We explore the three main options you have for the best man and groomsmen attire. We also address the subject of ushers, when you would have them, and what they would wear.
The following article is an example of the content we have in our online wedding planning membership site HappyWeddings.ca under the heading of Bridal Party Attire. To learn more and get useful wedding planning tools for FREE, click here!
Once the groom’s attire has been defined, that is the time to figure out what the best man and groomsmen will wear. There are basically three choices. The first is to have the best man and groomsmen in the same tuxedo. The second choice is to have the best man in the same tuxedo as the groom, and the groomsmen in something a little less formal. The third choice is to have the best man and groomsmen in something a little less formal than the groom.
In the last module of the Groom’s Attire, one of the videos you watched showed the groom in a formal tuxedo with an ascot where the groomsmen wore the same tuxedo with a four-in-hand tie instead. This distinguishes the groom, while allowing for an overall uniform classic look for the men in the bridal party.
The best man is responsible for organizing the groomsmen and ensuring they show up for their fitting appointments at the tuxedo shop. Each of the bridal party is responsible for paying for their tuxedo rental, which can also include the requisite patent leather shoes. The best man is responsible for ensuring everyone returns the tuxedos and other rental items after the wedding. The best man will also return the groom’s tuxedo after the wedding, since the groom will be gone on his honeymoon.
Traditionally ushers are not part of the bridal party, but are specifically for ‘ushering’ guests to their seats. This task is most common at the wedding ceremony. If you are having a small wedding party with only a best man and maid of honour, it is common to have ushers to assist at the ceremony. If you are having a large wedding, you might also opt for ushers in addition to the groomsmen to help seat people at the ceremony. Usually the best man and groomsmen will dress in a similar way to the groom, but depending upon the weddings’ formality, the ushers can be in a standard business suit, or dressed more elaborately in a tuxedo. Usually the ushers will not be in tuxedos, but if you are having an ultra formal wedding, you might opt for tuxedos for the ushers.
Whatever attire you choose for the best man and groomsmen, it is important that it fits the formality of the wedding, and does not outshine the groom.