Are you among the 1 in 4 couples in the United States who have settled for a destination wedding?
Then this guide is for you. We understand the importance of looking good while celebrating love, especially on your wedding day.
Although your groomsmen may have an input on what to wear during the big day, the ultimate decision boils down to you as the groom.
This comprehensive guide shares some valuable tips on how to balance comfort, style, and setting.
Whether you’ve picked a laid-back beach wedding or a tropical paradise event, keep your men comfortable and in line with the wedding theme with these expert tips.
Key Takeaway
- Weddings require careful consideration of the groomsmen’s attire to balance comfort, style, and the wedding setting, whether it’s a beach, tropical locale, or formal venue.
- The choice of fabric is crucial, with breathable options like linen and cotton recommended for warmer climates, while heavier materials are suitable for cooler weather.
- Color palettes should reflect the wedding’s atmosphere, with lighter shades preferred for beach and tropical settings and darker tones for formal and cooler environments.
- Accessories play an important role in elevating the overall look while maintaining comfort, with options like bow ties, pocket squares, and appropriate footwear chosen based on formality and location.
Choosing the Right Groomsmen Attire for a Destination Wedding
When thinking about destination weddings, most of us picture beach weddings. However, destination weddings can happen in different venues, seasons, and climates, depending on the couple’s choice.
If you’re a groom or groomsman planning this trip, it would be best to consider the location when deciding your attire. The venue affects the formality of the event and the type of fabric.
Remember, the groomsmen’s attire should be practical and stylish. Here are some things to think about location:
Wedding Dress Code: Are you having a formal, semi-formal, or casual event? Will the bride and groom wear traditional attire, or will they wear a more casual look?
Climate: If the destination wedding is happening in a hot and humid destination, opt for breathable fabrics. But if the wedding is in a cool climate, you may choose layers and heavy materials.
Setting: Is it a beach wedding, a mountain wedding, or a city backdrop event? All these locations require different types of attire.
Beach Wedding Attire for Groomsmen
Beaches are the most common locations for destination weddings. Celebrating love with sand between your toes and hearing the sounds of the ocean breeze is magical, and we can see why many couples choose a beach destination wedding. But what is the best beach wedding attire for your groomsmen?
Beach Wedding Suit Essentials
Lightweight materials and breathable fabrics are the best choice for this location. A linen shirt and suit are popular since they are airy and stylish. The groomsmen will look great and be cool even on the hottest days, making them ideal for a summer wedding.
Please remember that fabric is key when planning for a beach wedding. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, seersucker, or linen. These fabrics allow air to flow and help with heat absorption.
Color Palette Tips for Beach Weddings
A light, airy color palette is the best option for a beach wedding. It captures the essence of the sand and ocean and brings life to any event. Opt for soft, breezy hues that match the beauty of the seaside.
Pastel colors are a good choice for your wedding day, evoking romance and tranquility. Think pastel blues, light grey, and tan. A blue or white shirt keeps the vibe fresh and coastal.
Accessorizing with a pop of color can add a little personality to the overall look. For instance, you can use colorful pocket squares or a fun bow tie. A vibrant blue or cheerful coral can take a look from simple to sophisticated in a minute.
Footwear Choices for the Sand
When choosing footwear for a beach wedding, think comfort and style. Boat shoes and flip-flops offer a casual, laid-back look.
Boat shoes are a great idea if you want a classic nautical look, while flip-flops are a perfect choice for people who want something easy to put on and won’t weigh them down in the sand.
Dress shoes may be the perfect choice for a more formal look. But please think of the terrain. You will need shoes with a sturdy sole to handle the sand and offer good traction. Leather dress shoes with a rubber sole are practical and stylish.
Attire for Tropical and Warm Weather Weddings
In tropical and warm weather, breathable and lightweight attire is needed. It’s like a beach wedding but in a more elevated atmosphere.
Best Suit Options for Tropical Climates
Comfort is key when dressing for a tropical climate. Lightweight fabric and minimal layers are your best bet to help keep the groomsmen cool under the hot sun. Linen, cotton, and seersucker are the best choices.
When it comes to the color palette, pick neutral-colored suits in shades of grey, beige, or blue to reflect the sun and keep the men cool. Solid colors are also a great option, as they are timeless and elegant and keep groomsmen cool in the scorching heat.
Color Choices in the Heat
Since color is crucial in keeping the groomsmen comfortable and relaxed, you must consider your choices. Lighter colors are perfect as they reflect sunlight and regulate body temperature.
A light grey suit over a white shirt creates a sophisticated yet breezy look. Other great options include beige, khaki, and blue. Besides looking great, these colors will ensure comfort throughout the day.
