Should the Groom Wear a Suit or Tuxedo?
How do you decide on the attire your groom should wear on the big day? Should the groom wear a suit or a tuxedo? This choice can influence the overall look and tone of your event, whether it leans black-tie, semi-formal, or casual chic.
If you’re unsure which route to take, this simple guide breaks down the tuxedo vs suit wedding debate to help you decide which is the best fit for your style, setting, and personality.
First, What’s the Difference?
All suits and tuxedos are not created equal. The biggest difference? Satin. This is usually seen on the detailing of a tuxedo, decorating the buttons, lining the lapel, or commonly seen on the side-stripe down the pant leg. Suits are made using one type of fabric, which makes them slightly less formal. Depending on your wedding dress code, a tuxedo is often chosen for black-tie events, while a suit fits perfectly for more relaxed settings. You’ll also find that when accessorizing a tuxedo, you might include a waistcoat, cummerbund, and bow tie, but these accessories aren’t always necessary for a suit.
Formality Check
The most polished option, and if you’re planning to have a black-tie wedding, a tuxedo is a must for your groom and the perfect way to set the tone for your formal event. If you set black-tie as your wedding dress code, you’ll likely have several guests arrive wearing tuxedos, so keep in mind, do you want anyone to look more formal than your groom?
Time of Day Considerations
Typically, it’s customary that your groom would wear a tuxedo at evening events only. Many wedding photographers in Rapid City recommend suits for daytime weddings because they blend seamlessly with the softer tones of natural daylight, making your photos feel effortless and timeless.
Cost and Practicality
The costs can be an important deciding factor, so we recommend being thoughtful when it comes to how much your wedding party will be spending to make it to your big day. Men are more likely to get additional use out of a suit than out of a tuxedo. That said, it is possible to rent a nice tuxedo and it’s often a more affordable option than purchasing a new suit.
Expressing Personality Through Style
Your personal preference is extremely important to your big day and is your groom’s decision. If he’s more excited to dress up in a tuxedo, let him have fun with it! If you find he really enjoys accessorizing, a suit might just be a good fit. Use the time and style of your wedding to guide you to the best decision.
How Photography Captures the Look
No matter what the groom wears, professional photography makes all the difference. The right wedding photographer in Rapid City knows how to highlight the textures and tones of formalwear, from the subtle sheen of a satin lapel to the crisp lines of a tailored suit.
At Complete Weddings + Events, we capture the essence of your style, whether it’s a sleek black-tie tuxedo or a classic three-piece suit. Our photographers use creative lighting, composition, and storytelling techniques to showcase every detail, ensuring your wedding album reflects both your elegance and personality.
Love our groom photos? Learn more about our wedding photography here.
Capture Every Detail with Complete Weddings + Events Rapid City
Every moment of your wedding deserves to be remembered, down to the groom’s suit or tuxedo. At Complete Weddings + Events Rapid City, our professional team turns your love story into timeless imagery. We focus on genuine emotion, stunning detail, and clean, elegant composition that highlight the unique style of your day.
Our wedding photographers bring creativity, precision, and passion to every shot, ensuring your photos reflect not just how your wedding looked, but how it felt. From black-tie elegance to rustic mountain charm, we capture it all beautifully. Explore our customizable photography packages designed to fit every couple’s needs and vision.
Contact us today to book your photographer and start planning a photography experience that’s as unforgettable as your celebration.
