What should you do if you’ve been invited to a wedding but aren’t sure what to wear? Do you want to stick with a traditional wedding bow tie or necktie?
You may be attending this wedding as a guest for the first time in a series of weddings you will attend throughout the year. It’s only natural that you’d want to select the right tie for every occasion while still saving money for wedding gifts.
Alternatively, it may be your wedding day, in which case your neckwear must, of course, be perfect for such a momentous occasion.
So, should you choose a bow tie or a traditional tie for a wedding? You can wear either a bow tie or regular tie for a wedding. However, you will want to consider multiple factors when you choose between a regular tie and bow tie, including the color, fabric, pattern, formality, and more.
If you’re getting married or attending a wedding, your choice of neckwear will have a significant influence on your whole look. Whether you choose a wedding bow tie or a tie will depend on whether the wedding is a formal occasion or a more relaxed affair.
In this article, you’ll learn about the factors to consider when determining whether to wear a bow tie or a tie to a wedding reception. Continue reading to find out more!
What To Consider When Choosing A Tie For A Wedding
Here are some things to think about while choosing a tie for a wedding.
Color
First and foremost, you should consider the color of the tie that you wish to wear on your wedding day. If you’re a groom-to-be in need of help determining the most appropriate color for you, coordinate with your bridesmaids’ gowns or groomsmen’s ties, or you can just choose something with your bride that the two of you find aesthetically pleasing.
If you want a more conventional design and color, black, silver, metallic, or burgundy are good choices. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different patterns either.
If you’re a guest, you can even consider the season. For example, autumn weddings are best complimented by ties in earthy tones like brown and orange or reds, which are very appropriate for this season. Various shades of blue and green are appropriate for the spring and winter seasons, and brighter shades like coral, pink, and pastels are great for spring and summer.
Fabric
The fabric for the tie and the rest of the wedding apparel should be chosen following the season. If your wedding is in the winter, wool, tweed, and cashmere are the appropriate fabrics. In the summer, on the other hand, you can wear linen, cotton, and other lightweight fabrics that will keep you looking and feeling relaxed.
Polyester and silk are the two most often used materials for neckties. Always contact a professional before making a purchase — selecting the right sort of silk or polyester is critical for comfort as well as appearance.
Current Trends
You should be on the lookout for a tie that is currently fashionable. The world is changing, and there are a plethora of fashionable ties available at internet retailers. In this instance, you should avoid wearing an outdated pattern or style. Make your wedding day trendy by using the latest trends.
There are thinner ties available than the usual ties that are now in style in today’s society. If you are strong and have wide shoulders, you can use broad ties; however, you should use skinny ties instead if you are of a slimmer build.
Stick to traditional ties for those weddings that will last a lifetime. Groomsmen ties should be at least three inches broad to be considered appropriate.
In contrast, for those weddings that deviate from tradition, try using more contemporary designs to complement the occasion. At the moment, slim 2.5-inch neckties are a smart option for groomsmen’s outfits. Make your look even more fashionable by using slim 2-inch ties.
Formal Or Informal
The level of formality required for wedding ties is highly dependent on the event. Tie colors that are pure black are the most formal, followed by plain white or ivory ties, which are the least formal. Standard ties in the 3.20- to the 3.4-inch range are appropriate for formal weddings that aren’t quite black tie.
Generally speaking, the skinnier the necktie, the less formal the appearance. Traditional ties are more formal than skinny ties, particularly when they have a matte texture or are printed with a pattern.
When it comes to bow ties, you might think of something formal, but that isn’t always the case. Self-tie bow ties, in particular, are available in a plethora of various designs and materials. Suspenders or a vest can be worn with a cotton, linen, or wool bow tie for a more relaxed appearance.
Solid Or Patterned
Finding a pattern that incorporates at least one color that matches or coordinates with your wedding colors is the key to creating a detailed wedding tie that stands out. Solid colors are the most popular option when it comes to wedding ties. They’re the most straightforward to coordinate with bridesmaid gowns and wedding colors.
Striped and paisley ties are popular choices for weddings because they are simple to match and can be worn with various outfits. Choose stripes or paisley designs that include no more than three colors.
Different Types Of Bow Ties And Ties
A wide variety of distinct patterns and styles is available for bow ties and neckties. Color, texture, and patterns are all characteristics that distinguish neckwear and allow for individuality.
A few of the most common choices are listed below:
Bow ties
- Self-Tie – As the name implies, a self-tying bow tie must be tied by the wearer. If you’ve never knotted a bow tie before, take some time to practice before your wedding day to ensure you do it right. At first, it might be difficult to adjust.
- Pre-Tied – Pre-tied bow ties are those that have the knot sewed into the tie. This implies that you won’t have to bother with tying the bow tie yourself, but you will have to fasten it around the collar with an adjustable band.
- Clip-On – A clip-on bow tie is the quickest and most convenient version since it is ready to wear right away. It attaches immediately to the collar of your shirt with a clip. While handy, clip-on bow ties are easy to spot, making them the most acceptable choice for children or young adults and the least ideal choice for grooms.
Ties
Ties are available in various materials, colors, and designs. Solid colors are traditional selections for grooms since they are simple to match with suits and dress shirts. Many different techniques to knot a tie can be found, but here are a few more common ones.
- Windsor – When tying a tie, a Windsor knot, often known as the “Full Windsor,” is a popular choice because it produces a larger, more elegant appearance. As one of the most frequent and traditional knots, it can be worn in both formal and semi-formal settings, making it a versatile choice. It’s a classic symmetrical shape that looks well with both dress shirts and suit coats alike.
- Half-Windsor – It is somewhat smaller than the Windsor knot, although it is still of medium size. This knot, like the Windsor, is very popular because of its adaptability. A Half-Windsor knot can be appropriate for grooms who desire a more formal or semi-formal appearance, particularly if their tie is made of a thicker fabric.
- Four-In-Hand – This knot is appropriate for a wide range of events, except the most formal. One of the most common knots is the four-in-hand knot, which is one of the simplest methods. It’s a slightly asymmetrical knot that looks best on button-down dress shirts worn casually. If your tie is made of thicker fabric, this knot is the best choice.
Conclusion
Like any other wedding accessory for men, bow ties and ties provide an opportunity to add a touch of flair to your ensemble. Some guys like to wear a solid-colored suit with a polka dot bow tie, while others want to match their tie to the floral arrangements at their wedding reception.
Choosing accessories that go with your wedding colors is also a lot of fun. Another approach to be creative is to match your bow tie or tie to your socks or shoes, which can really help bring an ensemble together and make it more grounded.
Finally, the choice on whether or not to wear a bow tie as a groom at your wedding is entirely up to you. Consider your wedding style, your wedding location, and the sort of neckwear that will look best with your suit or tux. It may seem like a small item of clothing, but it has the ability to create or ruin an ensemble.
Up Next: Can You Wear Jeans To A Wedding?