Help needed with the men's suits

We are planning on mixed peacock colours for our bridesmaids ranging from turquoise to navy, for the boys, a navy suit and my groom will wear a dinner suit in the same colour. We both really love the idea of a double breasted waistcoat, but are stumped on which colour to put him in. We are considering putting the groomsmen in paisley waistcoats and ties matching their bridesmaids' dresses, but then where do we go with the groom? I'm thinking it could look amazing or it might be a bit much? Please help!!

Deborah G

Question Asked: 7/04/2017

Wedding Date: 1/10/2017

Wedding Location: Pokolbin, NSW 2320

Most Helpful Response

MONTAGIO CUSTOM TAILORING

(14) · Sydney

Posted: 13/04/2017

Hi Deborah, just a suggestion regarding the colour choice for the bridesmaids and the boys - we have fitted wedding groups before where both the boys and the girls have opted to wear navy (or various shades of navy) and it just looked like a large block of navy in the wedding photos. To break it up, may I suggest that the boys dress in light grey suits with navy accessories to tie it in with the girl's dresses?

To answer your main questions - you could stick to the navy suit for the groom with a light-grey waistcoat. While traditionally double-breasted waistcoats were worn inside a morning suit/tails, nowadays we tend to break tradition and go with what looks good. So there's no issue with the double-breasted waistcoat - it all depends on what colour you decide to do for the suits.

If you wish to stick with navy for the boys, then a light-grey waistcoat works for the groom as well as the boys, and as mentioned earlier - you can try and match the accessories such as ties and pocket squares to the colour of the girl's dresses. Paisley may just be a bit too much and there is a danger of it looking gaudy.

If you decide to change the colour for the boys and groom to light-grey suits, then you could still go with the light-grey waistcoat. The point of differentiation for the groom will be the satin trims on the dinner suit.

Hopefully this helps, but if you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch.

Jatin V

Montagio Custom Tailoring

Answered by: 6 Experts

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Modus Operandi Sydney

(0) · Australia Wide

Posted: 11/03/2025

Your peacock colour palette sounds stunning, and the idea of incorporating double-breasted waistcoats adds an extra layer of elegance! Here’s how to ensure the groom stands out while keeping everything cohesive and stylish.

1. The Groom’s Look – A Statement Yet Balanced

Since your groom is wearing a navy dinner suit, his waistcoat should feel special but not clash with the overall theme. A few great options:

  • Classic Elegance: A black or navy double-breasted waistcoat to match the dinner suit keeps him looking sleek and sophisticated while setting him apart from the groomsmen.
  • Subtle Contrast: A deep emerald green or rich teal waistcoat ties into the peacock colour scheme without overpowering the look.
  • Textured Luxury: A navy paisley or brocade waistcoat offers a subtle pattern that differentiates him while maintaining cohesion.

2. Groomsmen in Paisley Waistcoats – Does It Work?

Having the groomsmen wear paisley waistcoats and ties in shades that match their respective bridesmaids’ dresses is a great idea—it ties the colour scheme together and adds a fun, stylish touch.

To make sure it’s not overwhelming:

  • Keep the suits navy so the waistcoats stand out but don’t feel over-the-top.
  • Opt for subtle paisley patterns rather than bold, high-contrast prints to keep the look refined.
  • Stick to solid-coloured ties to balance the patterned waistcoats.

3. The Final Touch – Groom’s Accessories

To further set the groom apart, consider:

  • A solid or subtly textured tie in ivory, champagne, or a muted shade of peacock green instead of a paisley print.
  • A pocket square in a coordinating but distinct colour to add sophistication.
  • A different lapel style or boutonnière to further distinguish him from the groomsmen.

Final Thoughts

Your idea of mixing peacock tones with navy is a fantastic way to add depth and personality to your wedding attire. As long as the patterns and colours are well-balanced, this could look absolutely stunning.

If you need help bringing your vision to life, feel free to reach out at hello@modusoperandisydney.com.au—we’d love to assist!

Your Suit Connection

(2) · Sydney

Posted: 1/05/2017

Hi Deborah

I would love to answer your questions and the easiest way to do this is to invite you and your Groom to come for a Groom Styling Session. For the last 4 years we (Just For Him) have won the title of Best Grooms Fashion in NSW and in April we won the grand title of Best Grooms Wear Australia. What this means is, if you come to Just For Him, you know you are being dressed by the best !

When you come in for a styling session, we will listen to what your vision is and most importantly, what your budget is that you want us to work with. We will then show you different options. If you don't know what you want, we will assist you as first and foremost, we are stylists. We are not about flogging suits, we are all about making the boys 'red carpet ready'. We have an in house Italian tailor (with years of experience) who will ensure the perfect fit.

Essentially, like the other suppliers, I can give you lots of ideas of what the boys should wear, but its much easier if we show you the total look all together as you will know if you like it or not when you see it - your eyes don't lie.

If you respond to this message and book in for a Styling Session ( 7 days by appointment) we will have a lovely gift for the groom when he come in.

Please read the reviews about Just For Him ..... Customers don't lie, let them tell you about their experience at JFH

All the best - Lisa

Black Tie By Xavier

(45) · Australia Wide

Posted: 12/04/2017

Hi Deborah

Very light grey would work well with your chosen suit colour and allow a bright tie against it without looking cluttered. Light grey will also smooth things out under the suit allowing single or double breasted vest to be worn without making to big a statement. The groom could then wear a tie to compliment your dress or a strong navy satin.

Best of luck :)

Xavier

Black tie by Xavier

Man About Town

(9) · Sydney & Surrounding Suburbs

Posted: 11/04/2017

Hi Deborah

My suggestion is to stay away from double breasted waistcoats as this is normally worn with Morning tails not dinner suits and lounge suits.

Have the groom in a nice Navy dinner suit, Wing collar dress shirt, with a nice Ivory waistcoat and bowtie to match, and have the groomsmen in a Modern checked navy suit

with Bowties wearing a turn down collar dress shirt and no waistcoat.

Leave it nice and simple, You will enjoy the photos for decades to come.

Brittons Formal Wear

(125) · PERTH

Posted: 11/04/2017

Deborah, a tough ask indeed. I would advise three piece vests for the gents. Meaning matching vests (or waistcoats) to the suits, and then the matching ties for the boys. Putting the groomsmen into the floral vests can be a distraction from the overall look, as some colours can be overly vibrant. I would recommend single breasted vests for the boys, and the double for the groom. This would provide him a point of difference. Then you're free to go all out on the matching ties for each of the guys.

Some general advice for menswear is the K.I.S.S principle. Keep It Simple (I wont call you Silly or Stupid). I hope this helps.

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