the Wedding Guide by TieMart
How To Dress The Father Of The Bride (Or Groom)
The father of the bride (and groom) are an important part of a wedding, but they're often overlooked when it comes to what to wear. A general rule of thumb is that dad should be dressed as formal as the groomsmen, with minor exceptions. Let's dig in.
- For groomsmen clad in tuxedos, the dads can opt for their favorite black suit if preferred.
- If groomsmen are wearing bow ties, it's okay for dad to wear a necktie and vice versa. (Need groomsmen attire ideas? Visit our guide to wedding tie styles.)
The father of the bride and groom usually wear boutonnieres in the same or slightly different styles than the groomsmen, so be sure to include them in the florist order.
Now, from colors to formality, let's get down to specifics with father of the bride apparel. Here are 4 ways to dress the father of bride.
1. Match The Groomsmen For A Unified Look
From the tux to the tie, it's not uncommon for the father of the bride to wear the same ensemble as the groomsmen. One thing to consider, though, is the fit of the tuxedo. While slim fit tuxedos might be an obvious choice for your groomsmen, dad might be more comfortable in the same tuxedo, but in the regular cut he's accustomed to. As noted above, dad may prefer to wear his favorite black suit rather than a tuxedo. He can still match by wearing the same accessories (tie, pocket square and boutonniere) as the groomsmen.
These dads brought their own flair while still matching the wedding party in navy.
2. Let Dad Choose—With A Few Style Guidelines
Many couples leave the father attire entirely up to dad. It's still smart to give him some guidelines for the big day though, such as color of his suit or tuxedo. For casual weddings where the wedding party won't be wearing traditional attire, make sure dad knows. If groomsmen are in linen button downs and khakis, the father of the bride should leave his suit at home and dress similarly. Letting him know your wedding colors is important, too. Although he might not match his tie or accessories exactly to the colors, this will help him choose a coordinating necktie that won't clash with your wedding colors. If you have a preference to whether he wears a tie or bow tie, it's best to let him know, too.
A few simple style guidelines—like wedding colors or dress code—can help dads coordinate without clashing. This father of the groom chose an eggplant tie that perfectly complements his wife's dress.
3. Coordinate With Wedding Accent Colors
Clothing dad in accent wedding colors is our favorite way to dress the father of the bride. For a burgundy and blush wedding with groomsmen adorned in burgundy ties, go blush pink for dad's tie. You can also add different color accents to his pocket square and boutonniere, too.
Dressing the dads in accent wedding colors is a stylish way to coordinate—like these burgundy ties that tie in perfectly with the day’s color palette.
4. Choose Neutral Father Of The Bride Ties And Accessories
Neutral ties and accessories are a simple solution to father of the bride attire, especially if you're a dad who's been left with the challenge of dressing yourself. A solid color or tone-on-tone ivory, white, champagne, pale gold or silver tie are formal, wedding appropriate and will match most wedding colors. Classic black is always an option, too.
A neutral tie is a timeless, wedding-appropriate choice for dads—easy to match, effortlessly formal, and perfect for walking your daughter down the aisle.
FAQs About Father Of The Bride Attire
Still have questions about what dad should wear? From suits and ties to boutonnieres and who pays for what, here are the most common father of the bride attire questions—answered.
Q: What does the father of the bride typically wear?
The father of the bride typically wears a suit or tuxedo that complements the groom and groomsmen. His outfit should match the overall formality of the wedding and often includes coordinating accessories like a tie, pocket square, or boutonniere.
Q: Does the father of the bride wear the same suit as the groom?
While the father of the bride doesn't typically wear the exact same suit as the groom, his attire should align with the overall wedding theme. He often wears a similar style, either in a classic cut or a traditional suit, with matching accessories.
Q: Should the father of the bride wear a suit or a tux?
The choice between a suit or tuxedo depends on the formality of the wedding. For formal or black-tie weddings, a tuxedo is appropriate. For less formal weddings, a well-tailored suit is a great option. For more casual weddings, no suit? No problem! The father of the bride should simply match the formality of the groom and groomsmen.
Q: Who pays for the father of the bride’s suit?
Traditionally, the father of the bride covers the cost of his own attire. However, in some cases, the couple may offer to cover part or all of the expense, depending on their preferences.
Q: Does the father of the bride wear a boutonniere?
Yes, the father of the bride typically wears a boutonniere, which is often coordinated with the groomsmen’s. It may be a slightly different style or flower to distinguish him but still complement the overall wedding look.
Father Of The Bride Ties And Accessories
Need ties for the father of the bride or groom? These are some great options, but you can also browse our most popular colors for wedding parties here.
About TieMart
TieMart offers budget-friendly wedding ties in a huge range of colors and patterns. You'll find accessories for your entire wedding party, from the groom and groomsmen to the ring bearer and father of the bride. Match your wedding colors by requesting free fabric color swatches today.
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ABOUT OUR FAMILY
We are a family-run tie company based in Illinois. We've been in the biz since the late 90s, so by now we know a thing or two about men's fashion and accessories. Tiepedia is our lil spot on the web to share that knowledge with you.