|
Timeless & Romantic Wedding Inspiration

Groom & Groomsmen

10 Ways to Style Your Groom (and his men) Vintage

Today’s post is all about our Groom and his Groomsmen! Because when planning your wedding much attention and talk is of finding THE dress. However, the challenge of how to style your groom vintage, whilst retaining his unique personal style, can feel just as utterly overwhelming. We all want our groom and groomsmen to be waiting at the end of the aisle with sartorial elegance on our wedding day, and this post is here to help with 10 easy ways to style your groom (and his men) vintage…..

How to Style Your Groom Vintage

Long gone are the days where a groom’s only option is the traditional morning suit or tux, accessorised with a pocket handkerchief and cuff links. Oh no, today’s grooms are faced with options almost as endless as ours. I love that our men are now able, and wanting, to put their own stamp on their wedding day style. But with this increase in choice comes an increase in pressure to get it right, which can be daunting – especially for the groom who is happier in a sports kit than a suit! And even if your man has his suit all figured out, giving his look a suitably vintage vibe for your big day, can be just as much of a challenge. I have found the perfect looks, suits, accessories and finishing touches befitting of any vintage wedding, so sit back and take a look, see if these aren’t just the thing.

Waist Coats

Waist coats are the perfect vintage accessory – whatever the era, season or venue! Layered under a jacket, in matching or contrasting material, they look dapper and add some extra warmth for an Autumn or Winter wedding. Or they smarten up a simple shirt, whilst looking more casual than a jacket – and infinitely cooler for a Spring or Summer wedding…..

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - A WaistcoatPhotography ~ Bryce Covey via Style Me Pretty

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - A Waistcoat Redfield Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - A WaistcoatPhotography ~ When He Found Her via 100 Layer Cake

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - A WaistcoatPhotography Kelly Boitano via Style me Pretty

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Waist CoatLaura Gordon Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - A Waistcoat Katherine Elizabeth Photography via Ruffled

 

Braces (or suspenders)

Whether functional or purely decorative, braces/suspenders (is there a difference?) are the accessory of choice for the more relaxed, rustic, casual wedding (Ryan Reynolds even had custom leather suspenders made for his wedding with Blake Lively) Match them to the shirt or suit for a smart subtle look, or be daring and choose a contrasting colour to the suit but match them to the ties, shirt or shoes. Oh and if he decides to go with a patterned pair be sure to keep the shirt plain.

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - BracesAustin Gros Photographer via Wedding Chicks

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - BracesVia I Love Farm Weddings

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - BracesPhotography ~ Joe & Patience via Green Wedding Shoes

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - SuspendersPhotography ~ Rylee Hitchner via Green Wedding Shoes

Of course, they look just as great at a smart, more formal, wedding worn as part of a tux….

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - SuspendersSarah Joelle Photography via Style Me Pretty

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - BracesPhotography by Mi Amore Foto via Style Me Pretty

 

Old World Fabrics

This is a statement look not for everyone, but tweeds, houndstooth and plaid are fun and stylish fabrics for a bold groom looking to channel his inner country gentleman! Even in a suit these textured textiles have the knack of looking more rustic and casual than formal; but at the same time, as the fabric of choice for the aristocracy (according to Downton Abbey) they suggest luxury and elegance…..

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - TweedPhotography ~ Christopher Currie via Love My Dress

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - TweedBelle & Beau Photography

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - TweedPhotography ~ Studio 1079 via Green Wedding Shoes

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - TweedPhotogrpahy ~ Kari Bellamy via Rock My Wedding

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - TweedPhotography ~ Hayley Savage via Love My Dress

For a more subtle look you could just choose a waistcoat or accessory (like a scarf) – these fabrics are perfect for layering!…..

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Tweed WaistcoatRyan Ray Photography

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Tweed WaistcoatPhotography ~ Mark Tattersall via Boho Weddings

Pocket Watches

The perfect vintage accessory, the pocket watch works whatever your groom’s (or wedding’s) style. Such a simple addition it instantly gives some old world elegance to even the most modern of suits! Oh and they make a great gift for your groom – if he’s not lucky enough to have a family heirloom hidden away in a drawer somewhere.

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Pocket WatchPhotography ~ Jessica Lorren via Snippet & Ink

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Pocket WatchPhotography ~ Johnny Miller via Emmeline Bride

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Pocket WatchPhotography ~ Teneil Kable via The Lane

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Pocket Watch10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Pocket WatchPhotography ~ Eric Kelley via Weddings Unveiled

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Pocket WatchPhotography ~ i love that glove via The Wedding Chicks

 

Bow Ties

The bow tie is the epitome of vintage chic for any gent! Fashionable since the 18th century choose from floral, velvet, tweed or even sequinned for a smart look with a hint of fun…..

