Big Day Beards & What to Do About Facial Hair for the Wedding

Beards have gained popularity, but some people may still believe that a clean-shaven look is most suitable for a formal event. Many groomsmen may wonder, What should I do about my beard? Well, since we’re the place to go for all things grooms and groomsmen, we figured we’d drop a little knowledge on facial hair, the attitude around it, and a few styles you can consider for the big day!!!

So, what to do about facial hair?

Well, it’s up to one (two) person(s). The groom. *and the bride. Whatever the bride wants is a common theme in weddings, but that can often become more of a social norm than an actual, real-life scenario in your world. It could be the mother of the bride or the father of the bride who has a stance on facial hair or lack thereof when it comes to the wedding day. No matter what, if someone has a strong stance, a conversation will need to happen. 

Just have a conversation.

What should the groom say about it? Well, if you feel a strong opinion about what you want for your big day, say, for example, you want all your men to be freshly shaven, well, that’s your call. 

If you don’t say anything at all, you may have a few stragglers who don’t bother to take care of their scruff and look a little unkempt for the big day. At the very least, you should have a conversation with your boys about making sure you get cleaned up before the day of the wedding. 

When to hit the barber?

One good idea to consider is to have all the groomsmen hit the barber TOGETHER, sometime leading up to the wedding. No matter the case, all groomsmen should have a plan for what they’re going to do with their facial hair and beard at least 30 days before the wedding. This allows you to have a good lead-up to the wedding and gives your barber time to prepare and know what the groom/groomsmen are looking for. 

Cutting the beard/hair too early could leave too much time for the hair to grow in, but going mere hours before the wedding, say the day prior, could be a little too crispy. (ingrown hairs too!) We recommend about 2 or 3 days out to visit the barber and have everything cleaned up and sharp. 

Ultimately, your buddies should have control over how they look and how they want to present themselves, so long as they are presentable and everything is tight and clean. 

So, what beard styles are you and your groomsmen going to go with? Here are a few classic options. 

Beard Styles for the Wedding Day

The Clean Shave

A classic, timeless look. Very Bond. Very Gatsby. Throwback when paired with a clean tuxedo. 

Warning: Be careful shaving, cuts can be a killer on the wedding day.

The Scruff

Shows jawline and allows for a little beard without any judgment in today’s day and age. 

Warning: overly maintaining scruff can give off “tried too hard” vibes. Be careful with where you decide to trim at jawline. Practice makes perfect

The Mustache

A good mustache can be elegant and fancy, and can create a nice look for a man who wants to whack the beard down but not look 15. It also allows for some fun.

Warning: a bad mustache can make you look like you belong on a list

Combo Idea- The Beard-Stache

This look is for experienced beard groomers. Keep the stache, but also leave a little cowboy-esque stubble for a modern yet manly look. 

Warning: it takes practice and the right timing of trim-to-scruff, or you could look corny. Try practicing the look before the big day

The Short Goatee

A clean little goatee can leave just enough to keep a nice facial hair look, without needing to go full shave. 

Warning: Only rock a goatee if it’s your regular look, or you’ll look weird to everyone who knows you

The Longer Goatee

Some guys can really pull off a goatee. Especially older guys. There’s something about the look that makes it seem like they can wield a sword well. 

Warning: Goatees may attract older women- HIYOO

The Mutton Chops

This look was extremely popular in the 90s, but has fallen off a bit, but if Wolverine can pull it off, it’s timeless if you ask us. 

Warning: Make sure the chops are even!

The Buzzed Beard

Guys with beards can still leave the structure and shape of their beard, while also whacking it down the a short length. This is a great look and feel for summer weddings (especially outdoor)

Warning: Trust the experts when doing beard work, or you may end up needing to shave it all off with one mistake

The Faded Beard

It’s not 1923; beards are acceptable. If you want to leave it, just leave it. Especially if the groom and bride both approve. But having a faded beard can create a nice clean look, especially if you plan to have your hair short on the sides. 

Warning: Make sure your barber is experienced in this look. 

The Medium-Full Beard

Letting it go a little bit longer can still look professional and well kept, especially with the help of a barber. 

Warning: Any beard trimming must be done carefully, or you won’t have one left. Mistakes must be avoided, especially near game day. 

The Viking Beard

Look, some dudes just have it, and there’s no point in removing it. Especially if you’re the groom. So long as you aren’t coming off a deserted island like Tom Hanks with a bloody volleyball, you're probably ok. If you’re in the Viking beard world, you probably don’t need any help with beard stuff. Let it rock and roll. 

Warning: Doing nothing could come across as a little scrappy, and a messy beard doesn’t go well with a suit. A Pro barber can clean it up and keep it perfectly long and clean to make sure the old ladies still approve

The Wildcard

If you’ve got something weird going on, and it’s YOU, then be yourself. As long as your bathed and everything is in order, don’t let anyone stop you from being your true, weird self. 

Warning: don’t be surprised if grandma gives you a weird look lol

Ultimately, grooms should accept that whoever they choose to be their groomsmen should have the freedom to do what they want when it comes to expression. However, most of us have all been in a situation where creative freedom was not granted, so don’t be surprised if you have to buzz that beard down to something a bit more tidy. All this being said, everyone should be allowed to do what makes them most comfortable, confident, and handsome. That’s what the wedding day is all about baby!