Groom Style Guide: Suits vs. Tuxedos

The simplest way to tell a suit from a tuxedo is the finishing details. A tuxedo has satin accents, typically on the lapels, buttons, and a stripe down the side of the trousers. A suit does not. That satin detailing is what makes a tuxedo read as formal evening wear, while a suit reads as polished but slightly more versatile.

Both can look incredible on a groom. The right choice depends on the formality of your wedding, the time of day, your venue, and honestly, what makes you feel the most like yourself. Neither option is better than the other. They simply serve different moments.

A tuxedo is the traditional choice for formal and black-tie weddings, especially evening ceremonies. If your wedding is in a ballroom, a cathedral, a grand hotel, or any venue with a sense of occasion, a tuxedo rises to meet the setting. It signals that the evening is something special.

Classic tuxedo colors are black, midnight navy, and charcoal. For warmer months, ivory or light gray dinner jackets offer a seasonal twist while keeping the formality. If your bride is wearing a formal ball gown or a heavily embellished dress, a tuxedo ensures you stand beside her at the same level of polish.

A suit is the right call for semi-formal, daytime, outdoor, and casual weddings. Barn weddings, garden ceremonies, rooftop receptions, and destination celebrations all pair naturally with a well-fitted suit. A suit feels approachable without sacrificing style.

Navy, charcoal, light gray, and tan are all popular suit colors for grooms. The fabric matters too. A lightweight wool or linen blend keeps you comfortable in warm weather, while a heavier wool works well for fall and winter ceremonies. At Boulevard Bride, our groom collection includes suits in a range of fabrics and colors to match the season.

Whether you choose a suit or a tuxedo, the fit determines how you look in photos and how you feel all day. A jacket that is too wide in the shoulders, trousers that pool at the ankles, or a shirt collar that gaps will undermine even the most expensive fabric.

We recommend being measured by a professional rather than guessing your size from something you already own. Bodies change, and wedding attire is not the place for approximation. At Boulevard Bride, we measure every groom and groomsman individually and guide you through the fitting process so nothing is left to chance.

The groom should stand out from the groomsmen, but the group should look cohesive. A common approach is to put the groom in a slightly different shade, a different lapel style, or a different tie or boutonniere while keeping the groomsmen in a matching set.

If the groom wears a tuxedo, the groomsmen can wear tuxedos in the same color or step down to suits in a complementary shade. If the groom wears a suit, the groomsmen should match in formality. Talk through the full look with your stylist so the group photographs well together without anyone feeling out of place.

Start the process 3 to 4 months before the wedding to allow time for ordering, fitting, and any adjustments. If you are outfitting a full wedding party, give yourself a little extra time so everyone can be measured and their orders placed together.

At Boulevard Bride in Lake St. Louis, we outfit grooms and groomsmen alongside the bridal party. You can schedule a groom appointment on its own or pair it with a bridal visit. We will walk you through fabrics, colors, and fit so you look and feel your best standing at the altar.