Traditionally, grooms have taken a backseat when it comes to wedding fashion, with the spotlight focused primarily on brides and their gowns. However, modern weddings are rewriting the rules, giving grooms equal room to showcase their individuality. From luxurious velvet suits to bold, unique accessories, today’s grooms are embracing style statements that rival even the most elaborate bridal ensembles. Velvet, once reserved for aristocracy, is experiencing a renaissance as the fabric of choice for grooms who want elegance with a touch of drama. Meanwhile, accessories—from brooches to unconventional footwear—are shifting the definition of groom fashion from predictable to personal.
This guide delves into the trend of velvet suits and unique accessories, highlighting how grooms can incorporate these elements into their special day while striking a balance between timeless sophistication and modern creativity.
Why Velvet Suits Are Making a Comeback
The Timeless Appeal of Velvet
Velvet’s rich texture and lustrous sheen instantly elevate any ensemble, making it an ideal choice for weddings and other special occasions. Unlike standard suiting fabrics such as wool or linen, velvet offers a multidimensional quality that catches and reflects light, creating a subtle shimmer that looks striking in both daylight and evening settings. This natural depth ensures that even the simplest suit cut appears more dynamic and luxurious. Historically, velvet was a fabric reserved for nobility and aristocracy, worn to symbolize wealth, power, and refined taste. When a groom chooses velvet, he taps into a heritage of sophistication while also embracing a material that feels undeniably modern when styled with today’s tailoring.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, velvet has practical advantages that make it particularly suited for formal celebrations. In colder climates or during evening weddings, the fabric provides warmth without sacrificing elegance, allowing grooms to look sharp while staying comfortable. Its soft, plush surface also makes it a tactile favorite, adding an element of richness that photographs beautifully in wedding portraits.
Moreover, velvet adapts seamlessly to different levels of formality—it can be tailored into a full tuxedo for a black-tie affair, styled as a dinner jacket for a semi-formal event, or even incorporated as a statement blazer for less traditional ceremonies. This versatility, combined with its ability to balance tradition and modern flair, explains why velvet has become a go-to choice for grooms who want to stand out with understated opulence.
Fashion Houses Leading the Velvet Revolution
High fashion has played a pivotal role in reintroducing velvet into the modern groom’s wardrobe. Designers worldwide have given this historically regal fabric a contemporary twist, making it both accessible and aspirational for today’s weddings.
Tom Ford is the most influential name in the velvet resurgence. Known for his bold, unapologetic designs, Ford frequently champions velvet blazers in rich jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep burgundy. These shades not only add drama but also photograph beautifully, encouraging grooms to step away from traditional black or navy. His sharp cuts and attention to detail create a balance between classic elegance and modern daring, making velvet a must-have for grooms who want to make a powerful statement.
Gucci has leaned heavily into vintage-inspired tailoring, reviving velvet tuxedos that evoke a sense of both nostalgia and avant-garde style. With exaggerated lapels, retro silhouettes, and bold patterns, Gucci’s velvet creations channel the flamboyance of 1970s fashion while adapting it for contemporary wear. This throwback aesthetic resonates with grooms who value individuality and are unafraid to take a little sartorial risk. By blending velvet’s opulent texture with playful details, Gucci positions the groom not just as a participant in the wedding but as a true fashion icon.
Dolce & Gabbana, on the other hand, takes velvet into the realm of high drama. Known for their baroque-inspired collections, the Italian duo integrates velvet into wedding attire with intricate embroidery, gold accents, and regal silhouettes. Their designs often blur the line between fashion and art, ideal for grooms who want to channel an air of theatrical grandeur. By combining velvet’s natural richness with dramatic tailoring, Dolce & Gabbana redefine groom fashion as bold, ornamental, and unapologetically luxurious.
This designer-driven revival has been amplified by pop culture. The popularity of velvet suits in celebrity weddings and red-carpet events has fueled demand among grooms eager to replicate that star-quality charm on their own big day. From actors gracing the Oscars in velvet tuxedos to pop stars opting for velvet dinner jackets at their weddings, the trend has transcended runways and entered mainstream wedding fashion. What was once a daring choice has now become a symbol of confidence, sophistication, and modern masculinity.
Choosing the Right Velvet Suit
Color Trends for Velvet Suits
- Classic Black Velvet: A timeless option for formal evening weddings. Its subtle sheen adds depth to the tuxedo without overwhelming the look.
- Jewel Tones: Emerald, sapphire, and ruby suits are gaining popularity among bold, fashion-forward grooms. These shades photograph beautifully under warm lighting.
- Burgundy & Wine: Perfect for autumn or winter weddings, these shades strike a balance between traditional and daring.
- Soft Neutrals: Taupe, ivory, and dove gray velvet provide a lighter option for daytime or summer ceremonies.
Cuts and Silhouettes
- Single-Breasted Slim Fit: Perfect for modern grooms seeking a sharp, streamlined appearance.
- Double-Breasted Velvet Blazer: A nod to vintage tailoring, offering a robust, statement-making presence.
