should the groom have his suit jacket on or off during first dance?

Great question! Whether the groom keeps his suit jacket on or off during the first dance depends on the style of your wedding, comfort level, and overall vibe you’re going for. Here are a few things to consider:

Reasons to Keep the Jacket On:

• Keeps the Look Formal: Especially for a black-tie or elegant wedding, keeping the jacket on maintains a polished appearance.
• Photographs Well: A full suit creates a cohesive look in photos, and the structured silhouette looks sharp.
• First Impressions Matter: Since the first dance is a major moment, the jacket helps maintain a “ceremonial” feel before transitioning to a more relaxed atmosphere later.

Reasons to Take the Jacket Off:

• More Comfort & Movement: Removing the jacket makes it easier to move, especially if your dance is energetic.
• Casual & Relaxed Vibe: If your wedding is more laid-back, this might suit the overall atmosphere better.
• Avoid Looking Too Stiff: Without a vest, the jacket might feel a bit restrictive, and a white shirt with a tie can still look stylish.

Best of Both Worlds?

• Start the dance with the jacket on, then remove it halfway through for a fun transition and a more relaxed feel.
• If your fiancé prefers to dance without it, removing it just before the dance (maybe after speeches or as part of a groom’s reveal moment) can work well.

Final Thought:

There’s no right or wrong answer, but if the wedding is formal, keeping the jacket on for at least the start of the dance ensures the look stays refined. If he prefers to take it off, a well-fitted white shirt and tie can still look chic and intentional rather than underdressed.

If he needs the perfect suit for the big day, we’d love to help! Feel free to reach out at hello@modusoperandisydney.com.au for expert styling advice.

Hi Lorena

It really depends on how formal your wedding is and how active your dance is. If he does wear his jacket, ensure that it is not buttoned up as this will restrict movement. If the groom is wearing a vest it looks fine if the jacket is off.

At the end of the day - this is your big day - no one else's so do whatever you want and enjoy yourselves :)

All the best

Lisa - Just For Him

Hi Fiona.

If the dress code for your wedding is formal, wear the jacket. Keep it unbuttoned to allow a wider range of movement.

Your groom shouldn't have trouble moving around unless you're preforming some sort of elaborate dance routine.

Enjoy xx Elle

Lorena,

I would tell your fiance to practice dancing with you, with a jacket on. If you're having lessons for the wedding, then he should practice with the coat on. This will make him feel at ease when you dance on the night.

I would always recommend the jacket with the dance, as it shows care and interest in the aspect of the wedding. It's a formality that occurs at every wedding, and the groom should show that he is interested and dressed appropriately for the dance.

Hope this helps.

Matthew - Brittons Perth

We get asked this a lot! And my answer is always the same. Unless the venue has strict dress rules, do what ever your comfortable doing. If you are having a black tie event, then perhaps leave the jacket on. If you are wanting to have a more relaxed approach then the jacket can come off. Good luck and best wish's.

Spiro

Formal Red

Hi Lorena

At this stage of the wedding it is between you and your fiancé, don't worry about the rest of the world. The formalities are over, you can relax and enjoy yourself. If you are really concerned - consider the photo's (video) and how you want to look for these, but I would imagine you will have many more photo's taken with the groom wearing his jacket.

Best wishes

Xavier

Black tie by Xavier

Definitely on as it represents the couples first dance as husband and wife so you would expect the photography and video will look sharp.

The groom should have the jacket on during all formalities. The First Dance is part of the formalities.