Wearing a White Tuxedo for Your Wedding: Groom Style Guide

Published on April 7, 2025

Groom wearing all white tuxedo in fancy hotel wedding venue

A white tuxedo is the ultimate statement of elegance, sophistication, and style for grooms. Whether you're planning a classic black-tie wedding or a breezy destination ceremony, a white tuxedo ensures you stand out while maintaining a refined and polished look. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wearing a white tuxedo on your wedding day, from choosing the right style to accessorizing and ensuring the perfect fit.

Why Choose a White Tuxedo for Your Wedding?

A white tux exudes confidence, timelessness, and luxury. While black tuxedos are the standard for black-tie occasions, a white tuxedo offers a unique and stylish alternative that’s especially fitting for weddings. Here’s why grooms are opting for white tuxedos:

Distinctive and eye-catching: A white tuxedo immediately sets the groom apart from the rest of the wedding party and guests without compromising on formality.
Perfect for formal and destination weddings: White tuxedos look stunning at black-tie events but also feel appropriate for warm-weather celebrations.
Timeless appeal: White tuxedos have been worn for decades and continue to be a great choice for the modern groom.
Versatile styling options: Whether you prefer an all-white look or a sharp contrast with black details, a white tux has lots of room for style choices.

Choosing the Right White Tux

When selecting a white tuxedo for your wedding, consider the level of formality, your venue, and how you want to look. White tuxedos come in a few different variations, from fully monochromatic designs to styles with contrasting details. What matters most, though, is what you feel most comfortable in!

All-White Tuxedo vs. White Tuxedo Jacket with Black Pants

All white ivory tuxedo with matching cummerbund at light and airy wedding

Ivory groom's tuxedo jacket with black bow tie and black tuxedo pants

One of the biggest style decisions when wearing a white tuxedo is whether to go for an all-white look or pair a white jacket with black tuxedo pants.

All-white tux: A sleek, monochromatic tuxedo with a white jacket and matching white trousers creates an ultra-refined and modern look. This style works well for formal summer weddings, outdoor garden ceremonies, or destination celebrations.
White jacket with black pants: A white tuxedo jacket paired with black trousers is a timeless combination that adds contrast and definition to your outfit. This look is perfect for evening weddings, black-tie events, or grooms who want a classic yet slightly bold style. The darker pants also provide a practical benefit by hiding potential stains or marks throughout the day.

Lapels and Design Details

White wedding tuxedo for groom with classic black lapel

Groom wearing ivory tuxedo with white boutonniere walking down aisle

Another key factor to consider is the lapel style. A shawl lapel creates a smooth, modern silhouette, while a peak lapel adds a bit more structure and formality to the jacket. If you want a striking contrast, opt for a white tuxedo with black lapels, which pairs well with black or white and black trousers for a polished, high-contrast effect.

SuitShop offers a variety of white tuxedo styles with the Made-to-Order collection. Check out some unique options like a white and black double breasted jacket!

How to Style a White Tuxedo

Reception outfit for groom in white tuxedo jacket with black pants and silk 2nd look dress

Once you’ve selected your tuxedo, the next step is choosing the right accompanying pieces and accessories to complete the look.

Shirt Options

In most cases, you’ll want to go with a crisp, white shirt. Traditionally, a tuxedo shirt with studs is the go-to. A simple French cuff dress shirt is another perfect option for an even cleaner, simpler look.

Bow Ties

A timeless black satin or velvet bow tie adds a sharp contrast against a white tuxedo, whether you’re already leveraging other black details or not. For a fully monochromatic vibe, opt for a matching white bow tie.

If you’re looking to add a true pop of color or incorporate your wedding colors, a your bow tie can add some personality. Play around with patterns and textures, too!

Footwear for a White Tuxedo

Black Patent Leather Shoes: A go-to option for a classic, polished look.
White Formal Loafers: A bold yet sleek choice that creates a fully monochromatic ensemble.
Velvet Shoes: For a touch of luxury, black velvet loafers add texture and refinement.

Other Accessories

Cummerbund or Vest: A white or black cummerbund or vest complements a white tuxedo beautifully, creating depth in the outfit.
Pocket Square: A white silk pocket square is a subtle yet refined touch, while a patterned or colored pocket square can create some personality.
Cufflinks and Studs: Silver or black cufflinks provide a polished look. Opt for pearl details for a soft, elegant finish.

White vs. Black Tux: Which One is Right for You?

Many grooms debate whether to go with the classic black tuxedo or make a statement with a white tux. The decision often comes down to formality, personal style, and the setting of your wedding.

Why Wear a White Tux

All white tuxedo groom holding glass of champagne at wedding reception

A white tuxedo is a fresh, fashion-forward choice that stands out, making it ideal for grooms who want a bold yet elegant look. White tuxedos are particularly well-suited for warm-weather weddings, destination celebrations, or outdoor ceremonies, as the lighter color complements airy, sunlit settings. However, they do require more care to keep clean throughout the event, so consider factors like venue conditions and the likelihood of stains before committing to an all-white ensemble.

Why Wear a Black Tux

Gay wedding grooms wearing black and white tuxedos together getting ready

A black tuxedo remains the gold standard for traditional black-tie weddings and formal evening affairs. It’s a timeless and sophisticated option that requires less maintenance throughout the day. Black tuxedos also offer versatility, pairing effortlessly with various wedding themes and venues, from grand ballrooms to upscale city venues.

If you love the elegance of a white tuxedo but want some classic contrast, a white jacket with black tuxedo pants is a great middle ground. This combination maintains the sleek, high-contrast appeal while making the overall look more grounded and practical. The Ivory White & Black Tuxedo is a refined example of this balanced style, offering a polished and sophisticated aesthetic.

Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your personal style, wedding theme, and comfort level. Whether you opt for a white tux, a black tux, or a combination of both, the most important thing is that you feel confident and stylish on your big day.

How to Wear a White Tuxedo for a Wedding: FAQs

If that’s your style, go for it! A white tux is a great way for the groom to stand out. It’s a stylish and sophisticated choice, especially for formal weddings.

White tuxedos work best for elegant, formal, or destination weddings. They may not be ideal for rustic or very casual settings unless styled accordingly. But it’s all personal preference!

As with any light-colored clothing, you’ll want to be mindful of food and drink spills. Consider carrying a stain-removing pen for any emergencies. Worried about photos? Opt for a photoshoot before the party starts to reduce the chances of staining your outfit before posed pictures.

To truly stand out if the groom wears a white tuxedo, the wedding party should contrast in black or complementary colors.

Wearing Wedding White: Rocking a Groom's White Tuxedo

Confidence is the best accessory, and a well-tailored tuxedo makes all the difference. Whether you choose a sleek all-white tux or a white tuxedo with bold black accents, ensure the perfect fit so you can wear it with pride.

Your wedding day is a reflection of your personal style, and a white tuxedo is a bold yet elegant choice that sets the tone for a memorable celebration. No matter how you style it, the key is to feel comfortable, confident, and true to yourself.

Nathaniel Longmore

Nate, a former SuitShop groom, is a writer by passion and trade. When he's not typing away from a local coffee shop, you can find him hiking the trails or searching the racks of a thrift store.