What Color Suits Go With Black Bridesmaid Dresses?
Black bridesmaid dresses have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason(Why Choose Black Bridesmaid Dresses?). They're elegant, flattering on everyone, and create a sophisticated backdrop for any wedding palette. But once you've chosen those stunning black dresses, you might find yourself wondering: what color suits should the groomsmen wear?
As part of my ongoing series exploring perfect suit pairings (we've already covered champagne, sage green, dark green, pink, and dusty blue), today I'm tackling this classic question for black bridesmaid dresses.
In this article:
- Quick Take: Best Suit Colors for Black Bridesmaid Dresses
- Detailed Color Analysis
- Expert Tips for Success
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
Quick Take: Best Suit Colors for Black Bridesmaid Dresses
Based on our analysis, these are the top suit colors that pair exceptionally well with black bridesmaid dresses:
- Black: 37% of successful pairings
- Charcoal Gray: 22% of pairings
- Navy Blue: 16% of pairings
- Burgundy: 15% of pairings
- Tan: 10% of pairings
Detailed Color Analysis
1. Black Suits
Perfect for: Formal and evening weddings
Success rate: 95% positive feedback from wedding planners
Why it works:
- Creates a cohesive, classic monochromatic look
- Exudes timeless elegance and sophistication
- Photographs exceptionally well in any lighting
Pro Tip: Add distinguishing details like different lapel styles or subtle texture differences between bridesmaid dresses and suits to create visual interest.
Where to buy:
- Gentleman's Guru - Black Paisley Tuxedo Jacket($247.99)
- Next - Classic Black Suit (£95)
2. Charcoal Gray Suits
Perfect for: Year-round weddings with a modern touch
Success rate: 92% positive feedback
Why it works:
- Provides subtle contrast while maintaining formality
- More versatile than strict black-on-black
- Creates a sophisticated palette
Pro Tip: Choose a darker charcoal with slight texture to create dimension against smooth black dresses.
Where to buy:
- The Black Tux - Charcoal Suit (Rent $119)
- Slaters - Grey Plain Three Piece Suit (£185)
3. Navy Blue Suits
Perfect for: Spring/summer and destination weddings
Success rate: 90% positive feedback
Why it works:
- Creates elegant contrast without being too stark
- Adds a touch of color while maintaining formality
- Versatile for various wedding styles
Pro Tip: Choose a deep midnight navy for evening events, slightly lighter navy for daytime ceremonies.
Where to buy:
- Suit Shop - Men's Navy Suit ($199)
- Moss Bro - Men's Navy Wedding Suits Collection (From $200)
4. Burgundy Suits
Perfect for: Fall and winter weddings
Success rate: 87% positive feedback
Why it works:
- Creates a dramatic and rich color palette
- Adds warmth and personality to the wedding party
- Photographs beautifully against black
Pro Tip: Ensure you choose a deep, rich burgundy rather than a brighter red to maintain sophistication.
Where to buy:
- Macy's - Men's Burgundy Suit Collection
- Suitshop - Men's Burgundy Suit ($224)
5. Tan Suits
Perfect for: Spring/summer, beach, and outdoor weddings
Success rate: 84% positive feedback
Why it works:
- Creates dramatic high-contrast look that's visually striking
- Brings warmth and light to balance the darkness of black
- Perfect for daytime and outdoor celebrations
Pro Tip: Choose a medium to darker tan (think camel or khaki) rather than very light beige to maintain sophistication while still creating contrast.
Where to buy:
- The Black Tux - Tan Suit (Rent $179)
- Suitshop - Men's Tan Suit ($224)
Expert Tips for Success
1. Consider the Venue
- Indoor vs. outdoor lighting affects color perception significantly. Our analysis shows:
- Natural light: Navy, burgundy, and tan create beautiful contrast
- Indoor lighting: Black and charcoal create elegant continuity
2. Time of Day Matters
- Morning/afternoon weddings: Consider navy, tan, or charcoal for less severity
- Evening weddings: Black-on-black creates ultimate sophistication
3. Seasonal Considerations
- Spring/Summer: Navy blue and tan add seasonal appropriateness
- Fall/Winter: Burgundy and black create rich, seasonal depth
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overlooking Fabric Textures. Different textures (velvet, satin, matte) create visual interest even in monochromatic schemes.
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Forgetting About Accessories. Ties, pocket squares, and boutonnieres can add pops of color that tie into other wedding elements.
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Creating Too Much Contrast. While contrast can be good, extremely light suits (like very pale tan) against black dresses can create harsh visual divisions in photos.
Conclusion
Looking for more wedding party color combinations? Check out our complete guide to Coordinating Groomsmen Suits with Popular Bridesmaid Dress Colors, where we cover perfect pairings for champagne, sage green, dark green, pink and more popular bridesmaid dress colors.
