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20 Casual Groom Outfit Ideas from Real Weddings

Here's how to dress down for the big day without sacrificing style.

groom wearing a white suit with a T-shirt

Photo by HANA GONZALEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

While we're huge proponents of the classic black tuxedo (there’s a reason why this style is the go-to wedding outfit for grooms), sporting something informal can be just as swanky and, arguably, more comfortable. In fact, a laidback look is the perfect opportunity to showcase your personality quirks, your individual style, and the endearing qualities that define your relationship. So instead of blindly following the "wedding tux" tradition, consider embracing casual groom attire by donning a vibrantly-hued suit, or going all out with a boldly patterned accessory, such as a polka dot tie, a striped shirt, or flamingo socks. You can even opt to wear an alternative suit fabric, like wool or velvet, or forego sporting dress shoes in favor of custom sneakers.

Of course, this all depends on your wedding's level of formality, as casual groom attire is best suited for informal dress codes. But if you aren't restricted to sporting an ultra-lux look, dress yourself in something that makes a statement as you walk down the aisle. Need some inspiration? Here, we’ve rounded up 20 of our favorite casual groom outfit ideas from real weddings to help inspire your own day-of look.

01 of 20

Ditch the Tie

a man standing in front of a boat in a white suit with a black shirt and no tie

PHOTO BY SCOTT CLARK PHOTO

While topping off your getup with a tie will make your outfit look more polished, this particular accessory can feel a bit restricting, especially if you're hosting a laid-back celebration. Therefore, consider ditching your tie to create a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an intimate micro wedding with immediate family or a boisterous soirée with everyone you know.

02 of 20

Select Light Linens

a groom standing under a cactus tree in the middle of the desert

Photo by For Love & Light

For grooms looking to don an effortless outfit for their spring or summer nuptials, linen suits are the perfect ensembles to consider for a casual vibe. The lightweight fabric will keep you cool and comfortable, and the neutral shade is a versatile option that pairs well with any accessory.

03 of 20

Embrace a Colorful Ensemble

groom checking his watch while wearing a light a pink wedding suit

Photo by Ivy Weddings

If you want to make a statement without sporting the typical black tux, consider wearing a vibrantly-hued suit, like cobalt blue, green, or pastel pink. However, since all the attention will be on your getup, try and keep accessories to a minimum to avoid looking too over-the-top.

04 of 20

Dress Down in Sneakers

groom wearing a white suit with white sneakers

PHOTO BY HANA GONZALEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Instead of slipping on dress shoes like oxfords or loafers, grab a pair of sneakers for a fashion-forward casual vibe. Pro tip: Pair your sneakers with a slim-fit suit, and make sure your pants stop at or above the ankle so you can show off your non-traditional footwear.

05 of 20

Pull Up Your Socks

Groom Putting on Sneakers

Photo by Chi-Chi Ari

Though grooms often keep their socks hidden underneath their pants, we recommend showing off this accessory if embracing a casual vibe. Take a cue from this groom and sport socks with red hearts to pay homage to you and your partner's love story.

06 of 20

Rock a Funky Tie

groom in tan suit with a floral-printed tie

Photo by Kai Villanueva

If your vows are less dressy, you have the freedom to sport any accessory that suits you, like a funky tie. Consider a monochromatic blush option or a floral-printed one, like this groom sported for his laid-back celebration.

07 of 20

Unbutton Your Top Button

a groomsman helping a groom put on his suit jacket

Photo by People Photography

Leaving your top button undone gives your ensemble an easygoing appeal that’s relatable, breathable, and perfect for warm-weather nuptials. Not to mention, an unbuttoned shirt, paired with an all-white suit, is the perfect summer wedding uniform.

08 of 20

Embrace a Floral Pattern

NFL tight end Tyler Conklin in custom blue and green floral suit for wedding

Photo by By Julieta

Want something completely unexpected? Go ahead and embrace a floral-printed suit for the big day. It's the perfect ensemble if hosting a garden party or destination soriée.