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Bow TiesPhotography ~ Laura Gordon via Magnolia Rouge

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Bow Ties Xavier Navarro and Marion Heurteboust Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Bow TiesPhotography by Marissa Lambert via Style Me Pretty

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Bow TiesClary Pfeiffer Photography via Wedding Chicks

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Bow TiesPhotography ~ Greg Finck via Style Me Pretty

 

Velvet

A velvet suit might not be for everyone, but there is something about this plush fabric that evokes age, romance and opulence. It turns a traditional suit into something fancy that you simply won’t be able to keep your hands off! Perhaps a little warm for summer, but it would be perfect for an Autumn or Winter wedding…..

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - VelvetPhotography ~ Kytography via Style Me Pretty

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Velvet Petronella Photography via Burnetts Boards

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - VelvetPhotography ~ Adam Barnes via Wedding Chicks

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - VelvetPhotography ~ Elizabeth Messina

Velvet is also the perfect fabric for smartening up casual trousers like jeans or chinos…..

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - VelvetPhotography ~ Jen Huang via Grey Likes Weddings

Or if you like the idea of a touch of velvet, but aren’t sold on an entire suit or even a jacket, how about a velvet bowtie?

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Velvet Bow Tie Brushfire Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

 

Cravats

Before the tie or bow tie came the cravat! Considered casual wear at the start of the 20th century, today it is the perfect alternative for a vintage groom looking for something just as dapper but a little different…..

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - CravatsPhotography ~ Diana McGregor via Grey Likes Weddings

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - CravatsJo Bartholomew Photography

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - CravatPhotography ~ Found Creative Studio via Green Wedding Shoes 

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - CravatPhotography ~ Samara Clifford via Polka Dot Bride

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - CravatPhotography ~ Erin McGinn

 

Hats

Whether Fedora, Bowler, Ivy or Boater (actually, I think the options may need a whole post all to themselves!) a hat looks seriously stylish…..and gives a groom some swagger!

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Hats Red White and Green Photography via Ruffled

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - HatsHazelwood Photo via Wedding Chicks

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - HatsPhotography ~ Josh Gruetzmacher via Green Wedding Shoes

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - HatsAmy Carlston Photography via Burnetts Boards

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - HatsPhotography ~ Love is a Big Deal via Green Wedding Shoes

 

Brogues

Ladies, we all know that shoes make an outfit and it is no different for your groom. If there is one style of shoe that has old world style and sophistication written all over them it is the brogue. Originally worn as a country walking shoe in the early twentieth century, and considered inappropriate for occasions, today they are inextricably linked with the spectator shoes so fashionable in the 1920s and 1930s….

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - BroguesPhotography ~ Ariel Renae via Style Me Pretty

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - BroguesPhotography ~ Ali Harper via Southern Weddings

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - BroguesPhotography ~ Tom Ravenshear via Love My Dress

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Brogues Rustic White Photography via Weddings Unveiled

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - BroguesKristina Curtis Photography via Wedding Chicks

 

A Vintage Set of Wheels

Whether hired or borrowed, this is a vintage touch he is sure to love – and is guaranteed to give you some great photographs!

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Vintage WheelsKT Merry Photography via Creative Wedding Story

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Vintage WheelsAmanda Watson Photography via Burnetts Boards

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Vintage WheelsPhotography ~ Ali Harper via Southern Weddings

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Vintage Wheels
10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Vintage WheelsChristie Graham Photography via 100 Layer Cake

10 Ways to Style Your Groom Vintage - Vintage WheelsPhotography ~ Anastasiya Belik via Wedding Dream

Ultimately, you want to find an accessory or look that reflects the style and personality of the man you love. Of course you want him to look the part! But remember, he will be happiest and therefore look most relaxed, if he’s wearing something he is comfortable in. And there is nothing worse than a groom looking utterly uncomfortable and unhappy, even in an immaculate suit!

What do you think? Can you see your groom rocking any of the above looks? There are plenty of ways, subtle and bold, to style your man vintage, so don’t despair if you can’t agree on one of these, keep looking until you find something you both love! You can find more Groom’s fashion here on Chic Vintage Brides, including the top 5 trends for 2014 and some dapper looks for an Autumn groom which you might want to take a look at.

 

Amy

x