Planning every single element of your wedding day down to the very last detail? Of course you are!

But just when it seems like you’ve got everything perfectly under control, something else pops up that you didn’t even think of. And today we’ve got one more detail for you to stress about: groomsmen socks.

Chances are, you’ve probably seen those wedding posts on Instagram of the groom and his guys showing off their fun socks. We’re huge fans!

After all, the bridesmaids get to show off their personality with their dresses, hair, jewelry, and shoes. So we love the idea of the guys getting in on some of that action.

To help you in your search for the perfect footwear, we’ve put together a list of groomsmen socks that’ll brighten up your wedding party.

Keep it Classic with Argyle Patterns

Want to get in on the colorful sock trend without going overboard? Argyle patterns are the way to go.

They’re fun, quirky, and colorful. And when you look back at your wedding photos in ten years, you won’t shriek in horror at the fact that you made your groomsmen wear some silly socks with emoji patterns or superhero prints.

If you want to go bold and bright, check out the HotSox catalog. Argyle is a classic pattern, so it’s okay to go a little crazy with color. Even your judgy mother-in-law will love ‘em!

You’ll find lots of cool wedding socks at BoldSocks.com. They come in assorted colors, and they keep it classy. But, they also add a fun, unexpected element to an already sophisticated look.

Go Bold With Polka Dots or Stripes

Not loving the argyle trend? Think about styling your groomsmen in stripes or polka dots instead! These classic patterns leave the door wide open for you to personalize and customize your look.

Mack Weldon makes some of our favorite socks. We’re big fans of their striped pairs, but we especially love the polka-dotted ones. They come in a range of colors, so you can keep it simple with neutral tones or go bold with eye-catching brights.

If you’re looking for bold stripes, the London Sock Company has what you need. Like argyles, stripes are a classic pattern. You can make it more playful by choosing bright, vibrant colors.

If stripes and argyles are too traditional for you, you might want to consider some geometric patterns like this pair from Paul Smith. The colors are vibrant and the pattern catches the eye – perfect for a guy who’s looking to stand out for all the right reasons.

Have Fun with Tropical Patterns and Quirky Designs

Looking for something unexpected and offbeat? Choose some funky socks that coordinate with your wedding theme or express your unique sense of style.

These palm leaf socks from Cole Haan are simply perfect for a tropical wedding. The pattern is subtle, yet still bold enough to add a fun edge to a summer suit. Plus, they come in neutral colors for easy pairing with any outfit.

Ted Baker always surprises us with his fabulous prints – and these flamingo socks are no exception. Available in a variety of colors, these socks are an Instagram-worthy post just waiting to happen. They’re so cool that we’re pretty sure he’ll want to wear them again when the wedding’s over.

Getting married on the beach? Having your ceremony on a boat? If you’re looking to bring some nautical elements into your wedding day attire, you’ll find plenty of apropos patterns from The Sock Drawer.

With prints that range from fish and crabs to octopus and sharks, you can go as loud and as crazy as you want!

Perfect for groomsmen who plan to get a little bit tipsy, this cocktail theme by Happy Socks will help get the party started. The allover martini glass pattern adds just the right amount of playfulness to a groomsman’s look.

How to Choose the Right Groomsman Socks

When it comes time to choose a pattern, there are a few ways you can approach the novelty sock trend.

Choose a pattern that goes with the theme of your wedding. Opt for a nautical pattern for a day at the beach. Pick horse prints for a rustic wedding. Choose tropical leaves for a destination wedding.

Think of the groomsmen socks as one more element that needs to coordinate with everything else. That means they should complement the rest of the wedding party, including the bride, groom, and bridesmaids.

There are three variations of the trend that you can do, depending on how bold you’re willing to be:

• Put all groomsmen in the same pattern and color.
• Put all groomsmen in the same pattern but choose unique colors for every guy.
• Put all groomsmen in the same colors but mix up the prints. For example, get the best man wear to stripes, and the others wear argyle or polka dots.

And remember, above all else...don’t match the socks to the shoes! Men’s Dress socks should coordinate with their pants or make a fashion statement that contrasts perfectly. Channel your inner Tim Gunn and make it work!

Related: Our Guide to Father of the Bride Suits

Tip: Socks Make Great Groomsmen Gifts

We know that socks aren’t exactly the most exciting wedding gift of all time. Yet, they’re a surprisingly stylish (and sensible) way to invite a guy to be a member of your wedding party.

With custom sock labels, you formally invite him to be a groomsman (and give him an idea of what he can expect to wear on your wedding day).

There are lots of places where you can order custom socks labels. Just search on Etsy. You’ll find lots of sellers who can customize each guy’s pair with their name, the wedding date, and other details. Some sellers will even ship it to them in a pretty gift box!

Related: Best Groomsman Gifts for 2020 [And Beyond]

Have Fun With It

The socks make the man. Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly how the saying goes…

The point is:

Your wedding day should represent you - and that includes every little detail. From the bridesmaid’s dresses to the groomsmen socks, everything about your big day should reflect your taste.

If you want to keep it simple, have all the guys wear the same pattern and color. Stick with classic patterns like argyles and stripes.

If you’re willing to step outside the box, make it a bit more exciting by mixing and matching patterns. Go crazy with colorful stripes, novelty patterns, or polka dot socks.

When it comes to outfitting your wedding party, have fun! This is your day, so stop worrying about what your in-laws will think or what your grandparents will have to say. On your wedding day, it’s all about expressing your personal style. Don’t be afraid to break a few rules along the way!

For more wedding style tips, check out our blog: The Bridesmaids Buzz