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…..
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…..
Photography ~ Bryce Covey via Style Me Pretty
Redfield Photography via Green Wedding Shoes
Photography ~ When He Found Her via 100 Layer Cake
Photography Kelly Boitano via Style me Pretty
Laura Gordon Photography via Green Wedding Shoes
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.
Austin Gros Photographer via Wedding Chicks
Via 
Photography ~ Joe & Patience via Green Wedding Shoes
Photography ~ 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….
Sarah Joelle Photography via Style Me Pretty
Photography 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…..
Photography ~ Christopher Currie via Love My Dress
Photography ~ Studio 1079 via Green Wedding Shoes
Photogrpahy ~ Kari Bellamy via Rock My Wedding
Photography ~ 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!…..
Photography ~ 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.
Photography ~ Jessica Lorren via Snippet & Ink
Photography ~ Johnny Miller via Emmeline Bride
Photography ~ Teneil Kable via The Lane
Photography ~ Eric Kelley via Weddings Unveiled
Photography ~ 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…..
Photography ~ Laura Gordon via Magnolia Rouge
Xavier Navarro and Marion Heurteboust Photography via Green Wedding Shoes
Photography by Marissa Lambert via Style Me Pretty
Clary Pfeiffer Photography via Wedding Chicks
Photography ~ 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…..
Photography ~ Kytography via Style Me Pretty
Petronella Photography via Burnetts Boards
Photography ~ Adam Barnes via Wedding Chicks
Photography ~ Elizabeth Messina
Velvet is also the perfect fabric for smartening up casual trousers like jeans or chinos…..
Photography ~ 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?
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…..
Photography ~ Diana McGregor via Grey Likes Weddings
Photography ~ Found Creative Studio via Green Wedding Shoes
Photography ~ Samara Clifford via Polka Dot Bride
Photography ~ 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!
Red White and Green Photography via Ruffled
Hazelwood Photo via Wedding Chicks
Photography ~ Josh Gruetzmacher via Green Wedding Shoes
Amy Carlston Photography via Burnetts Boards
Photography ~ 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….
Photography ~ Ariel Renae via Style Me Pretty
Photography ~ Ali Harper via Southern Weddings
Photography ~ Tom Ravenshear via Love My Dress
Rustic White Photography via Weddings Unveiled
Kristina 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!
KT Merry Photography via Creative Wedding Story
Amanda Watson Photography via Burnetts Boards
Photography ~ Ali Harper via Southern Weddings
Christie Graham Photography via 100 Layer Cake
Photography ~ 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
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