Figuring out the outfit for the groom at any wedding can be stressful, let alone a beach wedding, where you’re never guaranteed weather and there can be a variety of styles and levels of formality at play.
When it comes to choosing the perfect outfit for a beach wedding, it’s important to strike a balance between style and practicality. Opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics like linen or seersucker to keep you cool under the sun, and consider a more relaxed and casual approach to match the beachy atmosphere.
Wearing the right outfit for a beach wedding is not only a matter of looking good, but it can also make you, the groom, feel comfortable. There are many factors to consider when deciding what to wear, such as what the bride wears and how formal the wedding is.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on what a groom should wear to a beach wedding.
Casual Beach Wedding
If you’re getting married on the beach and want to wear a suit, you can choose a casual or semi-formal look. If your wedding is more of a backyard barbecue than an elegant affair, then opt for something light and loose. This will help keep you cool in the hot weather and allow for easy movement if dancing is on the agenda. Choose from any of these options:
- Dress shirt (and tie) in white or light blue
- Khaki pants
- Sandals or loafers without socks
Semi-Formal Beach Wedding
A semi-formal beach wedding is a perfect occasion to dress up, but you don’t need to go all out. Your suit doesn’t have to be a tuxedo or a full suit. You can wear a suit jacket and pants — no vest required!
You should wear dress shoes with your suit for footwear, but they don’t have to be black. Brown or tan would look good too!
Here are some basics to follow for a semi-casual beach wedding groom look:
- A partial suit, usually suit pants and a jacket – try beachy colors like tan or navy.
- A button-down shirt
- A tie if you want one
- Dress shoes – no bare feet here!
Formal Beach Wedding
For a completely formal beach wedding, you will want to dress more in line with what a groom would typically wear to a wedding that’s not on the beach.
Here is a brief outline of what you consider normal groom attire at a formal beach wedding.
- A tuxedo. The groom, who often has the most formal role in the ceremony and reception, can easily get away with a classic black tux. Tuxedos are available at most rental shops and department stores.
- A suit (with or without a tie). If you’re not comfortable wearing a tuxedo but still want to look more dressed-up than usual, consider wearing something like a three-piece suit — it’s perfect for weddings and other formal occasions! You can also add some flair by getting creative with your accessories — try cufflinks or suspenders for an extra bit of personality!
- Dress shoes
There’s nothing wrong with going against convention here if it makes you happy — go ahead and rock whatever style makes sense for you!
Now that we have discussed the three levels of formality you can find at a beach wedding, let’s dive into all the details of what makes a groom’s outfit complete.
Need additional information for planning the perfect destination wedding? Check out these popular posts:
- Ideas for the Best Destination Beach Wedding Ceremony
- Beach Wedding Guest Dresses and How to Prepare for The Best Destination Wedding
- Best Beach Wedding Venues:
1. Try a Casual Suit
Casual suits are an excellent choice for beach weddings. They’re more comfortable than formal suits, can be worn in hot weather and are generally more affordable than traditional ensembles. If you’re going to wear a suit anyway, why not make it the most comfortable one possible? Plus, getting a casual suit could benefit the groom later down the road when he could wear it again to another wedding or work event.
A good color for the groom’s suit at beach weddings is typically a navy, tan or black.
2. Picking Out Your Shirt
Picking out the right shirt for your wedding is one of the most important outfit choices you can make. You want to wear something that fits your body type but also looks good and is appropriate for the location, weather and time of day.
Go for a lightweight shirt in a color that compliments not only your wedding theme but also your skin tone and the gorgeous setting of the beach!
3. Go for a Linen Suit to Stay Cool
Linen is an excellent option for a beach wedding. It’s lightweight, breathable and wrinkle-resistant — perfect if you have a destination wedding.
Linen has a natural texture that looks like something you might have worn as a kid, so it feels familiar and comfortable. Linen is one of our favorite fabrics because it comes in many different styles; you can get linen suits with contrasting collars and cuffs or even shirts with patterns woven into them.
