When it comes to wedding style, grooms have so much more room to play than just the traditional black suit. Whether you want to go all-in with bold color or keep things subtle with thoughtful details, adding personality to your look can completely transform how it feels (and photographs). These real weddings are a great example of how different approaches to color—from soft and understated to rich and dramatic—can still feel timeless, personal, and effortlessly stylish.
Subtle Color with Thoughtful Details
If you want to bring color into your look without fully committing to a bold suit, this is such a good way to do it. The soft purple tones show up in small, intentional places—the bow tie, boutonniere, and pocket square—while the gray tux keeps everything feeling classic and grounded. It’s a really nice balance where the color feels present but not overwhelming, especially in a more formal setting.
It also works really well for tying into your overall wedding palette without feeling too matchy or styled. The subtle pattern in the jacket adds just enough texture to keep things interesting, and those small pops of color give the whole look personality. It’s one of those approaches that feels easy, polished, and very wearable, especially if you’re not used to wearing a lot of color.
Soft Coastal Color in a Light Blue Suit
This light blue suit is such a beautiful choice, especially for a coastal wedding like this one at the Seymour Marine Center. The color ties in so naturally with the ocean-inspired theme without feeling too literal, and it has that soft, airy quality that works really well in natural light. It stands out in a really fresh way, but still feels relaxed and easy, which is exactly the kind of balance a lot of couples are going for.
What I love most about this look is how subtle it feels while still being undeniably striking. The tone is light enough to feel unique, but not so bold that it takes over. Paired with a really well-tailored fit and thoughtful details, it comes together in a way that feels polished, intentional, and very personal. It’s a great example of how stepping slightly outside of the traditional dark suit can create something that feels memorable without being over the top.
A Deep Purple Suit That Completely Steals the Show
This deep purple suit is such a standout choice, especially for a redwood forest wedding. Against all that rich green, the color really comes alive in the best way—it pops without feeling out of place. It’s bold, but still grounded by the natural setting, which makes it feel intentional rather than over the top. The tone of the purple works beautifully with the earthy surroundings, and it ends up feeling both striking and cohesive at the same time.
What really takes this look to the next level are the custom details. The lining inside the jacket, with its subtle pattern and personalized initials, adds that extra layer of personality that makes the suit feel completely one-of-a-kind. And honestly, paired with that incredible braid, the whole look just comes together so effortlessly. It’s stylish, confident, and a great example of how going all-in on color can really pay off when it’s done thoughtfully.
Dark Green, Moody, and Effortlessly Cool
This deep green suit is such a strong look, especially in a redwood forest setting where it blends in just enough while still standing out. It leans into color, but in a way that feels rich and grounded rather than bright or flashy. Paired with the black shirt, it instantly gives the whole look a more modern, slightly edgy feel, while still staying really polished and intentional.
The details here are what really make it special. The custom lining inside the jacket, the gold accents, and even the initials on the cuff all add these little moments of personality that make the look feel completely his. The paper flower boutonniere adds a softer, handmade touch that contrasts beautifully with the darker tones, and honestly, the mustache just ties it all together. It’s a great example of how you can go colorful, but still keep things moody, elevated, and very stylish.
Bold Red Velvet with Personal, Cultural Details
This red velvet suit is such a standout, especially for a winter wedding. The texture alone adds so much richness, and the deep red color feels both festive and elevated at the same time. It’s one of those looks that immediately feels intentional and confident, and it photographs beautifully in softer indoor light. Plus, it’s actually practical too—the heavier fabric makes it a great choice for cooler weather.
What really makes this look unforgettable are the personal details woven into it. The Día de los Muertos-inspired lining adds such a meaningful, cultural element, bringing in color and personality in a way that feels deeply personal rather than just decorative. Paired with the vest and bow tie, everything comes together in a way that feels bold, expressive, and completely his. It’s such a good example of how a statement suit can still feel refined when it’s rooted in something meaningful.
At the end of the day, the best look is the one that feels like you. Whether that’s a deep velvet jacket, a custom lining with meaning, or just a hint of color in the details, there’s no one right way to do it. If you’re planning your wedding and thinking about stepping outside the traditional, these looks are proof that you can have fun with it while still keeping everything elevated and cohesive.
Do grooms have to wear a black or navy suit?
Not at all. While classic suits are always a safe choice, more and more grooms are choosing colors that reflect their personality or tie into the wedding theme. Greens, blues, burgundy, and even patterned details can look incredibly polished.
How can I add color without going too bold?
Start small. A colored bow tie, pocket square, boutonniere, or even a custom jacket lining can bring in color in a really subtle, intentional way while keeping the overall look classic.
What colors work best for outdoor weddings?
It depends on the setting, but earthy tones like green, warm neutrals, and deeper shades like burgundy or purple tend to photograph beautifully in natural environments like forests or coastal locations.