I am one of those ‘but the groom matters too‘ kinds of wedding photographers. The day is no longer just about the bride; it’s about the couple as a whole! 

I absolutely love unique Colorado weddings, and I especially love when couples put equal amounts of love and attention into the respective outfits that they plan to wear.

Today’s post is all about inspiring groomswear ideas, and why HIS attire matters too!  

The Problem with Grooms-wear Suit Rentals

Yes, rentals are an inexpensive way to get a nicer suit for less than the cost of buying it new. However, I’ve been a Colorado wedding photographer long enough to have more than enough stories to share about why renting a suit for your wedding may not be the best idea! 

Imagine this: the wedding day has arrived! You are at a stunning resort in Cancun, Mexico, sharing an intimate sun-filled beach wedding with your closest family and friends. 

You brought your rented suit with you on the plane, having picked it up the day before. The time has come to get dressed, you unzip it, put it on, and the unthinkable happens: there are stains ALL over the vest and jacket. 

This story actually happened. These things DO happen with rented suits, so if you go this route, make sure to check it over thoroughly! 

At another wedding, the suit rental company forgot to include a vest and button down shirt for the brides father! The wedding planner had to delay the wedding 30 minutes so she could send her assistant to find a replacement so that he could walk her down the aisle. 

Suit rentals can work, but it is VERY smart to add an additional day to your rental before the wedding. This way you can fully inspect the suit and have it fixed or replaced if there is a problem. (Hint: The added day may just put you into a budget where buying a suit might actually make sense!) 

Other potential complications with suit rentals, that all grooms should know about:

-Poor fit (barely customized resulting in saggy butts, short or long hems, and loosey-goosey shoulders. 
-Wrong colors sent
-Stains/marks/loose threads
-Other dudes sweat (YUCK)
-Unusual smells (from cigarettes, cigars, liquor, or dry cleaning) ​
-Unavailable sizes and colors, even last minute

For professional suit rentals from a company that tends to get it right, check out The Black Tux. 

If you are looking to have your entire wedding party in matching suits, renting is absolutely a phenomenal option! 

For this, have the groomsmen rent suits, and as the groom, you might consider a custom suit or investing in something beautiful and tailored that you can wear for years to come. 

If you are looking to have your entire wedding party in matching suits, renting is absolutely a phenomenal option! 

For this, have the groomsmen rent suits, and as the groom, you might consider a custom suit or investing in something beautiful and tailored that you can wear for years to come. 

I cannot emphasis this one enough. Having your suit properly tailored to fit you for your wedding is everything. There is almost nothing worse than having a suit look decent from afar, but seeing nothing but saggy pants as you walk your partner back down the aisle!

Signs of a well-fitted grooms suit:

Flat shoulders (no bunching, rounding, or lumps
Clean lines in the pants seat (no sagging, drooping, stretching and straining)
The ‘trouser break’ (a small dimple at the hem just above where it hits the shoe)
Perfect closure (no strain lines or sagging)
Correct length jacket arms (a 1/2 inch of shirt cuff should show)
Correct length jacket (should hit about mid palm)
Flat collar (the collar should lie flat and not gap open or pull into your neck)

Because ever single body is unique, hitting all of those marks can be tough without a truly custom suit, trying on a lot of brands, or an amazing tailor. For all of those, expect to spend a little extra money (though, let’s be honest, the bride still probably spent way more!). 

Find a great tailor to customize your suit; you are already spending the money, you might as well look the absolute best that you can! The polish of a well-fit suit will feel incredible on your wedding day. 

I cannot write a Grooms-wear ideas blog post without offering some unique groomswear inspiration; thoughtful custom ideas that don’t have to cost a lot extra! 

As mentioned above, I am a huge fan of unique and personal weddings. Celtic and Scottish menswear can be an especially beautiful touch, especially if worn to honor your heritage. 

​I highly recommend Kerreen O’Connor for beautiful unique grooms and groomsmen attire. 

Other unique grooms-wear ideas

Kilts
Vests only (no jackets)
Fedoras
Custom neckwear (Check out the Knottie Tie right here in Denver, CO!)
Plaid and other fun textural patterns 
Custom linings (fabric with unique patterns, even custom fabrics with a map of where you met!)
Custom cufflinks (check Etsy.com!)

Check out this grooms custom plaid vest! I especially love it paired with that pop of bright yellow in his boutonnière. 

This groom also chose to wear a vest. This is a great option for more casual, laid back outdoor weddings. Paired with organic garden inspired florals and vintage lace, this look is both polished and relaxed. . .and I guarantee he was way more comfortable and cool in this outdoor than in a heavy suit jacket! 

As I’ve said before, the groom matters too! 

It’s ok to put time, thought, and perhaps a little extra money towards an outfit that makes you look and feel great. 

Custom suits are on the high end of pricey, but even a good tailored suit doesn’t have to cost more than the bride may have spent on her dress and accessories. As an added bonus, you can wear it again! 

Make it personal! There are so many ways to add a unique custom touch to your grooms-wear attire. 

I offer wedding photography to couples planning unique Colorado weddings, but I am also available to travel worldwide! Stay tuned to my blog for more great Colorado wedding and general planning tips, advice, ideas, and inspiration. 

I would love to hear from you! You can contact me here, and please also leave a comment below!