The groom’s outfits

The groom’s attire

Nowadays, there are several different options when it comes to wedding attire for the groom, and also for the male guests. On this page, we’ll go through the most common ones. However, tailcoats and suits are the most common.

Tailcoat

The tailcoat is usually black or dark midnight blue, with a long train at the back and silk lapels on the jacket. The tailcoat consists of: a tailcoat jacket and tailcoat trousers. A white piqué shirt and a white waistcoat. The shirt has a starched front, a pointed collar and plain cuffs. A white piqué bow tie, braces, armbands, cufflinks and two front buttons. A white handkerchief, black socks and black shoes. A tailcoat is evening wear and is not appropriate for a morning wedding; a dark suit should be worn instead.
If the invitation states ‘Formal attire’, the man should wear a tailcoat, a uniform or a festive version of traditional dress. The woman should wear an elegant evening gown or a festive version of traditional dress.

Jaquette

This is an alternative to the tailcoat. The jaquette jacket is black or grey, and the trousers are grey and striped. The waistcoat, which is compulsory, is grey or suede-coloured. The bottom button should be left undone. The shirt is white, worn with a silk cravat in silver-grey or another suitable colour, or a bow tie. The shoes are black Oxfords – not as smart as patent leather shoes. For outdoor wear, a grey top hat is also worn, and grey gloves if required.
The jaquette is a formal garment worn during the day at weddings before 3 pm. Nowadays, it is acceptable to continue wearing the jaquette in the evening when lunch eventually turns into dinner.

Suit

Trousers and jacket in the same material and colour, with or without a waistcoat, single- or double-breasted, with a white shirt. Traditionally, a dark, plain suit in blue or black is required; absolutely no pinstripes. A light-coloured suit is appropriate during the lighter months of the year. Otherwise, you may wear a suit entirely according to your own taste in colour, pattern and fabric. Black, slim-fitting shoes and dark socks are essential accessories.
If the invitation states ‘Jacket’, a suit should be worn. Occasionally, a mismatched jacket and trousers may be worn, provided the accessories are smart. Ladies should wear a short dress or a formal gown; on occasion, a pair of elegant trousers is acceptable. An evening gown, even a long one, may be worn if you know that the male guests are expected to wear a dark suit (at an afternoon wedding).

Bonjour

This long jacket is quite rare in Sweden. The ‘bonjour’ is double-breasted, fitted at the front, has a knee-length tail at the back and a shawl collar. During the 19th century, the garment became the formal attire for the common man, but was subsequently supplanted by the jaquette. A modern version of the bonjour is the now very popular frock coat.

Frock coat

The frock coat is also a long coat (a modern version of the coat) that is slightly shorter than a bonjour. The coat has lapels and comes in many different colours. It is always worn with black trousers, black shoes and socks, a waistcoat, a white shirt and a tie around the neck.
It is not appropriate to wear a frock coat if the invitation specifies ‘formal attire’ or a ‘dark suit’. Nor can a tuxedo or suit jacket be replaced by this garment.

Tuxedo

Tuxedos come in black, dark blue or very dark grey. The collar is made of silk and has lapels. The jacket may or may not have a breast pocket. If there is one, you may have a handkerchief visible in the breast pocket. The tuxedo shirt usually has a stand-up collar but is also available with a spread collar. This is worn with a black bow tie and a cummerbund or waistcoat. Shoes should be black, and patent leather shoes are not required. You should also wear thin black socks.
A tuxedo should be worn if the invitation states ‘Liten högtidsdräkt’, ‘Black tie’, ‘Dinner jacket’, ‘Tuxedo’ or ‘Cravatte noir’. It is not a substitute for a tailcoat or a suit. The tuxedo equivalent for women is an evening gown.

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