Wedding ties

What tie to wear for a wedding?

The first question many grooms ask themselves is: "Tie or bow tie?" If the answer is a tie, the search begins. According to the principles of classic men’s elegance, choosing a wedding tie is relatively straightforward. Formal elegance should be minimalistic. With that in mind, the groom’s tie should be subtle—preferably dark rather than light, and plain rather than patterned. That said, the use of the word “preferably” leaves room for personal interpretation. Every groom should explore this space to reflect his individual and original personality through his wedding attire.

Does a wedding tie have to be dark?

This is a frequently asked question. A wedding tie should harmonize with the suit. Since most wedding suits are navy or charcoal, ties in darker tones such as burgundy, navy, bottle green, or graphite are most commonly seen. That said, if the groom chooses a lighter suit, such as ash grey, a lighter-colored tie may also be appropriate. The key is coordination with the suit.

Does a groom’s tie have to be plain?

Just like patent leather shoes signify evening formality, a shiny and plain tie is a clear marker of formality. Naturally, this leads to the conclusion that a wedding tie should follow this principle. However, it's important to emphasize that in the context of wedding ties, the shine should come from fine silk—not polyester. That said, elegance isn’t black and white. It offers a wide range of fabric weaves (ways the warp and weft are arranged) and pattern scales, which means that even ties that are dark and relatively plain can still look uniquely different. We certainly don’t recommend wedding ties with large, bold patterns for grooms. But subtle dots or a refined, small-scale geometric motif can be a tasteful way to add visual interest. This way, the tie stands out—but remains sophisticated.

Wedding ties for guests

How should a wedding guest approach this? A guest’s outfit is a reflection of respect for the importance of the occasion. It should never feel random or careless. At the same time, there's a well-established rule: a guest should not dress more formally than the groom. So how does that apply to wedding ties? In general, all of the previously mentioned rules still apply to guests. However, a guest can afford to take slight liberties. For example, slightly more vibrant colors (slightly!) or somewhat bolder patterns might be acceptable. That said, such choices should always be made with care and consideration for the formality of the event.

Wedding ties – versatility

What should you pay attention to when choosing this special accessory? It’s wise to choose a versatile wedding tie—one you’ll be able to wear again for other formal occasions. After all, no one wants their tie to sit forgotten in the back of the wardrobe. Just like with suits and shirts, versatility matters. The same applies to wedding shoes, such as the ever-popular black oxfords chosen by many men. So why not also choose a tie that fits your broader style and lifestyle? A purchase that reflects your personality will bring lasting satisfaction. If you’re not a fan of bow ties or don’t feel confident wearing one, a tie is an excellent choice. It will help you feel both confident and distinguished. What matters most is that the tie matches your outfit and fits the high formality of the event. And don’t forget—before the wedding, make sure to practice tying it properly!