- Velvet Dinner Jackets with Contrasting Trousers: Blending textures, such as pairing a velvet jacket with wool trousers, creates a stylish mix that feels less formal but equally polished.
Styling Velvet Suits for Weddings
Lapel Choices
- Shawl Lapels: Smooth, continuous lines that enhance the plushness of velvet.
- Peak Lapels: Sharp, angular designs that create a bold, formal aesthetic.
- Contrasting Satin Lapels: Adds depth and elegance, often seen in black-tie velvet tuxedos.
Shirt and Tie Pairings
- Crisp White Dress Shirts: The safest option, ensuring the velvet jacket remains the focal point.
- Silk Shirts in Muted Tones: Adds subtle contrast for more adventurous grooms.
- Bowties vs. Neckties: Velvet suits pair exceptionally well with silk bowties, but slim ties in satin can provide a modern edge.
Footwear Options
- Velvet Loafers: A daring but cohesive choice, often embroidered with monograms or motifs.
- Patent Leather Oxfords: Classic formalwear footwear that complements velvet’s luxury.
- Chelsea Boots: For a more contemporary, less formal wedding vibe.
Unique Accessories for the Modern Groom
Velvet suits set the stage, but accessories complete the story. In 2025, groom accessories are shifting toward personalized, symbolic, and often unconventional pieces.
Statement Brooches & Lapel Pins
Brooches aren’t just for brides anymore. Grooms are embracing lapel adornments ranging from vintage heirloom pins to modern gemstone brooches. A sapphire or emerald pin can complement the wedding color palette, while custom designs featuring initials or meaningful symbols add a sentimental touch.
Pocket Squares with Personality
Gone are the days of plain white squares. Today’s grooms are opting for embroidered silk, patterned velvet, or even hand-painted designs that highlight personal taste.
Cufflinks that Tell a Story
Cufflinks have always been a subtle way to express individuality, but the latest trend emphasizes uniqueness:
- Engraved Cufflinks: Personalized with initials, wedding dates, or even fingerprints.
- Novelty Styles: From miniature typewriters for writers to compasses for travelers.
- Gemstone Accents: Sapphire, onyx, or emerald cufflinks add a touch of luxury.
The Rise of Groom Jewelry
Men’s wedding jewelry is no longer limited to bands. Bracelets, layered chains, or signet rings are becoming central to groom styling. Minimalist titanium bands or engraved gold signet rings are especially on trend.
Footwear as a Statement Piece
Sneakers at weddings? Absolutely. High-fashion sneakers paired with velvet blazers create a playful, modern twist. Meanwhile, velvet loafers or embroidered slippers remain popular for formal settings.
Modern Headwear
Though unconventional, some grooms are incorporating hats into their look—think fedoras, wide-brimmed felt hats, or even jeweled turbans in cultural weddings.
Cultural Variations in Groom Accessories
Indian Weddings
Velvet sherwanis paired with ornate turbans, gemstone brooches, and embroidered juttis bring cultural richness. Grooms often wear layers of pearl or gold jewelry, blending tradition with modern tailoring.
Western Weddings
Velvet tuxedos with subtle accessories dominate, though European grooms are increasingly adopting bold statement brooches or cravats.
East Asian Weddings
Modern Korean weddings often feature grooms in velvet suits paired with silk pocket squares, while traditional ceremonies incorporate embroidered accessories.
Celebrity and Influencer Inspiration
- Nick Jonas wore a deep maroon velvet tuxedo for his reception, sparking global interest in jewel-toned velvet.
- Eddie Redmayne frequently opts for velvet suits on red carpets, showcasing how grooms can adapt Hollywood style to weddings.
- Social media influencers on TikTok and Instagram are fueling trends by showcasing unique groom accessories, such as custom lapel pins and luxury sneakers, paired with formal wear.
Practical Tips for Wearing Velvet
- Seasonality: Ideal for fall and winter weddings; may be too heavy for tropical climates.
- Care & Maintenance: Velvet should be stored in breathable garment bags and gently brushed to maintain its texture.
- Budget Considerations: Velvet suits can be pricier; consider custom tailoring or rental options.
Future of Groom Fashion: Beyond Velvet and Accessories
As fashion evolves, grooms will continue exploring bold statements. Expect to see:
- Sustainable Fabrics: Recycled velvet and eco-friendly materials.
- Tech-Enhanced Accessories: Smart cufflinks or rings that serve as both traditional accessories and wearable technology.
- Gender-Fluid Styling: Grooms embracing traditionally “feminine” accessories like pearls, lace cravats, or floral jewelry.
How Grooms Are Redefining Wedding Style
The era of understated grooms is over. With velvet suits offering timeless luxury and unique accessories redefining personal style, grooms now have the tools to shine as brightly as their partners. Whether through a jewel-toned velvet tuxedo, a one-of-a-kind lapel pin, or a meaningful heirloom cufflink, today’s groom can tell his story with fashion. This shift isn’t just about standing out—it’s about embracing individuality, cultural influences, and modern creativity in a way that reflects the future of weddings.
