Unless you’ve been planning your dream wedding since you were a little girl – and knew you wanted to get married in Punta Cana – choosing groomsmen attire for a beach wedding might not be as easy as it sounds. Thankfully, I’m here to help!
Below, I’ll show you a ton of different options to make sure your groomsmen look and feel amazing on your wedding day. Don’t worry, they could never outshine you. Now let’s get started!
Step 1: Decide on your Groom’s Attire
Is it that obvious? Well… I’m here to tell you anyway. The groom comes first.
Before you choose the attire for your groomsmen, you and your groom should take the time to decide what he is going to be wearing on the big day. Consider your wedding venue, the weather, and the overall theme of your wedding.
You may also want to take your groom’s style into account. He should feel sexy on his wedding day, right? Or at the very least, he should feel special. So choose his outfit first, and then the groomsmen will simply follow suit (no pun intended).
Not a clue what your groom should wear? Check out Groom Attire: How to Dress for a Beach Wedding then come on back to style your groomsmen. (If you’re ready to buy, head on over to The Groomsmen Suit.)
Step 2: Will the Groomsmen Attire Match the Groom?
This is totally up to you! Traditionally, the groomsmen wear the same attire as the groom, but that’s not always the case. And since you’re having a beach wedding, you have a lot more flexibility. It doesn’t have to be so formal or traditional. It’s one of the many reasons why I love beach weddings!
If your groomsmen are going to wear the same thing as the groom, well then, your job here is pretty much done. Since you’ve already completed step one, then all you need to do is get your groomsmen to copy that same look. Easy peasy.
On the other hand, if they’re not wearing the same exact thing, then you’ll want to head to step number three.
Step 3: Choose a Slight Variation of your Groom’s Attire for the Groomsmen
If you want your groom to feel special and to stand out from the groomsmen, then you have a chance to get creative here! Typically, the easiest way to do this is to dress the groom up and dress the groomsmen down a little.
For example:
The groom can wear a suit jacket while the groomsmen only wear shirts and ties. No jackets.
Want a more subtle difference? The groom can wear a different colored tie than the groomsmen. Or a bowtie instead of a necktie. Maybe you want to combine these.
Remember, you want the groom to feel special so even the slightest difference to separate them will do the trick.
Want your groom to stand out even more? Choose a different colored suit altogether. An elegant way to do this is to have all the groomsmen in black while the groom is dressed in white. If your wedding has two color palettes, this can be a super simple way to incorporate them both. Never be afraid to have some fun and get creative with it!
Now, there is another aspect of choosing your groomsmen’s attire for a beach wedding that we haven’t discussed yet. So that will take us to the next step.
Step 4: Pair Your Groomsmen Attire with your Bridesmaids Dresses
It’s not only about matching the groom here. Remember, you’re creating a whole beach wedding aesthetic so you’ll want the groomsmen to fit right in with the bridesmaids. Your entire wedding party should have a nice, cohesive style.
If you haven’t chosen your bridesmaid’s dresses yet, you’ll want to read How to Choose the Perfect Bridesmaids Dresses for a Beach Wedding.
Neutral colors like black, white, gray, and khaki easily blend with any other color so you really can’t go wrong if you choose one of those for your groomsmen.
If you really want the girls and guys to match, consider pairing the color of their ties to the color of your bridesmaid’s dresses. Now this one will take you a little more planning since you’ll want the colors to match perfectly. But you can do it! Once you’ve got that covered, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 5: Bring Out the Accessories
Now that you’ve got your basic groomsmen attire, let’s dive a little deeper to complete the look with some accessories. Of course, we’re all familiar with ties or bowties for the groomsmen, but the accessories don’t have to stop there.
Vests, suspenders, belts, cufflinks, pocket squares, shoes, and socks can all be worn to customize each groomsmen’s look. Maybe you want all the guys matching. Or maybe you want them complimenting each other. It’s completely up to you. Don’t be afraid to have some fun with it. Your groomsmen deserve a little excitement on the wedding day, too.
One of the most common and subtle ways to get creative is with designed socks. I’ve seen everything from flamingos to funny quotes to the bride’s face imprinted over and over. No one can see them when the guys are standing up at the altar, but you’ll know they have that little flare.
Now that we’ve gone through all the options for groomsmen attire for a beach wedding, let me just give you a few bonus tips. These are all things you’ll want to keep in mind before finalizing the outfits for the day.
Bonus Tips to Consider when Choosing Groomsmen Attire for a Beach Wedding
Here are just a few things to keep in mind. Not only do you want to make sure the guys look good, they should also feel good too! After all, they’re on vacation and celebrating your special day right by your side. So take a look at four of my bonus tips down below.
Don’t forget about the weather
You’re getting married in Punta Cana. Need I say more? That beautiful sunshine means it’s going to be hot. And humid. Tropical temperatures all year round. Be sure to choose the best time for a wedding ceremony so the groomsmen aren’t melting standing by your groom’s side at the altar. Also, consider groomsmen attire that will keep them cool and comfortable in the heat.
Match the vibe of your wedding
If you’re having a casual beach wedding, then you may feel comfortable dressing your groomsmen in shorts and button-up t-shirts. Add a bow-tie to dress it up a bit. Khaki pants and white dress shirts will be a little dressier, but you’re still not getting too formal. It’s a nice, simple look for a beach wedding.
Now, if the idea of anyone wearing shorts at your wedding literally haunts you in your sleep, then immediately scratch that look off your list. Your groomsmen are going to want to dress more formal to fit the formality of your event. Suits and ties are your best bet.
Having an elegant beach wedding? Dress all the groomsmen in tuxedos to create a dignified look.
Consider your Groomsmen’s Body Types
If you’ve read anything about choosing a wedding dress or the bridesmaid’s dresses, then I’m sure you’ve read about dressing for your body type. But it’s not only the ladies who need to have this in mind. Dressing for your body type applies to the groomsmen too.
This can really make a difference in looking and feeling their best.
If the groomsmen are tall and slim, well, lucky them! Most tuxedos and suits will look good on their bodies. To slim down, a suit with a fitted waist will give the impression of a thinner silhouette. Darker-colored suits will also be more slimming than lighter colors.
To add bulk, a double-breasted suit will help make the guys look broader. If you want to add some height, go for a two or three-button jacket with lower buttons.
Now if you’re skipping the jackets altogether, you’ll have a much easier time styling the guys. Somehow, dress shirts and ties look good on just about anyone!
Whatever you choose, your guys should be able to move around easily, lift their arms, and of course, dance freely.
Is your reception inside or outside?
If you’re having a fully outdoor wedding, you can utilize more casual fabrics and lighter colors. You probably don’t want everyone in black tuxedos.
If you’re having a formal event, or your reception is indoors (like in a resort ballroom), you’ll want to utilize more “proper” attire. Dark suits or tuxedos will fit better with your aesthetic.
Final Thoughts on Groomsmen Attire for a Beach Wedding
There you have it! All the groomsmen attire ideas you can imagine. Did you decide which one fits best with your wedding? Or do you still need more time? There’s no rush. Take as much time as you need, and decide what feels right for your wedding day.
Don’t forget to ask your groom for his opinion. How does he envision the groomsmen as they stand by his side? Maybe you want to ask your groomsmen for their opinions too. Although, fair warning: you may not like what they have to say. (After all, my husband’s best man wanted to wear a cape like they do in Game of Thrones…. No, thank you!)
It is nice, however, to share all of your ideas and work together. You’ll get the final say, since your the bride, but you can all help each other to ensure that your groomsmen look amazing on your wedding day.
Good luck!
