Groomsmen, Keepin' It Classy

"Picking" the groomsmen's outfits was, if you can believe it, an even simpler process than our one-and-done bridesmaids' dress search. I say "picking" because, actually, I'm leaving it almost completely up to them. I've been to two weddings in the last year in which the groomsmen just wore color-coordinated suits of their own choosing, and both times, it looked really simple and classic.

I also preferred this route because, if I can be totally honest, I don't love Mr. O in a tuxedo. He had to wear one for all of his choir concerts in college, and it's just not him; he's too low-key of a guy to really rock such a formal outfit. On the other hand, I think he looks absolutely dashing in a suit, so it was really a no-brainer.

At first, I opted for black suits, because I figured a black suit is timeless. I also knew that at least half of our groomsmen already owned one, and I wanted to make it convenient for them. Then, after I chose black, I started fussing and worrying that maybe charcoal gray would have been a better choice, maybe it would offset the bridesmaids' red dresses better, maybe it would be more stylish.......


(Source.)

and then I said, oh, to hell with it. Let's get real: black and charcoal gray are extremely similar colors, black IS timeless, and as soon as the reception gets rolling, their outfits are going to go from this:


Mr. Octopus and three of his future groomsmen looking gentlemanly at Groomsman Nick's wedding last year.

to this:


Didn't last long.

anyway. What does it really matter? Black suits, it is!

Now, the only thing left to take care of are their ties. I'm thinking a subtly patterned or textured red tie, maybe something like this:

(Source.)

I'm also wondering if maybe we should choose a slightly different tie for Mr. O, to set him apart a little. What do you think? Do you prefer the all-matching look, or a little variation?

What are your groomsmen wearing?