The short answer: start with the wedding's dress code, choose the groom's outfit first, then dress the groomsmen to match it without copying it. Order at least four weeks before the day so there's time to swap a size. This guide walks through each step, with outfits from $209.99 and free shipping Australia-wide.
1. Start with the dress code and the venue
The invitation sets the level of formality, and everything else follows from it.
| Dress code | What the groom wears | What the groomsmen wear |
|---|---|---|
| Black tie | Tuxedo with satin or velvet lapels, bow tie | Matching tuxedos, or plain black or navy suits with bow ties |
| Formal | Dark suit or a standout dinner jacket | Matching dark suits, often with a waistcoat |
| Semi-formal or cocktail | Suit in a lighter shade or a colour | Coloured suits or suit and waistcoat sets |
| Garden or beach | Lighter tones such as fawn, beige or blue | Light suits, or waistcoats and trousers without jackets |
Think about the season too. For outdoor spring and summer weddings, lighter colours look right and the groomsmen will thank you for the option to take jackets off for photos. Evening and winter weddings suit navy, black and charcoal.
2. Choose the groom's outfit first
The groom should look like part of the wedding party but still stand out. There are three easy ways to do it. For outfit ideas for six wedding styles, from church to beach, see What Should the Groom Wear?
A tuxedo for black-tie and evening weddings
A tuxedo is the most formal choice. Black is classic; midnight navy is a little more modern and photographs well. Options:
- Navy Slim Fit Tuxedo Dinner Suit, $289.99
- Black Satin Shawl Lapel Tuxedo Suit, $289.99
- Black Peak Lapel Tuxedo Suit, $279.99
- Black Velvet Shawl Lapel Tuxedo Suit, $249.99
A dinner jacket to stand apart from the groomsmen
If the groomsmen wear black or navy suits, a velvet or patterned dinner jacket over black trousers marks out the groom straight away. The Burgundy Velvet Dinner Jacket ($249.99) is a standout option. See all dinner jackets.
A lighter suit for day and garden weddings
For a relaxed or outdoor wedding, a lighter suit looks fresh in photos. Try the Fawn Poly Wool Slim Fit Suit or the Blue Poly Wool Slim Fit Suit (both $289.99).
3. Dress the groomsmen
Groomsmen look best when they match each other and complement the groom. There are two common approaches below; for four looks with the cost per person, see Groomsmen Suits: Matching vs Mix and Match.
Matching suits
Everyone in the same suit is the simplest and most polished look. For colour-themed weddings, our microfiber suits come in 11 colours from $209.99, including royal blue. Matching waistcoats ($64.99) and dress shirts ($60.99) let you build the whole outfit in one colour, or mix a coloured waistcoat with a neutral suit.
For a classic look, the Navy Formal Plain Slim Fit Suit ($229.99) also comes in black, grey, charcoal, blue and chocolate.
Mix and match
Groomsmen wear the same colour family in slightly different shades or styles, such as navy, blue and grey suits with matching ties. It suits relaxed weddings and is easier when the groomsmen have different builds. Keep one thing consistent, such as the tie, waistcoat or shirt colour, so the group still looks like a group.
Ways to set the groom apart
- A different jacket: a dinner jacket or tuxedo while the groomsmen wear suits.
- A different waistcoat colour or a three-piece suit while the groomsmen wear two-piece.
- A different tie or bow tie.
4. Get the fit right for every body
Most sizing problems come from fit style, not measurements.
- Slim fit runs one size smaller. If you wear XL in regular fit, choose XXL in slim fit.
- Regular fit gives more room through the chest and waist and suits broader builds. Browse regular fit or slim fit.
- Big and tall groomsmen don't need to be left out. Many of our suits go up to large sizes; see the Big & Tall collection.
Have each person in the wedding party check their size against the size chart on the product page before ordering.
5. Don't forget the page boys
Page boys and ring bearers look great in a smaller version of the groomsmen's outfit. Our boys' formal wear includes microfiber dress shirts in many of the same colours as the men's range, and the Match Father & Son collection pairs men's and boys' styles.
When to order
We dispatch within 3 business days. Standard delivery takes 3–5 business days to city areas and 5–10 elsewhere, and express takes 1–2 business days to cities. Delivery is free on all orders within Australia.
Order at least four weeks before the wedding. That leaves time to try everything on and use our 14-day exchange window if a size needs swapping. Sale items can't be exchanged, so check sizes carefully before buying from the sale.
Wedding party checklist
- Confirm the dress code with the couple.
- Choose the groom's outfit.
- Choose the groomsmen's suit and colour.
- Collect everyone's size and fit preference (slim or regular).
- Add waistcoats, shirts and ties.
- Order four or more weeks ahead.
- Try everything on as soon as it arrives.
Ordering for the whole wedding party?
If you're buying suits for several groomsmen, contact us and we'll help you choose colours and sizes for the whole group.
Frequently asked questions
Should the groom wear a different suit from the groomsmen?
It's not required, but most grooms stand out in some way: a different jacket, a waistcoat in another colour, or a different tie. If everyone wears the same suit, a contrasting waistcoat or bow tie is the simplest way to mark out the groom.
What colour suit is best for a wedding?
Navy is the most versatile: it works for day and evening, indoors and outdoors, and suits most skin tones. Black is best for evening and black-tie weddings. Lighter colours such as fawn, grey and blue suit daytime and outdoor weddings.
Do groomsmen need waistcoats?
No, but a waistcoat makes the outfit look complete when jackets come off at the reception, and a coloured waistcoat is an easy way to bring in the wedding's colour theme.