groomsmen socks. This is a fun and small way to let your friends choose their own style, but not stray too far from your wedding’s theme!

Do you and your groomsmen have to match exactly? Not at all. Talk with your partner about what you think would look good for your wedding party attire. Just make sure that the colors match up and that you don’t over-do it. For example, if you are wearing a light colored grey suit, try dressing groomsmen in a grey suit that is a shade darker. This is a subtle difference, but still coincides with the overall look and theme of your wedding. Coordinate on small details that could match the bridesmaids’ dresses as well. Think of using colorful ties or pocket squares to highlight the colors of florals in the bouquets of bridesmaids.

All The Details Come Together.
We discussed how much of a change little details can make on an overall appearance of your wedding party. You might be thinking, should all of these details be the same color or pattern? Should my pocket square match my tie? Although it might be safe to match these small details, don’t be afraid to change things up.

If you’re thinking about coordinating the outfit details of your groomsmen together, think of subtle and small differences. Patterns of the same colors would look great and still match the overall look. Stay away from using too many colors (unless that’s the look you’re going for!), and don’t be afraid to try different patterns in different ways. For example, if you have a pocket square that is a solid green color, think of using a green pattern for your tie.

Choosing the right attire for your wedding can be confusing and, at times, can feel overwhelming. At the end of the day, all you may want to do is throw on some clothes and head to the altar. The best advice is to not overthink it, and talk with your partner about ideas you may have. Make it a team effort in finding the right tuxedo or suit with your wedding party. Finding the right fit is always important, and making sure that you are comfortable is an essential detail to keep in mind. Don’t be afraid to try a new style or make an alteration to find a look that is signaturarily yours. Suit up and be prepared to not only look great, but also to feel the best you’ve ever felt.

* Photographs by Anna Marks Photography. Inspiration from The Black Tux. Disclosure: This post is not sponsored by The Black Tux and outfits in this post are not from The Black Tux.