Best Men's Wedding Accessories for Groomsmen & Guests

As a groomsman or as a wedding guest, you obviously want to look your very best. So how do you achieve a special look that’s polished but not over the top?

In addition to choosing quality clothing that fits well, accessorizing is one of the best ways to make sure your look is pulled together and refined. The right accessories will elevate any wedding look, from a basic outfit to a sophisticated ensemble.

Appropriate accessories add to your confidence and style. If you’re unsure which accessories you should choose, this comprehensive guide is for you. We cover the essential accessories any groomsman or wedding guest should wear, plus we offer elevated options that you may have overlooked. In addition, we suggest styling tips for various types of wedding dress codes so you’ll be assured of a perfect wedding look.

Essential Wedding Accessories Every Man Needs

Ties and Bow Ties: The Foundation of Formal Wear

Your necktie provides the foundation of your formal wear. Whether black tie or formal, neckwear is mandatory. A black silk bow tie is essential to completing the look when wearing a tuxedo, while a subdued color silk tie is an essential accessory to wear with a formal suit, business attire, and semi-formal occasions.

While darker hued colors are ideal for fall and winter wedding ties, you can branch out with brighter colors for spring and summer. Also, the wedding theme can help guide you when choosing the color of your neckwear. No matter the season, a very formal wedding will call for more subdued color neckwear while you can wear a colorful or patterned tie or bow tie to a casual wedding.

Pocket Squares: Adding Elegance and Personality

Do you carry a handkerchief for practical reasons? Great — a handkerchief can certainly be a handy item to be able to offer to the mother of the bride when she needs to wipe her happy tears. But — be aware that a pocket square is not a handkerchief.

Pocket squares are an aesthetic accessory that provide balance and style to your look. A pocket square is smaller than a traditional handkerchief and is intended to add flourish to your outfit.

When you dress formally, tuck your handkerchief away into a pants or inside jacket pocket. Fold or fluff your pocket square into your jacket breast pocket. Choose a pocket square that complements but doesn’t match your tie. For example, this Grosgrain Solid Boxwood Floral Tie Set is an ideal example of how a pocket square can enhance a necktie.

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Cufflinks: The Gentleman’s Detail

A French cuff dress shirt is the elegant choice for formal wear. When the edge of your dress shirt cuff is exposed under your jacket sleeve, cufflinks show the epitome of taste and refinement. That doesn’t mean your cufflinks need to be fine stones set in precious metals, but the enhancement of a cufflink shows you’ve put added thought into your entire ensemble.

Coordinating the metals of your cufflinks with your other accessories adds polish to your ensemble. A gold wedding band, gold cufflinks, a gold watchband — pulling together similar metals creates a cohesive look.

Fine cufflinks can be an investment piece that you’ll wear throughout your lifetime. Adding personalization with your initials, the wedding date, or with an image of the wedding theme can add intangible value.

FIND CUFFLINKS

Tie Accessories: Clips, Bars, and Pins

Understanding the Differences: Tie Bar vs. Clip vs. Pin

A tie bar, tie clip, and tie pin all serve similar functions. They hold your tie in place. However, a tie bar or clip is usually worn more informally while a tie pin provides the most formal look. Read more about the style, usage, and formality of these tie accessories on Tie Bar vs. Tie Clip vs. Tie Pin.

When and How to Wear Each Tie Accessory

A tie bar or tie clip is the best choice for holding your tie in place for business and office settings. Tie pins work best for vintage looks or to add a refined, elegant look at weddings and formal events.

If you have an active job and wear a tie, tie bars or clips are good-looking and convenient accessories that will keep your tie in place. A tie bar or clip is not only a handy item but provides a handsome finish and complement to your necktie.

Footwear and Foundation Accessories

Wedding Shoes

Shoes are every bit as important as the right suit or dress shirt. Formal wedding shoes include styles such as oxfords, derbies, and brogues. You can’t go wrong pairing black leather dress shoes with a black, charcoal, or navy suit. Lighter brown leather dress shoes are also a popular choice with dark suits, but will create a more casual look.

Loafers and boots are typically worn with less formal suits or blazers, and a great choice for semi-formal and casual wedding ensembles. Do keep in mind that waterproof leathers and non-slip soles are an important consideration when choosing winter dress shoes.

Socks: The Often-Forgotten Essential

Socks — so important for comfort and in maintaining a formal look. Merino wool socks are an excellent choice for formal wear at any season. Merino wool is temperature-regulating and wicks moisture, keeping your feet warm, dry, and comfortable.

