The tone of a groom’s big day is set by the color of his suit. While black remains a timeless classic, it’s become the default choice for too many grooms, often leaving little room for personal style. In modern weddings, where uniqueness and theme matter more than ever, exploring alternatives to black allows the groom to stand out without sacrificing simplicity. Here are three suit colors for a groom looking to redefine tradition; these options offer stylish alternatives to black.
Key Takeaways
- Why the color of your wedding suit matters more than you think.
- How stepping away from the usual black suit can help you show personality.
- What makes certain colors more suitable for different settings, seasons, and skin tones.
- Practical styling tips every groom should know before the big day.
- A small detail — like your suit color — can say a lot about the effort you’ve put into your wedding look.
Navy Blue: Timeless and Versatile
It adds a sense of style and sophistication without feeling too formal. It’s one of those colors that just blends in perfectly, whether it’s an outdoor event during the day or an indoor one at night. Plus, they work on almost every skin tone and look good with a wide variety of shirt colors. Here are a few reasons to choose Navy:
- A blue suit with a burgundy tie is great for nighttime weddings.
- You can dress it up with a pocket square or keep it plain.
- Unlike black, navy reflects more light and adds depth and contrast to your wedding photos.

Charcoal Gray: Modern and Sharp
Charcoal gray is your go-to color to feel confident and well-dressed without being too formal. It feels more relaxed than black but still offers that clean, confident look and adds a sleek, modern edge. Charcoal is quite versatile; it looks great in every season.
- It pairs easily with soft colors like a white shirt and a light pastel tie.
- Works well with both silver and gold accents, making it easy to match your bride or wedding theme.
- Instead of black, consider dark brown or oxblood shoes for a richer, more modern look.
This color allows you to appear sophisticated while still standing out. Grooms seeking a modern twist often choose charcoal for its understated grace.

Pro Tip
Lighting can either enhance or diminish how your suit looks. Always consider the time of day and your venue before finalizing your suit color.
Forest Green: Bold and Unique
Forest green isn’t just an alternative — it’s a standout choice if you’re aiming for a natural, grounded look. This rich, earthy tone brings a fresh energy to your wedding style without being over the top. Green symbolizes growth, harmony, and health — key factors at the heart of a strong and lasting marriage.
- You can style it with other earthy colors like beige or ivory.
- Gold or copper accessories complement this look even more.
- Forest green pairs beautifully with warm skin tones and reddish hair.
- Dark brown or black leather shoes are excellent choices to match with your suit.

Conclusion
To sum it up, black suits are classic, but if you want to stand out and show personality on your wedding day, there are better suit colors for a groom to choose from. Navy blue offers a timeless, versatile style suitable for any setting. Charcoal gray provides a modern, clean look without being too formal. Forest green is bold, natural, and meaningful, symbolizing key qualities in marriage. Always choose a color that reflects your style and fits the vibe of your venue.