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7 Wedding Tie Mistakes to Avoid

Groomsmen in mismatched and missing neckties

Wedding ties seem simple until you’re trying to coordinate a groom, six groomsmen, the dads, and perhaps even grandparents. Before you hit “add to cart,” here are the most common wedding tie mistakes we see all the time and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing The Wrong Tie Length

Standard ties are 57 inches long, which works well for most men. But if someone is around six feet tall or has a broader build, a standard tie can easily end up too short, with the tip sitting above the belt instead of right at it. It’s a small detail, but it stands out in photos. Men sometimes accidentally order boys’ ties, which are even shorter—another reason to double-check before placing the order.

Tie knots can affect length, too. Knots that use more fabric, like a Windsor, naturally shorten the tie. So even men who are just under six feet may find their tie comes up short depending on how they tie it.

The easiest fix is to ask each groomsman their height ahead of time. For anyone six feet and up, or broader in build, go with an extra long tie, which means its length measures 63 to 67 inches That one simple step can save a surprising amount of stress on wedding day.

Groomsmen wearing a burgundy tie that's too short.

Ties aren’t actually one-size-fits-all. Ordering the right length makes sure everyone looks sharp and coordinated on the big day.

2. Not Ordering Enough Ties

Not having enough ties is a real risk. Forgetting to order for someone, a lost tie, or a spilled drink on the big day can turn into a last-minute scramble fast. Ordering an extra tie or two gives you flexibility and helps keep the day calm.

Make sure you're ordering ties for everyone who needs one: Groom, groomsmen, ushers, dads, grandfathers, and ring bearers.

Even if everything goes perfectly, extra ties rarely go to waste. Here are a few easy ways to use them:

  • Give one to the photographer for styling or backup photos.
  • Keep one as a keepsake for the groom.
  • Have a spare for a friend or relative (not in the wedding party) who wanted to match for photos.
A check list of who to buy wedding ties for

3. Letting Everyone Order Separately

Oh my goodness, don’t make this mistake! When each groomsman orders their own tie, errors happen, and we see it all the time. Sizes get mixed up, the wrong color gets ordered, and someone will inevitably forget to order entirely. The easiest way to avoid headaches is to place one coordinated order for the whole group.

If someone absolutely must order on their own, make sure they send a photo or confirmation of the exact product SKU you selected so everything matches.

4. Ordering Without Swatches

Screens lie. Colors and sheen can look very different in person, and ordering ties without checking swatches can easily lead to groomsmen ties that don't match your wedding or bridesmaid dress colors.

Request free necktie color swatches and compare them to your wedding colors in person. Check them in different lighting (indoor versus outdoor) and take a quick photo to see how the color will appear on camera. If swatches aren’t available, order a single tie first to test it, then place the full order once you’re confident it’s the right match.

Hand holding an assortment of dusty blue color swatches

Order color swatches first. Seeing the true shades in person helps avoid mismatched ties and last-minute wedding day stress.

5. Ordering Too Late

While ties don’t usually take as long to arrive as bridesmaid dresses, you still don’t want to wait until the week before the wedding to place your order. Popular colors and styles can sell out, especially during peak wedding season, so it’s smart to get ahead of the rush.

Place wedding tie orders once your wedding colors and bridesmaid dresses are confirmed. If anything goes wrong, having the orders completed well in advance gives you time to fix issues without last-minute panic.

Your ties will likely arrive well before the big day, giving you peace of mind and plenty of time to check for color, length, and any needed accessories. Just don't forget where you keep the ties while waiting for the big day.

6. Skipping Accessories

A tie sets the foundation, but skipping coordinating accessories is a missed opportunity that can make your wedding party look less polished in photos. If groomsmen are wearing jackets, pocket squares are a classic finishing touch. Coordinating socks (solid, striped, or argyle) in your wedding colors are also trending.

Suspenders can add style, whether worn under jackets or for a more relaxed look without them. Finish the ensemble with tie bars, cufflinks, or a flower lapel pin to create a polished, photo-ready wedding party.

You don't have to add every formal wear accessory, but one or two can make a big impact without overcomplicating the look.

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7. Skipping Tie Care

Ties wrinkle! Since you’re ordering ties early, proper storage is key. When your wedding ties arrive, open the package right away. Leaving them in the shipping container until the wedding lets wrinkles set and makes them harder to remove. Remove each tie from the package and inspect for any imperfections.

Keep the ties flat to prevent creases, or hang them for a couple of days. Most shipping wrinkles will naturally relax, especially in a slightly humid environment. If any wrinkles remain, steam gently, being careful to avoid direct, high heat that could damage the fabric.

Finally, store your wedding ties in a location that's away from potentional damage, but not easily forgotten.

Sage necktie being steamed

Ties can wrinkle, so it’s best to take them out of the package right away and store them flat. Hanging them for a day or two, or a light steam, can help release any set-in creases.

Final Notes And Checklist

By planning ahead, you can avoid common wedding tie headaches. Request color swatches to ensure a perfect match, order ties early, and place one coordinated order for the entire wedding party. Don’t forget anyone (groomsmen, dads, and ring bearers) and order a few extras just in case. Finally, care for your ties properly so they arrive wrinkle-free and ready for the big day. With these steps, your wedding party will look polished, coordinated, and photo-ready.

Wedding Tie Checklist:

  • Collect sizes and know who needs a tie.
  • Order color swatches or one sample tie first.
  • Add at least one extra tie to the order.
  • Place order as soon as wedding colors and bridesmaid dresses are confirmed.
  • Plan accessories and care for ties before the big day.

Disclosure: This article may include images created or enhanced using artificial intelligence (AI).

About TieMart

TieMart offers budget-friendly men's wedding accessories in a huge range of solid colors and patterns, which includes ties, socks, pocket squares, and more. You'll find accessories for the 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, and have helped thousands of couples find the perfect wedding ties and accessories for their big day. Our Wedding Guide is our lil spot on the web to share that knowledge with you.