Bow Tie or Tie for a Wedding?
A necktie is the default for most daytime weddings and business-style suits. A bow tie reads more festive and more formal, and it is the expected choice with a tuxedo. It also stays in place during dancing and never dips into the soup. For a 1920s or Gatsby-themed wedding, the bow tie is clearly the more fitting option.
Black Tie Wedding Bow Tie Etiquette
If the invitation says black tie, guests should wear a black bow tie with a tuxedo and a white shirt. The groom can stand apart with a different color, such as wine red or emerald green, as long as the groomsmen match each other. At a less formal wedding, colored bow ties are welcome for everyone.
Men's Wedding Bow Ties to Match the Colors
Bring a fabric swatch or a photo of the bridesmaid dresses when choosing, and compare it with the product photos in daylight. Plum, lavender and deep purple suit spring and autumn palettes; light blue and sky blue suit beach and summer weddings; navy, silver and wine red feel right in winter. Agree on the exact shade with the couple before ordering for the whole group.
Bow Tie and Suspenders for a Wedding
Suspenders and a bow tie without a jacket give a relaxed, rustic or 1920s look that works well for barn, garden and summer weddings. Match the suspenders to the trousers or go for a contrast, such as burgundy suspenders with a navy bow tie. Our burgundy suspenders are a popular place to start.
Wedding Bow Tie FAQ
Should the groom's bow tie match the groomsmen's?
It does not have to. Many grooms wear the same style in a different color, or the same color in a different fabric, so they stand out in photos.
What bow tie goes with a navy suit at a wedding?
Burgundy, wine red, emerald, silver and light blue all pair well with navy.
Can wedding guests wear bow ties?
Yes, unless the invitation asks otherwise. Avoid the wedding party's exact color so you are not mistaken for a groomsman.
