What is the best suit colour combination for a wedding?
It depends on the time of year, where the wedding’s held and your role in the big day. It’s not just about picking a colour you like and hoping for the best. There’s a bit more to think about like whether you’ll be sweating through a linen jacket in July or buttoning up wool flannel in a December church ceremony. Or whether you’re the groom and need to stand out without looking like you’re off to prom.
You want to look sharp, sure, but it has to feel like you, too. Nobody wants to spend the day tugging at their cuffs or wondering if their tie clashes with the bridesmaid dresses.
Here's What We Have Covered In This Article
What should you consider when choosing a wedding suit colour?
Right, first things first. What’s the dress code? The invitation usually spells it out, even if it’s just with the words “formal” or “black tie optional.” Those little details are your starting point. If the couple says tuxedo, you wear a tux. If they say cocktail attire, that opens things up a bit more.
Then, the season. Can’t stress this enough. Summer weddings call for breathable fabrics and lighter tones. Winter weddings? You’ll want something weightier and darker. You’ve probably seen it with poor guys sweltering in black wool suits under blazing August sun. Not ideal.
Also, consider the colour scheme. Ask the couple or someone in the know what the bridesmaids are wearing or what the florals look like. You don’t have to match, but you definitely don’t want to clash.
Fielding and Nicholson get into all of this during a fitting. If you’re going the bespoke suit route, we will help you balance colour, fabric, and the vibe of the wedding without overthinking every button.
Best classic wedding suit colours
Black
Black’s the easy win if the wedding’s ultra formal. It’s timeless. Simple. Think evening ceremony or black tie dinner. Pair with a white shirt, black bow tie or necktie, and keep accessories minimal. You’ll look sharp, no doubt.
Grey
Grey offers a bit more freedom. Light grey in the spring or summer with a dusty pink tie? Looks great. Charcoal in the winter with a wool waistcoat and navy accents? Equally solid. Grey also plays well with nearly every skin tone and lets your tie or boutonnière bring in some colour.
Navy
Honestly, you could wear navy to almost any wedding and you’d be fine. It’s flattering, works year-round, and pairs well with browns, soft yellows, even burgundy if you’re feeling bold. For anyone stuck on what to wear, navy is the middle laneand a stylish one at that.
Should you wear a bold colour?
Burgundy
Yes, if it suits you. Burgundy’s confident without shouting. It leans into autumn and winter weddings but can work in other seasons if done right. Think burgundy suit with a cream shirt and a floral tie looks sharp, not shouty. But it’s not for everyone. You’ve got to want a bit of attention.
Green
Green’s quietly having a moment. Forest green, sage, olivethey’ve all popped up more often in the past few years, especially for countryside weddings. A forest green wool suit with a camel tie? Chef’s kiss. It’s modern but grounded.
Light Blue
You’ve probably seen a groom pull off pale blue at a summer wedding and thought, “Fair play, that works.” And it does. Light blue feels relaxed, friendly, and not too stiff. Pair it with brown loafers and you’re onto something.
Book Your Wedding Suit Consultation
Speak with our Savile Row tailors to design your perfect wedding suit from scratch.
Which colours work best per season?
Spring
Spring’s about softness. Pastel blue, light grey, sage green. Lighter fabrics like cotton or lightweight wool help keep things breathable. These tones reflect natural light beautifully for photos, too.
Summer
Stick with pale colours such as cream, stone, beige, powder blue. Fabrics like linen or cotton blends make a difference when it’s hot. You can go without a tie if the dress code allows. Clean and crisp, nothing stuffy.
Autumn
Autumn’s your chance to bring out the richer shades. Burgundy, rust, bottle green. These colours pick up the seasonal mood and look fantastic in textured fabrics like flannel or tweed. Add a wool tie and you’re set.
Winter
Deeper tones like midnight blue, charcoal, or plum work well in the colder months. You want something heavierthink wool, velvet, even cashmere if you’re pushing the boat out. A three-piece suit keeps things practical and stylish.
