5 Trends for the Trendy Groomsmen

1. So long, bow tie

Today’s stylish groomsman are wearing tuxedos with long ties, and with vests instead of cummerbunds. “More and more grooms are ordering cravat [long] ties, non-pleated shirts, and three-button jackets, which is a more modern option,” says Brian Regenstreich, manager of Zeller Tuxedos in New York.

2. Beyond the Tux

For a casual affair, it’s OK to dress the guys in blazers, and match something in their outfits (a pocket square, a tie, a belt, their socks!) with the overall color scheme. For a great casual look, have your party wear khaki pants and a navy blazer. Another way to coordinate is to order extra fabric from the bridesmaid dresses to make matching ties for the groomsmen.

3. Include Grandpa

A lovely way to pay respect to your elders is by getting them matching tuxedos. “More and more grooms come in with their grandfathers,” says Regenstreich. “If the grandfather is not officially in the party, at least he’ll feel like he’s part of the celebration with the tuxedo he wears.” If you wan them to look distinct from the rest of the wedding party, have the grandfathers wear the same style tux and shirts, but in a slightly different shade.

4. Wearable Gifts

If your groomsmen are professional/business types, they are likely to spend a lot of their week in a suit or blazer. A nice gift idea is something unique and personalized that will not only add to their wedding day style, but that they’ll use again and again. Cufflinks with their initials are great, or you can go for individual designs that suit each guy’s personality. (For the banker, get dollar signs or ‘buy’ and ‘sell’ links; for the sports fan, a baseball and mitt.)

5. Vary the Boutonnieres

It’s nice to have a coordinated wedding party, but it’s totally acceptable to mix things up a bit. For example, the best man’s boutonniere may be different than the other members of the party. Or you could make every single groomsman’s boutonniere different, but match them with the bouquet of the bridesmaid he escorts down the aisle.  If you want something more original than flowers, or if you want a more masculine look, consider boutonnieres of wheat, herbs, or leaves.

From The Knot