When choosing dress socks for formal wear, match your socks to your trouser color. You can wear complementary color or patterned socks for informal and casual wear.

Avoid wearing athletic socks or crazy designs that will attract attention. Also wear socks that cover your calf so that your skin is completely covered when you’re seated.

SHOP SOCKS

Belts and Suspenders

Belts or suspenders are another foundation accessory (an accessory that is essential to your outfit) that you should have in your wardrobe. The rule of thumb is that you should never wear a belt with suspenders.

Black suspenders are often worn with a tuxedo instead of a belt. Formal dress pants, such as tuxedo pants, have buttons at the waistband that the suspenders attach to. Colorful or patterned suspenders can add personality and character to a casual outfit.

When choosing to wear a belt, keep your look pulled-together by wearing a leather belt that matches your dress shoes. Typically, a narrow belt with a simple, tasteful buckle is the best choice for formal wear. Wider belts, belts in woven fabrics, and large belt buckles are best worn with more casual wear.

Elevated Accessories for Special Occasions

Watches: Timeless Wedding Day Style

Wear a luxury or dress watch to enhance your wedding formal wear. Choose watch strap colors that match your cufflinks, tie clip or pin, and other metals to maintain cohesiveness. As awesome as they can be, aviator, military, or diving watches are best suited for casual wear because of their robust styling.

The timeless value of a fine watch will continue well past the wedding day. A classic luxury watch will enhance most of your outfits, from formal to even the most casual.

Jewelry and Personal Touches

Fine jewelry isn’t just for the domain of women. Rings, lapel pins, tie pins, bracelets, and brooches can add significant style and polish to a man’s formal ensemble.

You may have beautiful pieces of legacy or sentimental jewelry that can be worn for formal wear — an uncle’s gold pocket watch, your father’s sterling cufflinks, or a treasured tie pin. A formal wedding is an ideal time to showcase these lovely treasures. Just be careful to coordinate your accessories and avoid overdoing it.

Dress Code Specific Guidance

Black Tie Wedding Accessories

Black tie doesn’t allow for much leeway in apparel or accessories. This is one reason this strict dress code has maintained an elegant and refined look throughout the years.

The non-negotiable accessories of the black tie dress code include:

• A black silk bow tie.
• Cotton French cuff dress tuxedo shirt.
• Matching cufflinks and shirt studs.
• Either a boutonniere or pocket square.
• Black patent oxford or opera pump dress shoes.
• Black suspenders instead of a belt.

Semi-Formal and Cocktail Wedding Accessories

Semi-formal and cocktail dress codes offer more flexibility than black tie. A dark suit or blazer and dress pants paired with a crisp dress shirt form the core of your outfit. Accessories that are a must with semi-formal and cocktail wedding attire include:

• Necktie or bowtie.
• Pocket square, particularly if the wedding is tie-optional.
• Dress shoes.
• Belt or suspenders.

Casual and Destination Wedding Accessories

Accessories for casual or destination weddings can be more colorful, playful, and interesting than more formal affairs.

• Shirts and jackets can be tailored in more creative cuts or patterns.
• A tie is often optional or not required at all.
• Shoes can include anything from suede loafers to Chelsea or Chukka boots.

Destination weddings in warm, tropical climates will focus on:

• Clothing in lightweight fabrics and fun colors.
• Super-casual footwear like canvas loafers or sandals.
• Hats that offer sun protection.

For cold climate destination weddings, focus on:

• Warm base, mid, and outer layers.
• Water- and slip-resistant boots.
• Top off your look with toasty scarves, hats, and gloves.

For theme weddings such as barn or beach affairs:

• Choose good-looking clothing pieces suitable to the climate and theme.
• Accessorize with just a few tasteful items aligned with the theme. Remember, you’re not dressing for a costume party.

Shopping and Investment Guidelines

Building a Wedding Accessory Wardrobe

Start creating an accessory wardrobe of essential pieces so that you’ll be prepared for any wedding, from formal to casual. Prioritize purchasing quality investment pieces rather than trendy items that will soon be out of style and look dated. Choose versatile accessories that will work for multiple occasions. For inspiration, check The Tie Bar’s complete looks on our wedding page.

• Every man’s wardrobe should include a range of neckwear:
  • A few dark silk ties for formal weddings. A black silk bow tie if you’ll be attending black tie weddings.
  • A few patterned silk ties for semi-formal and cocktail weddings.
  • A few casual ties such as linen, cotton, or woven wool for casual weddings.
• A selection of pocket squares that complement the ties in your wardrobe.
• Several tasteful tie bars and clips.
• A few sets of cufflinks.
• Dress shoes and matching belts.

