The father of the bride and father of the groom don't have to wear matching suits, and neither is automatically expected to dress the same as the groom.
The best starting point is to ask the couple whether they have a particular look in mind for the wedding party. Once you know that, you can find something that works with their plans and feels comfortable for you.
There's plenty of room to look smart without feeling as though you're wearing somebody else's choice of outfit.
Do I need to match the groom?
Only if that's what the couple would like.
Some weddings have a coordinated look, with the groom, groomsmen and fathers all wearing matching or similar suits. Others have the fathers in different outfits that complement the wedding party.
For example, if the groom is wearing a light blue suit, a father might choose navy or grey rather than wearing exactly the same shade.
You can also create a connection through smaller details, such as a tie or pocket square, without matching the whole outfit.
If you aren't sure what's expected, ask before you start shopping. It'll save you looking at styles that don't fit with what the couple has planned.
Should both fathers wear the same suit?
No. Although it's worth making sure you're dressed to a similar level of formality, there's no need to choose identical outfits.
One father might prefer a traditional three-piece, while the other feels better in a two-piece. That's absolutely fine.
It can help to have a quick conversation about colours and styles, particularly if you'll be standing together in photographs, but there's no requirement for everything to match.
Is a two-piece or three-piece suit better?
Either works well for a wedding.
A three-piece includes a waistcoat, which gives you another option when you take your jacket off. A two-piece can look equally smart and might be more useful afterwards if you want a suit for other occasions.
Try both. You may have a picture in your head of what you should wear, but it's worth seeing how each style actually looks and feels.
And don't overlook the practical side. You'll probably be wearing your outfit for most of the day, so make sure you're comfortable sitting down, moving around and enjoying yourself.
For more on choosing between the two, read Two-Piece or Three-Piece Suit: Which Should You Choose?.
What colour suit should I wear?
Navy and grey are popular choices because they're easy to coordinate and can be worn for plenty of other occasions.
For a more relaxed wedding, lighter shades or textured fabrics may also be worth considering.
The venue, time of year and dress code can help you decide, but the couple's preferences should come first if they've chosen a particular colour scheme.
You don't need to match the bridesmaids or every detail of the wedding decorations. Sometimes a complementary colour works better than trying to find an exact match.
Should I hire or buy?
That largely comes down to whether you'd wear the suit again.
Hiring may be worth considering if the couple wants everyone in a particular style or you don't see much use for the outfit afterwards.
Buying could be more sensible if you'd like something for future weddings, dinners, celebrations or other occasions.
If you're buying, I'd think about how versatile the suit will be. A classic navy or grey suit, for example, can look quite different depending on the shirt, tie and shoes you wear with it.
There's no need to spend more on buying if hiring is right for you, and equally no reason to hire simply because it's a wedding.
For help comparing complete outfit budgets, read How much does a complete wedding suit actually cost?.
What if I don't normally wear suits?
That's probably all the more reason to try on a few different styles rather than settling on the first one.
Look for a jacket that's comfortable across your shoulders and chest, trousers that sit properly and a shape you feel good wearing.
Don't worry if you don't know your size. A good stylist should help you work that out and explain your options without expecting you to know anything about menswear.
I'd also avoid choosing something purely because it looks smart on somebody else. You're the one who's going to be wearing it all day.
For a straightforward introduction, read I know nothing about suits. Where do I start?.
When should I start looking?
Once the couple has decided on the general wedding style, it's worth beginning to explore your options.
That gives you time to order a different size if necessary, consider alterations if you're buying, or follow the appropriate fitting timetable if you're hiring.
You don't have to purchase your outfit immediately, but leaving yourself some time will make finding something suitable much easier.
My advice would be to check with the couple first, then choose a suit you actually enjoy wearing. You can complement the wedding party without having to look identical to everyone else.