On your wedding day, every detail counts. A groom's cufflinks aren't just an accessory — they're a genuine style signature that finishes off the outfit, on a par with the watch or the pocket square. Well chosen, they tell a story: that of your relationship and your personality. Whether your style leans classic, boho, chic or minimalist, there's a design made for you. This complete 2026 guide helps you make the right choice, from style to budget, for truly memorable wedding cufflinks.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Groom's Cufflinks
Reading time: ~10 min
- Contents
- Why the groom's cufflinks matter so much
- The technical basics to know before choosing
- Cufflink styles based on your type of wedding
- Colours and materials to favour for a wedding
- How to match cufflinks, suit and accessories
- Personalisation and sentimental value
- Budget and value for money for a groom's cufflinks
- Where to buy a groom's cufflinks
- Quick checklist and mistakes to avoid
Why the groom's cufflinks matter so much
For a wedding, cufflinks are much more than a decorative detail: they add an immediate touch of elegance, carry a strong emotional dimension when given as a gift or engraved, and help pull your whole look together by harmonising with your suit, shirt and accessories.
The technical basics to know before choosing
The groom's shirt and the type of cuff
To wear cufflinks, the shirt absolutely must have double cuffs (French cuffs) that fold back on themselves and close only with cufflinks. A shirt with single cuffs can't be altered for the occasion, so factor this in from the moment you choose the shirt, to get the polished look you want, whatever type of suit you're wearing.
The main closure types
| Closure type | What it means for the groom |
|---|---|
| Swivel bar (pivoting post) | Practical, reliable; goes on without help |
| Chain | Traditional, needs a little more dexterity |
| Silk knot | Casual; suited to boho weddings |
| Push-through | A sophisticated mechanism; found on high-end designs |
A good-quality swivel-bar closure is often the best compromise between elegance, comfort and security for the big day.
Cufflink styles based on your type of wedding
The classic, timeless groom
With a navy or charcoal-grey suit, a white shirt and an understated tie, choose silver-tone, round or rectangular designs, possibly with a discreet engraving; you'll stay within a refined restraint that's easy to wear again.
The chic, urban groom
For a tuxedo or a very dressy outfit, favour precious metals (sterling silver, white gold, rose gold), mother-of-pearl or black onyx inlays, and watchmaking-inspired designs. Remember to match the metal tone to your watch and your wedding band.
The boho or rustic groom
Fine-wood cufflinks, linen fabric or soft silk (beige, sage green, pastel blue) and small botanical motifs reinforce the warm feel of an outdoor wedding without tipping into eccentricity.
The vintage or retro groom
Art Deco designs, black-and-silver enamel, pieces evoking the 1920s-50s, or creations made from vintage watch movements bring character while staying consistent with a retro suit.
The minimalist, modern groom
Clean geometric shapes (round, square, bar), matte or brushed finishes, and neutral colours (steel, black, charcoal, white) create a contemporary result, perfect for a civil or urban ceremony.
Colours and materials to favour for a wedding
Metals
Good-quality stainless steel, sterling or plated silver, and yellow, white or rose gold are favoured for their durability and elegant finish. Weight, the precision of the finishing, and the presence of hallmarks should guide your choice.
Fine complementary materials
Mother-of-pearl, onyx and semi-precious stones give a chic look; fine wood brings a natural feel; silk or fabric offer a discreet echo of the tie or bow tie, as long as they're securely set within a metal frame.
Which colours to choose
Avoid loud colours on the day of the ceremony. For example: a navy suit with silver or dark-blue cufflinks; a grey suit with silver or charcoal; a black tuxedo with black and silver; a green or terracotta theme evoked subtly.
How to match cufflinks, suit and accessories
With your shirt and suit
A white shirt works with almost anything, while a coloured shirt calls for a matching tone. Plain suits call for restraint; textured fabrics allow more elaborate cufflinks, always within a well-controlled palette.
With your tie, bow tie and pocket square
You can either echo a colour from the tie, or echo a material (for example, silk cufflinks in the same fabric as the bow tie). A slight contrast still looks chicer than a forced tone-on-tone match.
With your watch, wedding band and belt
Coordinate your metal tones: yellow gold with yellow gold; silver with silver or steel; rose gold with warm metals. The wedding band takes priority; adapt your cufflinks so they don't clash in the photos.
Personalisation and sentimental value
Engrave your initials, a date, or a symbol meaningful to your story to turn the accessory into a lasting keepsake. Plan ahead for personalisation lead times, often from several days to several weeks.
To discover original, personalisable designs suited to the modern groom, explore the VV elegance selection.
Budget and value for money for a groom's cufflinks
| Range | Material & features | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | Steel or decent plated metal | A tight wedding budget |
| Mid-range | Good-quality steel, possibly mother-of-pearl or stone | The best value for money |
| Premium | Precious metals, designer finishes | To match a high-end suit |
For a polished result in photos and greater longevity, aim for at least the mid-range, especially if your suit is a fine piece.
Where to buy a groom's cufflinks
Specialist physical shops
In major cities, tailors, concept stores and accessory shops let you see the materials in person and try the cufflinks on with your shirt. Bespoke tailoring houses often include a premium selection consistent with their suit offering.
Online shops and specialist brands
Men's fashion sites offer a wide choice, filters by material or style, and personalisation options (engraving, symbols). Always check the lead times, especially for personalised pieces.
Quick checklist and mistakes to avoid
- Check: French-cuff shirt; consistency with your suit and accessories; a full trial run before the big day; enough margin for delivery and personalisation.
- Avoid: loud colours; low-end mechanisms; a last-minute purchase with no trial run.
By following these few rules, your cufflinks will become one of the most elegant, symbolic details of your outfit, and a strong keepsake from your commitment. To go further and discover designs built for men over 40 and discerning couples, explore the Une Autre Paire De Manche world at the VV elegance site.
FAQ
When should you buy the groom's cufflinks?
Ideally, choose your cufflinks once the suit, shirt and main accessories are settled, so several weeks before the wedding. This gives you time to check that everything works together, make adjustments if needed, and comfortably handle any personalisation or delivery lead times.
Can you reuse your wedding cufflinks day to day?
Yes, as long as you choose a design that's understated and timeless enough. Groom's cufflinks in classic metal, with simple shapes and neutral colours, fit easily into an office or evening outfit, carrying the memory of the wedding into your everyday life.
How do you look after your cufflinks after the wedding?
Wipe your cufflinks with a soft cloth after each wear to remove traces of sweat or perfume. Store them away from moisture, in a box or a dedicated pouch, and use a product suited to the metal (steel, silver, gold) if light polishing becomes necessary.
Should the groom's cufflinks match those of the best men?
It's an option, but not a requirement. You can create a discreet echo by using the same material or colour, while keeping a more elaborate or precious design for the groom, to clearly mark his central role on the day.
Final pointers for choosing the groom's cufflinks well
In short, always start from your suit, your shirt and the mood of the wedding to choose your cufflinks. Favour quality materials, a reliable mechanism and a style consistent with your personality, rather than a one-day spectacular effect. Plan ahead for the purchase and any personalisation, check the finished look during a full trial run, then keep your cufflinks as a keepsake you'll enjoy wearing long after the wedding.
To go further, discover our full selection of cufflinks, with fast delivery and free exchanges.