Bow Tie vs Necktie for Weddings: How to Choose

Are you debating between wearing a bow tie or tie with your wedding attire? Whether you’re the groom or a guest, the neckwear you choose will make a distinctive statement. This guide will help you make an informed decision based on the formality of the wedding, your personal style, and the theme and time of day of the wedding.

Bow Ties for Weddings: When to Wear Them

While neckties may be more commonly worn by wedding guests, wedding bow ties elevate formal wear and allow a groom to stand out. Bow ties are the classic choice for a formal wedding, make a stylish statement, and offer a touch of sophistication to wedding attire. If the wedding dress code is black tie, the groom and guests will wear black silk bow ties with their tuxedos.

Pros of Wearing a Bow Tie as a Groom

In addition to creating a distinctive look, a bow tie complements formal attire and can showcase the groom’s personality. If the groomsmen wear neckties, a bow tie can make the groom stand out.

Cons of Wearing a Bow Tie as a Groom

It can be frustrating to tie a bow tie correctly if you don’t have experience. A classic bow tie is intended to be tied into an attractive bow and typically looks a step up from a pretied or clip-on bow tie. Also, wearing a bow tie can cause some men to feel self-conscious.

Neckties for Weddings: When to Choose Them

Neckties are versatile accessories that can be worn for various weddings, from formal to casual. The range of wedding necktie colors, styles, textures, and patterns gives the groom and groomsmen more options to choose from.

Pros of Wearing a Necktie as a Groom

For many men, wearing a necktie is as familiar as wearing shoes and socks. You probably already know how to tie your favorite knot and find a necktie easy to wear. Most men feel more comfortable in a necktie than in a bow tie.

Cons of Wearing a Necktie as a Groom

A necktie will typically look more casual than a formal bow tie. Also, a tie may not allow the groom to sufficiently stand out from the groomsmen and the wedding guests.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Bow Tie and a Necktie

Consider these important factors when deciding between a tie or bow tie for wedding attire:

• The Wedding Theme and Aesthetic: Vintage, nautical, rustic — whatever the theme, the wedding can still be formal, semi-formal, or casual. Choose your neckwear based on the level of formality of the theme.
• The Wedding Venue: A wedding held in a formal setting such as a cathedral, an elegant club, or a historic estate will likely be formal, therefore a bow tie would be an appropriate choice. A barn or vineyard, beach pavilion, or industrial loft wedding venue will probably be semi-formal or casual. Either a necktie or a bow tie would be appropriate.
• The Time of Day: A daytime wedding will usually be less formal than an evening ceremony. A necktie is a great choice for a daytime wedding while the formality of a bow tie would be an excellent option for a nighttime wedding.
• Your Personal Style and Comfort: Ultimately, your choice of neckwear should be based on your personal style and comfort level. Don’t settle for neckwear that will make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable.
• Coordination With the Wedding Party: There are several ways to coordinate your neckwear with the wedding party. The groom can wear a bow tie to set him apart from the groomsmen. Or, the groom and groomsmen can wear the same style neckwear, but in contrasting colors. For example, the groom could wear a dark silk eggplant tie and the groomsmen could wear ties in a lighter tone of purple.
• Suit or Tuxedo Style: A necktie pairs well with a suit, while a bow tie is mandatory for a tuxedo. A necktie will look awkward with a tuxedo.
• Dress Code and Level of Wedding Formality: Both types of neckwear can be worn for any level of formality, except for a black tie wedding, where you would wear a black silk bow tie.
  • The fabric, texture, and pattern of neckwear will help determine its level of formality.
  • A linen or cotton necktie or bow tie in a pattern or brighter color will be a good choice for a casual wedding.
  • A silk bow tie or necktie in a solid subtle color will be more appropriate for formal and semi-formal weddings.

How to Coordinate Your Choice with the Wedding Party

You and your bride will decide whether your neckwear will match or complement the bridesmaids’ attire. If the groom and groomsmen wear the same style of neckwear, the groom will stand out by choosing his neckwear in a different tone or color.

Neckwear in a pattern can also define the groom from the groomsmen. Custom wedding ties and bow ties will elevate both the groom’s and groomsmen’s ensembles.

Styling Tips for Wedding Bow Ties and Neckties

The width, length, and knot style of your necktie, and the width and knot style of your bow tie will dictate the ultimate style and look of your outfit.

Bow Tie Styling Tips

Just like neckties, bow ties can also be narrow or wide. The width will determine the final look once the bow tie is tied. If you’re unsure about the width, search the web for a bow tie style that you like.

Bow ties are available in pre-tied or self-tied styles. If you love wearing bow ties, it will be worthwhile to learn how to tie the bow. Whether you’ll be wearing a linen floral print or a wool paisley bow tie, a self-tie will look more elegant and sophisticated.

Necktie Styling Tips

Neckties are available in narrow to wide widths. A narrower, skinny tie definitely offers a modern look and is a fashionable choice to pair with close fitting pants and jackets. A wider width necktie is a more traditional style that pairs well with classic fitting suits and blazers.

Your necktie should end just at the midpoint of your belt or waistband of your pants. If you choose to wear a formal knot, such as a Windsor, you’ll need a longer necktie to accommodate the more intricate knot. Although the Windsor knot is the most formal, there are additional stylish, smart, and handsome knots that will enhance your wedding attire.

Accessories Complement Your Neckwear

Whether you choose to wear a tie or a bow tie, you’ll want to balance out your total look with a pocket square. Don’t try to match your pocket square to your tie or bow tie but choose a pocket square in a complementary color. A subtle pattern that picks up the color of your tie can add a touch of stylish flair.

A tie bar or clip can add interest to your necktie, especially when wearing a solid color tie. Not only will it keep your tie in place when you hit the dance floor, but it will also add sophistication to your ensemble.

How to Tie a Bow Tie for Your Wedding

You can certainly choose a pre-tied bow tie for convenience, but if you want your bow tie to be the real thing, why not master the self-tied bow tie and add it to your sartorial skill set?

Take a look at this how to tie a bow tie guide and practice until you get it right before your wedding.

A self-tied bow tie has a distinct advantage over a pre-tied bow tie. With a self-tied bow tie, you can untie it and let it hang stylishly down around your unbuttoned collar for a deliberately cool look when the reception is in full swing.

Making Your Decision

You won’t have to make a decision between a necktie and bow tie if your wedding will be black tie. A black silk bow tie is de rigueur with a black tuxedo.

Otherwise, consider the factors mentioned above and by all means, decide based on your comfort level and style preference as you determine if you’ll wear a bow tie or a necktie.

Find Your Perfect Wedding Neckwear at The Tie Bar

A necktie or bow tie? Choosing the right wedding neckwear is important. The distinctive formal look of a bow tie is an excellent choice for a formal wedding. You’ll stand out from your guests and the groomsmen. A necktie offers versatility and is a great option for semi-formal to casual weddings.

Either way, choose the neckwear that will allow you to feel your most comfortable and confident. And when you decide which you prefer, explore the beautiful and handsome options at The Tie Bar. Our wide selection of high-quality bow ties and neckties are suitable for any type of wedding. You’ll be sure to find the perfect neckwear for your wedding at The Tie Bar.

WEDDING NECKTIES & BOW TIES