Wedding Tie Knots: Best Knots for Your Big Day

Some necktie knots are symmetrical and bold. Some are smaller and less dramatic. There are more formal knots and some that tend toward casual. Which are the best wedding tie knots for your special day?

It’s important to be aware of the various wedding tie knots so you can choose the one that’s right for your suit, your style, and your wedding. While less formal knots may be a great choice for the office or a very casual wedding, the more formal knots are best for most weddings.

The Best Tie Knots for Weddings

While there are thousands of ways to tie a tie, you’ll only need to know which specific knots are most suitable for formal occasions like weddings: the Full Windsor, the Half Windsor, the Four-in-Hand, and the Pratt (aka the Shelby).

Best Wedding Tie Knot: The Full Windsor

Often considered the best tie knot for weddings, the Full Windsor is a classic. This symmetrical knot is full and larger than other knots, so it is best worn with spread collar shirts. Because it uses more tie length than other knots, choose a tie that’s two to three inches longer than your normal tie length. If you’re not familiar with this substantial knot style, follow this guide on how to tie a Windsor knot.

The Half Windsor Knot

If the Full Windsor knot seems too bold and full, try the Half Windsor. This knot is still symmetrical and triangular in shape. Since it doesn’t take up as much space between your collar as the Full Windsor, it works well with various collar types. The Half Windsor is considered an attractive and appropriate tie knot for both formal and more casual occasions. Learn to tie a Half Windsor knot.

The Four-in-Hand Knot

The Four-in-Hand knot is simple yet elegant and a great option for less formal weddings. The slightly asymmetrical knot is versatile and easy to tie. This narrower knot is best with narrow to medium spread collars. Find out how easy it is to master the Four-in-Hand knot.

The Pratt (Shelby) Knot

In the late 1950’s, Jerry Pratt developed the Pratt knot. It’s also known as the Shelby knot because the style was made popular in the 1980s by news anchor, Don Shelby.

The Pratt-Shelby knot is a medium size, symmetrical knot suitable for medium-width collars and ties. This knot has a modern, neat appearance and works great for semi-formal to casual weddings. These steps show you how to tie a Pratt or Shelby knot.

How to Choose the Right Wedding Tie Knot

Choosing the right wedding tie knot will be easy when you follow these three tips:

Consider Your Suit and Collar Style

A suit’s lapel style and the shirt collar shape determine which tie knot looks most balanced and proportional.

Wide suit lapels look best with larger tie knots such as the Full or Half Windsors. Smaller knots balance nicely with narrow lapels. Whichever style lapel you prefer, find the perfect wedding suit at The Tie Bar.

Wider, spread collar dress shirts accommodate larger knots like the Full Windsor. Straight-point collars and narrow to medium spread collars work best with smaller knots such as the Pratt and Four-in-Hand.

Match the Knot to the Tie Width and Material

It’s important to attain the correct proportion between the tie and the knot. Choose a wider three- inch necktie for a Full Windsor knot. A wider tie will look balanced with the larger, full knot. Skinny ties are best knotted with the Four-in-Hand or the Pratt knot. To find the perfect tie width and material, explore our wedding ties.

The best necktie material for a Full Windsor knot is a thin silk that is substantially lined. A heavy fabric will be too bulky for the more intricate Full Windsor. The Pratt or Four-in Hand knots will tie well with neckties made of heavier fabrics such as woven silks, linens, and wool knits.

Coordinate with the Wedding’s Formality

Choose a tie knot that matches the overall wedding style and dress code. The Four-in-Hand and Pratt-Shelby knots are a great choice for less formal weddings.

When deciding on a tie knot for a formal wedding, go with the classic Full Windsor or the Half Windsor. Both types of Windsor knots will provide elegance and balance to your ensemble.

Wedding Tie Knot Dos and Don’ts

Do: Practice Beforehand

Decide on the tie knot well before your wedding day so you’ll have time to practice tying your chosen knot. When studying how to tie a tie, wedding knots are slightly more complicated so be sure to practice until you get it right.

Do: Consider a Tie Bar

Want to add a handsome and elegant touch to your overall look? A tie bar or tie clip not only elevates your attire, but provides a way for your tie to remain in place. You’ll appreciate that your tie isn’t scrunched out of place from the time the ceremony begins to when you’re shaking it up out on the dance floor.

For a polished look, match the metal of your tie bar to your cufflinks, watch band, and the wedding band you’ll soon be wearing at the end of the ceremony.

Don’t: Overlook the Dimple

The subtle but important indentation of fabric located below the tie knot is called the dimple. This purposeful crease adds refinement to your tie. You’ll arrange the tie fabric under the knot so that it has a symmetrical amount of fabric on either side of the dimple, or crease.

How to create a dimple? Before tightening your tie knot, pinch both sides of the tie directly under the knot, creating a dimple or dent. While keeping the dimple in place, tighten your tie.

Finding the Perfect Wedding Tie at The Tie Bar

The formality of your wedding will help you choose the perfect tie knot. Once you decide which knot will look best with your suit and shirt, practice tying it well before the special day.

Whether you’re going with a wider tie and a Windsor knot or a narrower tie and a Four-in-Hand or Pratt knot, you’ll find the perfect wedding tie at The Tie Bar.

Our beautiful wedding ties come in a wide range of colors and fabrics, widths and lengths. When you explore our quality wedding tie collection, you’re sure to find a standout tie for your special day.

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