I went back and forth about what the groomsmen would wear. Of course, I never asked Mr. Coconut’s opinion (which was my first mistake) because I considered it more of a color/style question, something he’s been hesitant to get involved in. Mr. Coconut is really the captain of the financial/logistical team, whereas I’m the captain of style/decor.
Our first option for the men was black. However, we initially had chocolate bridesmaid dresses and for some reason I just didn’t like them together. I know black is classic, but I just didn’t see it fitting into our wedding. For one, our wedding ceremony is outdoors. Our reception is indoors, but it’s at a historic building that’s very plain and natural, so a tux seemed like too much.
Naturally our second option was tan suits, but I felt that was too informal. If we were having a beach/tent wedding it would be perfect, but I wanted something more. Mr. Coconut really didn’t have an opinion, but he wanted veto power, which of course was understandable.
Then, it happened. I was going through my trusty Google Reader, and I came upon a wedding featured by Elizabeth Anne Designs. It was in a word, breathtaking. I won’t say anymore, I’ll just post pictures taken by Heather Moreau of Vallentyne Photography.
The groomsmen’s suits were perfect!!! They were in the brown family, but not as informal as the tan suits AND the groom looked a little different in a rich velvet blazer. I contacted the bride, Maie, (yes a bit stalkerish, I ain’t ashamed) and asked her about the suits. She happily gave me some tips on how to find some. (*Note: She’s featured in this month’s Modern Bride.) I ran it by Mr. Coconut, who was a bit skeptical about finding suits at a reasonable price, but he liked the idea nonetheless.
On Memorial Day weekend, hoping to find some great sales, we went to Stein Mart. What did we find? Five Ralph Lauren sport coats for the groomsmen at $58 a pop. Three Ralph Lauren sport coats for the dads at $58/each but in a slightly different color. What else did we find? Yellow ties for $12/each for each of the groomsmen & dads. Also, Ralph Lauren khakis for $34.
Mr. Coconut was such a good sport!
He tried on each tie for me. See how his smile is lessening a little?
We bought two of each, and then one with tennis rackets, hee hee.
Here’s a close-up of the dad’s blazers. I love the plaid, it looks so old school!
And what did we find for Mr. Coconut you ask? We found something, but it’s currently at the tailor and we’re not sure it’s going to work. I’ll tell you that it’s a rich brown velvet Ralph Lauren blazer. We found it at Dillard’s for $65. It was rather large on him so we’re not sure if the tailor can fix it, so you’ll just have to wait until after the wedding to find out what he wore! 
Is your groom or groomsmen wearing something a little different from the traditional tux or suit?
**Thanks to Maie for inspiring me and allowing me to completely steal her ideas! You’re the best!
I really like this idea, it’s so different! We are having regular old tuxes, and it’s becoming hard to even get Mr. H to figure out that!
nice fin Miss Coconut. We are also going with suits for the groomsmen (grey) and Mr. P will be in black. I too like the idea of the groom standing out from his fellas.
Those are going to look amazing! I agree with you — I love the old-school look of the houndstooth. Gorgeous finds on the ties, too.
Wow! Stunning. How can I duplicate this exact wedding? Just kidding, but I love her wedding dress. Wonder who makes it? The doors idea is brilliant.
I’m so bummed that my FH wants to wear a tux. I don’t want anything that formal or that boring but that’s what he wants so… that’s what he gets. I LOVE what you’re doing.
Wow what great finds at amazing prices! They’re going to look fab 
love the suits
I’ve been in search for a “Mocha” men’s suit either in pinstripe or with a slight texture since Chocolate Brown will photograph as pretty much black.
We ended up finding a tailor that specializes in vintage men’s suits. My guy is having a 3 piece suit made and I’m so excited. For him it’s the equivalent of my wedding dress — (and about the same price). It’s a cocoa lightweight wool gaberdine.
The groomsmen will then wear tan suits and the dad’s in sportcoats.
[...] you know what the others are wearing, but I forgot about my mom! A few weeks ago, I spent some torturous time at the [...]
Hey Miss C -
I’ve been searching endlessly for sportcoats like in this wedding - would you mind sending some of the info you discovered my way? I guess I could ask Maie directly, but I’m sure she’s been getting loads of emails bc of being featured in modern bride!! When you get a chance, I’d appreciate an email - a w i d h a l m {at} g m a i l {dot} etc..
IE, do you know where she got that snazzy sportcoat for the groom?
Thanks!!!
Mrs. Coconut, Tallahassee
Age and Occupation: 27, Soon-to-be Lawyer (once I pass the bar!)
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, phD Computer Science
Engagement Date: March 2007
Wedding Date: November 2008
Blogging Since: May 20, 2008
Venue: 1930s Historic Building in Lakeland, FL
About Me: I never thought about weddings until I got engaged. Now, I can't stop thinking about them! Planning the wedding has really opened the floodgates to my DIY side. If there's anything I can do to avoid hiring someone else, I will do it! Mr. Coconut is my financial advisor, he tries to keep me budget-conscious! We've tried to make wedding planning a team effort!
Well, my husband is thinking about wearing a kilt to celebrate is (far off) Irish Scottish heritage. I sure hope he sticks to it and I look forward to see what it will look like on him.