Wedding photos last forever. So do the opinions about what the guys wore. The good news: today’s tuxedo trends make it easy to look classic or modern—without turning the wedding party into a costume.
If you’re planning a Northern Michigan wedding and shopping for tuxedo rentals in Traverse City, here are the tuxedo trends grooms and groomsmen are choosing right now—and how to pick the one that fits your venue, season, and vibe.
1) Classic black tie (still the king)
If you want a guaranteed win, this is it.
The look
- Black tuxedo with satin lapels
- White dress shirt
- Black bow tie
- Black formal shoes
- White pocket square (clean and timeless)
Best for
- black-tie weddings
- formal venues, ballrooms, churches
- winter weddings and evening ceremonies
Why it works
It never looks dated. It always photographs well.
2) Navy tuxedos and midnight blue (modern, still formal)
Navy has become the go-to alternative to black because it feels updated but still elegant.
The look
- Navy or midnight blue tux
- White shirt
- Black bow tie or black tie
- Minimal accessories
Best for
- spring/summer/fall weddings
- outdoor venues, waterfront ceremonies
- black-tie optional dress codes
Pro tip
Navy looks rich in photos and flatters nearly everyone.
3) Statement color accents (do it in one place)
If you want personality without going full “look at me,” use color strategically.
Smart ways to add color:
- burgundy or forest green tie/bow tie
- pocket square that matches bridesmaid colors
- boutonniere that pulls from the bouquet palette
Best for
- fall weddings
- rustic, vineyard, and barn venues
- couples who want coordinated photos without matching everything
Rule
Keep the suit/tux base classic (black, navy, charcoal). Let accessories do the talking.
4) Velvet jackets (winter and evening weddings love this)
Velvet is trending again for a reason: it looks expensive and it photographs beautifully under warm lights.
The look
- Velvet dinner jacket (black, burgundy, deep green)
- Black trousers
- Clean shirt + simple bow tie
Best for
- fall/winter weddings
- holiday weddings
- creative black tie
- evening receptions
What to avoid
Velvet everywhere. One velvet piece is plenty.
5) Slim, tailored fits (the fastest way to look “current”)
Modern tuxedos are cleaner through the jacket and pant—less bulky, more polished.
What it should look like
- shoulders lay flat
- jacket closes comfortably (no pulling)
- sleeves show a little shirt cuff
- pants break neatly at the shoe
Best for
- every venue and season, as long as the fit is right
Truth
Fit beats trend. A perfectly fitted classic tux will outshine a trendy tux that doesn’t fit.
6) Mix-and-match wedding parties (cohesive, not identical)
More grooms are choosing wedding parties that coordinate without cloning each other.
Popular mix-and-match approaches:
- groom in tux, groomsmen in matching suits
- same tux base, different ties to match bridesmaid colors
- groom in velvet jacket, groomsmen in classic black/navy
How to keep it cohesive
Standardize at least two elements:
- same base color OR same lapel style
- same tie/bow tie style
- matching boutonnieres
- consistent shoes
Quick cheat sheet: pick your trend by wedding style
- Formal / black tie: classic black tux
- Modern classic: navy or midnight blue tux
- Rustic / outdoor: charcoal or navy + color accents
- Winter glam: velvet jacket + black trousers
- Photo-first, timeless: classic tux in a perfect fit
Tuxedo rentals for grooms and groomsmen in Traverse City
At Lakeside Bridal, we help grooms and wedding parties choose tuxedos that match the venue, season, and dress code—then make sure everyone fits properly and looks cohesive in photos. Schedule an appointment and we’ll help you lock in the right look for wedding season.