Explore Bespoke Tailoring Services
Find out how a made to measure suit elevates your look and fits like nothing else.
What about skin tone? Does it matter?
It can, yeah. Certain colours make your skin tone pop. Others… not so much.
Fair Skin
You’ll look best in darker colours that create contrast. Charcoal, navy, bottle green. Avoid anything too paleit can wash you out.
Olive or Medium Skin
You’re lucky here. You can wear most mid-tones comfortably. Light blue, grey, tanthese shades bring out warmth in your skin without overwhelming it.
Dark Skin
The options open up even more. Cream suits? Stunning. Bold jewel tones? Yep. Just avoid anything too close to your skin toneit can blend too much. Otherwise, it’s pretty open.
Need a Suit Fast?
Shop our ready-to-wear collection with timeless styles available now.
Should the groom look different from everyone else?
Absolutely. He doesn’t need to be in a wild colour, but something should set him apart. Maybe it’s a waistcoat. A textured jacket. A different tie or pocket square. If the groomsmen are all in navy, maybe the groom wears midnight blue or adds a double-breasted jacket for some flair.
At Fielding and Nicholson, we see this a lot. Subtle tweaks that help the groom feel like himself without standing out for the wrong reasons. If you’re weighing options, contact us for our wedding tailoring advice and ideas.
Guests…what’s your move?
You want to look good. Obviously. But don’t try to steal focus. Navy or grey suits are easy wins. Summer garden wedding? Go tan or pale blue. Autumn evening? Dark brown or charcoal. Just don’t wear white or cream unless someone tells you to. That’s usually reserved for the couple.
Want to bring some personality? Do it with your tie, socks, or cufflinks. Small things. Let the outfit breathe.
How much do accessories matter?
A lot, actually. Accessories can pull your whole look together. A burgundy tie on a navy suit changes the tone completely. A floral pocket square can soften a charcoal suit. Just don’t go overboard. One or two pieces. And make sure your shoes match your belt. Always.
Does the fabric make a difference?
Massively. The same colour looks totally different in different fabrics. A navy linen suit feels casual and breezy. Navy flannel? Much more formal. Lighter fabrics like cotton or linen work best in summer. Heavier stuff like tweed or wool keeps you warm and looks more structured.
If you’re sweating or freezing, you’re not going to enjoy yourself. And people can tell.
Is bespoke worth it?
If you’ve got the time and the budget, yes. A made to measure suit fits better, feels better, and you’ll wear it again. Start earlyten to twelve weeks out is ideal. That gives you time for fittings, changes, and maybe even second thoughts on the colour.
Off the peg suits are fine if they’re altered well. But they rarely feel as good as something that was made for you. Your wedding day’s not a bad excuse to go the extra mile.
What should you avoid?
Trying too hard. Suits that don’t fit. Colours that clash with everything else. Or ignoring the weather. You don’t want to be the guy sweating through his jacket or freezing in linen when it’s two degrees outside.
Also, don’t jump on trends just because they’re trending. Choose something that feels like you. You’re the one wearing it, not Instagram.
Some real-life wins
One groom went for a forest green wool suit with a camel tie. Looked incredible against the autumn leaves. Another chose a pale green three-piece for a spring garden ceremony which was laid back but very stylish. Then there was a winter wedding where the groom wore a burgundy velvet dinner jacket. Honestly, he might’ve stolen the show.
The point is, the best combinations come from real people figuring out what feels right. Not from trying to match a Pinterest board.
Parting thoughts
This isn’t about reinventing menswear. It’s about choosing something that looks good, feels good, and fits the day. Your suit doesn’t need to scream “look at me” to make an impression. Just pick a colour that fits the season, suits your skin tone, and works with the venue. Keep the accessories clean. Mind the shoes. And get it fitted. That last bit? That’s the real magic.
Fielding and Nicholson are here if you need help. Suiting up for weddings is what we do.