Linen is popular among celebrities and professionals due to its versatility and clean/professional look.
4. Play with Different Textures
When choosing a fabric for your wedding day attire, it’s important to consider the garment’s versatility. Depending on the season and location of your wedding, you might need something breathable or wrinkle-resistant. We recommend using soft and comfortable fabrics that are also lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, easy to care for and have a nice drape (meaning they’re not stiff).
You can also play with textures by choosing fabrics like linen or tweed for your suit jacket. These materials look great in any environment because their subtle texture adds interest without being too loud — and they’re ideal for summer weddings outside!
Don’t forget to consider what type of dress shirts work best with each suit style described above so you know what color shirt will pair well with each outfit.
5. Mix and Match Patterns for a Unique Style
When it comes to pattern mixing, your best bet is to stick with complementary colors and patterns that don’t have too much contrast. For example, if you’re wearing a floral dress shirt with small polka dots, it would be best not to wear something with larger flowers or checks.
Instead of going for a contrasting fabric like silk or velvet, try embroidering details like flowers or vines on top of the shirt — this ensures your ensemble still looks cohesive but adds an extra bit of flair to keep things interesting!
6. Wear Flattering Colors for You and Your Wedding
You can’t go wrong with white or cream. These colors are flattering on most people and they will stand out against the ocean’s bright blue. The groom’s attire should complement his bride’s, so coordinate your outfits accordingly. Make sure you coordinate with the rest of the bridal party but don’t blend in. Consider what looks good on your skin tone and what will look good in your wedding photos.
7. Wearing the Right Shoes for the Occasion
Depending on the level of formality of your wedding, you could wear various shoe styles. Here are some tips for choosing the right shoes for your look as a groom at your wedding.
- Wear shoes that are comfortable and appropriate for the location.
- If you’re not sure if your shoes match your outfit, ask yourself these questions: Is it a formal wedding? Are there going to be lots of photos taken? Will you be standing for hours on end? The answers will help you find the right footwear for this special occasion.
- Don’t wear flip-flops unless you’re having a very casual beach wedding. They’re not only uncomfortable and inappropriate for weddings in general, but also bad for your feet!
8. Add a Unique Touch to Showcase Your Personality
Showcasing your personality through the details in your wedding look as a groom can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible. You can add little flares of your personality by adding some of these to your wedding day look.
- A pocket square
- A hat
- A bow tie
- Colorful socks
If none of these are totally your style, then think outside the box!
9. To Wear a Tie or Not to Wear a Tie
The most important thing to remember is to be comfortable, even if that means not wearing a tie. Wearing a tie should never feel like an obligation; you make that choice for yourself. Don’t let anyone pressure you into wearing one if it doesn’t feel right for the occasion or your personality!
Although this may seem obvious, we still see many grooms uncomfortable with their decision to go without one. They worry about what other people will think of them or feel pressured by family members who want them to look “traditional.” Remember, you don’t need a tie to look sharp or professional — your clothing alone can make all the difference!
As you can see, there are many options for a groom to wear at a beach wedding. The bride’s dress and the event’s formality will determine what you should wear as a groom. The most important thing is to be comfortable, even if that means going against typical tradition. At the end of the day, the only person you have to impress is your significant other.
For more ideas on what you can wear as a groom at your wedding, check out sites like Pinterest for style guides and stylish outfit looks.
Be sure to follow along with our blog for tons of wedding planning details to help guide you along as you plan your perfect wedding day!
As a multi-passionate creative and a self-proclaimed frequent flyer of weddings, Kiara combines her love for the wedding industry and experience as a professional wedding photographer with her writing abilities to share tips, tricks, and helpful information with couples. She is the owner of Switech Studios a popular wedding photography business. With tons of insider information from behind her camera lens on how to have the best wedding possible, Kiara’s in-depth knowledge is sure to put you on the road to wedding planning success.