Personal Touches to Match the Venue
Accessorize with a Panama hat for a stylish touch and protection from the sun, which is much needed during a tropical climate. Remember to keep things simple but effective. A minimalist watch with subtle cufflinks and a lightweight scarf are all perfect ideas.
Formal and Semi-Formal Destination Weddings
Some destination weddings take a formal shape. For instance, those happening in expensive resorts and upscale destinations. Thankfully, it’s still possible to create a stylish and comfortable look even in these places.
Selecting Formal Wedding Attire
If your destination wedding is formal, a well-tailored suit is a must. A black or navy suit will be a classic choice. It’s also best to consider some three-piece suits for a touch of sophistication, especially for the evening program or winter weddings. Opt for a tailored fit to look more polished.
Color and Style for Formal Destination Weddings
In addition to a black and blue suit, you can opt for a tan suit, midnight blue, burgundy, beige, or light grey. These are all fantastic color choices, provided you consider the location and choose the right shoes and accessories.
If the wedding occurs in a cool climate or the evening, darker tones will suit the vibe. But a light-colored suit will blend with the venue’s natural beauty for daytime weddings.
Accessories for a Formal Vibe
Pocket squares, cufflinks, and bow ties are perfect for a formal suit. These small but impactful details can elevate your look, making it more polished and sophisticated. Coordinating the wedding’s color scheme can add a personal touch. Dress shoes offer a polished look and are ideal for those who want to appear this way.
Casual and Semi-Casual Groomsmen Attire for Destination Weddings
While suits and ties are common at weddings, some call for a laid-back approach. Many couples embrace casual weddings at beach resorts, outdoor venues, or laid-back villas. Here are some tips for a casual dress code.
Achieving a Casual Look
Khaki pants and lightweight linen trousers are great groomsmen attire for a casual destination wedding. You can pair them with an open-collar shirt or a short-sleeved button-up.
Allow some freedom for your groomsmen to bring out their style with colors or pops of colors on their accessories. However, remind them to stick with the wedding theme.
Summer and Beach Wedding Look
If you’re having a summer wedding or an event on the beach, opt for light colors, breathable fabrics, and less formal wear. Instead of traditional dress shoes, go with boat shoes.
Also, it would be best to opt for an open-collar shirt to give you a casual yet stylish vibe.
Practical Tips for Different Wedding Climates
Now, let’s share some practical advice depending on the climate of the wedding venue.
Groomsmen Attire for Winter Weddings
During winter, it’s essential to balance style with practicality, prioritizing comfort and warmth while maintaining a polished appearance.
Full suits with long sleeves are an obvious choice, but layering is key to staying cozy without compromising your look.
Darker tones often work best during cold weather, so colors like charcoal, navy, or black should be among your top picks. Wool is a classic choice for fabric, but you can also go with other heavier fabrics to keep your men warm during the event.
Hot and Humid Climates
When choosing outfits for hot and humid climates, consider comfort and breathability.
Opt for natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen in light colors like white, beige, and light blue, which reflect sunlight and keep the men cool. Also, go with soft pastels to add a pop of color without sacrificing comfort.
It’s best to wear loose-fitting clothing to allow better airflow. When layering, remember that the fewer layers, the better. A lightweight linen shirt or a thin cotton cardigan are excellent choices, as they can be easily removed if it gets too hot.
Look for affordable options like vintage finds or budget-friendly fashion brands that stock stylish, affordable clothing.
Accessorizing for the Big Day
Finding the Right Balance with Accessories
Accessories can elevate the wedding attire from simple to elegant, add a personal touch, and complete the overall look. However, it would be best to balance style and practicality.
A bow tie or a pocket square gives a minimalist yet sophisticated look. You can choose a subtle pop of color for the pocket square, like burgundy, accompanied by a navy blue bow tie.
Adding Practical and Stylish Finishes
For tropical or beach weddings, hats like a fedora or a Panama hat can be stylish and functional if the wedding is on the beach or in a tropical location.
Your choice of footwear also depends on the location and formality of the wedding. If your wedding is formal, we emphasize dress shoes. But if laid back, a pair of boat shoes can be comfortable and stylish. You can also go with loafers or sandals.
Final Thoughts
Destination weddings are a chance to celebrate love while enjoying the serenity of a beautiful location. Although most energy goes to keeping your wedding guests comfortable, don’t forget the groomsmen’s attire.
You must pick stylish, comfortable outfits that complement the wedding theme, setting, and climate.
Regardless of your location and the event’s formality, the key is to find a look that matches the vibe while keeping your men looking fresh and sharp.