Choose a storage method for your ties and accessories so that you’ll be sure to care for them properly. Either go with a tie hanger or roll your ties and place them in a tie box or drawer. The method doesn’t matter as much as your consistency in properly maintaining them.

Check ties frequently for stains. Don’t hesitate to get them cleaned regularly. Removing dirt and stains promptly will enhance the longevity of your neckwear.

Shop Your Wedding Look

Budget-Friendly Options vs. Investment Pieces

Quality doesn’t always equate to expensive. Natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, and wool usually have a finer look and last longer than synthetics. If you’re into a trendy design, don’t spend the big bucks because the style will soon fade and look outdated. You can’t go wrong with a beautiful handmade 100% silk or wool tie and you’ll be surprised at how affordable they can be.

One way to decide on wedding accessory purchases is to consider the cost-per-wear of the item. If you’ll wear that silk tie to weddings but it will also look great at work, you’ve found a great purchase that will be versatile, affordable, and look great.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Accessorizing and Style Pitfalls

Adding too many accessories to your ensemble will detract from a polished look. Use restraint when selecting accessories.

Choose colors and patterns that complement rather than clash. Keep your look cohesive by selecting metals in the same color (gold-colored tie clip, cufflinks, belt buckle) rather than mixing metals. Consult a color chart if you’re unsure about how to coordinate colors, such as your tie and pocket square.

Fit and Proportion Issues

If your fit and proportions are off, your look will suffer. Be aware of appropriate tie lengths and widths so you achieve the right balance in your look.

Narrow jacket lapels look better with skinnier ties while traditionally cut jacket lapels look best with standard width ties of 3" to 3 ¼". The tip of your tie should hit just at the top of your belt buckle. A tie that’s too short will look skimpy while a tie that’s too long can look sloppy.

Inappropriate Choices for Wedding Settings

Not every accessory will be wedding-appropriate. Avoid wearing a flashy patterned tie to a formal wedding. An oversize boutonniere or team-inspired lapel pins, athletic shoes, or flashy excessive jewelry should be avoided. The key is to not wear items that will detract from the bride and groom.

Daytime weddings and casual venues will offer a bit more leeway in choosing more colorful or interesting accessories. However, formal wedding dress codes typically lean toward restraint. Also be sensitive to cultural and religious traditions when choosing accessories.

Care and Maintenance of Wedding Accessories

Proper Storage and Care

Fabric accessories such as ties can be hung on specialty hangers. Or if you prefer, you can roll or fold ties and pocket squares, then place them in tie boxes or drawers.

Whether the wedding reception is a buffet or sit-down dinner, it’s easy for food and drink to land on your tie. Before storing your fabric accessories after the wedding, inspect them for dirt or stains. Check labels to see if the item can be washed instead of dry cleaned. Either way, make sure they’re clean before storing and they’ll be ready for your next special event.

Avoid mold and mildew build-up by ensuring your dress shoes are dry before storing them. Metal accessories such as tie bars and cufflinks should be stored in a dedicated container so you can always find them when you get dressed. Before storing them, it’s a good idea to polish metal accessories with a soft rag to be sure oils and dirt residue are removed.

Pre-Wedding Preparation

Start shopping for wedding accessories as soon as you receive your invitations. However, the best way to be prepared to dress for a wedding is to shop for all of your accessories before the invitations start to roll in.

You’ll save last-minute dressing stress when you can lay out your entire ensemble on your bed to verify that all items harmonize and coordinate. Pre-wedding prep gives you the confidence to know that you have just the right items to look polished, elegant, and stylish.

Get Your Wedding Accessories at The Tie Bar

Achieve a memorable wedding look by coordinating well-chosen, quality accessories. Imagine how the perfect tie, tie bar or pin, pocket square, and cufflinks can elevate your ensemble from ordinary to exceptional.

The Tie Bar has a comprehensive collection of quality accessories for every groomsman and wedding guest. We even offer some coordinating tie with pocket square sets that take the guesswork out of trying to combine key accessories.

Explore The Tie Bar’s wedding collection now and get a sense how various accessories can harmonize and synchronize. When you shop for your wedding accessories at The Tie Bar, you’ll be prepared to look great at all the weddings in your future!

EXPLORE WEDDING ACCESSORIES