09 of 20

Look Snazzy in Velvet

Green suit

Photo by Peyton Byford

Though velvet is often worn for formal dress codes, casual grooms shouldn't be afraid to embrace this material for laid-back celebrations. A textured look is at once bold and dapper, and a velvet suit will allow you to break with tradition and stand out in the best possible way.

10 of 20

Wear Shorts

eagles football player jordan mailata wearing a pink suit and shorts with a black-and-white shirt at welcome party

Photo by Greg Finck

Calling all bold grooms! If you're not afraid to show a little skin on the big day, consider wearing shorts for your walk down the aisle. However, be sure that you and your partner are on the same page about this look, as it's best suited for ultra-casual celebrations.

11 of 20

Opt for a Playful Accessory

groom wearing light linens holding a parasol

PHOTO BY HOUSE ON THE CLOUDS

Show off your playful side by sporting an unexpected accessory down the aisle, like a parasol. It'll keep the sun out of your eyes and help enhance your casual wedding photos.

12 of 20

Don an Ocean Blue Hue

Christopher Kennedy Jr. on his wedding day in Hyannis Port

Photo by Stephanie Vegliante

Hosting a seaside ceremony? Coordinate your attire with the color of the ocean for a beach wedding outfit everyone will love.

13 of 20

Sport Sunglasses

black and white photo of a groom wearing sunglasses

PHOTO BY 515 PHOTO CO.

Whether you’re saying “I do” on a tropical island or in the summer heat, sunglasses are guaranteed to provide both shade and style. Not to mention, your wedding portraits will turn out much better because you won’t have to squint into the sunlight.

14 of 20

Go Barefoot

man and woman posing on a dock in all-white attire

Photo by Sarah Falugo

Is there anything more freeing than running around barefoot? While not all grooms have the luxury of taking off their shoes, if you’re hosting beachside or backyard nuptials, going shoeless is a fun way to de-formalize your dress code

15 of 20

Choose an Unexpected Shirt

close up of a groom wearing a white suit and navy blue shirt

PHOTO BY JILLIAN MITCHELL

Who says you have to wear a white dress shirt to your wedding? Bring some serious style to the aisle by sporting a casual blue shirt and a white jacket once it's time to say "I do."

16 of 20

Take Off Your Jacket

Portrait of Groom wearing a hat, white vest, and red shirt

Photo by Yellow Bird Visuals

Celebrating your nuptials sans jacket is the best way to kick back, relax, and enjoy your wedding. You can even take it one step further and style your look with a vest and hat for a one-of-a-kind groom's outfit.

17 of 20

Choose a Gray Shade

groom wearing a grey suit

PHOTO BY JENNY QUICKSALL PHOTOGRAPHY

For a casual look that still feels fresh and modern, gray is a color you need to consider. It’s suave and versatile, and you can easily personalize your getup with anything you’d like.

18 of 20

Wear Denim

groom wearing a western-themed denim outfit

PHOTO BY KT MERRY

If you and your partner are hosting a themed celebration, go all out and sport a casual look that aligns with your designated dress code—similar to this groom who wore a denim outfit for his Western-themed welcome party.

19 of 20

Keep Things Light and Airy

two grooms posing for a photo wearing semi-formal rehearsal dinner attire

Photo by Jacob Van Rozelaar

Summer casual nuptials call for light and airy ensembles in fashion-forward silhouettes. Case in point: These grooms looked perfectly on trend for their warm-weather celebration hosted in Amsterdam.

20 of 20

Don a Polo Shirt

bride and groom wearing semi-formal attire posing for the camera

PHOTO BY ALEN KARUPOVIC

Don't want to wear a dress shirt? No problem! Pair a polo shirt with a sports jacket to create an elevated casual grooms outfit that'll look absotlely striking in photos.

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