What Should the Father of the Bride Wear: Complete Dress Guide

The father of the bride is often filled with a range of emotions as he prepares to give away his daughter to her groom. The last thing he needs or wants to do is worry about what he's going to wear as he walks his daughter down the aisle.

Since the father of the bride's attire contributes to the overall wedding aesthetic, it's important to know how to navigate various dress codes and styles so you can look your best on your daughter's special day. 

This guide will eliminate any worry or stress about what you should wear. No longer will you need to ask, what does the father of the bride wear? We'll help you achieve the balance between complementing the wedding party and expressing your personal style on your daughter's wedding day.

Understanding Wedding Dress Codes for Fathers of the Bride

First and foremost, the father of the bride attire should adhere to the wedding dress code. If you don't, you'll probably look out of place and attract unwanted attention.

Formal and Black Tie Weddings

The black tie dress code is more strict than the formal code. This dress code requires wearing a tuxedo and a black bow tie, while the formal dress code dictates that you'll wear a dark dinner suit and subtly colored necktie. Do not wear a tuxedo if the wedding invitation states, "formal dress code".

Semi-Formal and Cocktail Attire

A melange between formal and casual, you'll wear a well-tailored suit in darker colors for a semi-formal dress code wedding. Choose a crisp dress shirt and, depending on the venue and the season, a tie can be optional. A dark blazer and complementary dress pants are also acceptable for semi-formal attire and certainly a great choice for a cocktail dress code.

You'll have more leeway to express your personal taste and style with semi-formal and cocktail dress codes. You can select more colorful or patterned dress shirts and ties that give your outfit a personal touch of panache. However, the bride will likely specify which colors or patterns she'd like you to wear so her input will take some of the guesswork out of deciding on shirt and tie colors or patterns.

Casual and Outdoor Weddings

More relaxed weddings and weddings that take place outdoors or in rustic locations call for more casual attire. Go with a well-tailored blazer and dress pants. 

Wear lighter weight fabrics like linens and cottons for a casual or outdoor spring or summer wedding. Choose heavier fabrics such as wool, flannel, and cashmere for fall and winter weddings. 

Coordinating with the Wedding Party

Select colors and styles that coordinate with the groom and groomsmen's attire, but don't try to match their attire. Be sure to ask about the fabrics, styles, and colors they'll be wearing. The goal is to achieve a cohesive look without overshadowing the groom.

Color Coordination Tips

The bride and groom or the wedding planner will most likely give you helpful tips on which colors to wear. They'll specify the colors of the wedding in general and identify the two main colors the wedding party will wear. 

You may be asked to wear the same two main colors, or a specific color. With their advice, you'll feel confident choosing the right colors to coordinate with the wedding party.

Accessorizing to Stand Out

Wedding accessories put a handsome finishing touch on your attire. Your tie will be one of the best ways to distinguish yourself as the father of the bride. 

Once you've discussed colors, ask if your tie should be the same color as the groomsmen. If so, then consider a patterned silk tie with that dominant color. Or, your daughter may want you to wear an entirely different tone or color. Either way, you'll find a quality selection of beautiful wedding ties at The Tie Bar.

A pocket square will add the finishing touch to your attire. Try not to match your tie and pocket square but choose a pocket square that offers subtle pattern or color contrast.

Typically, the groom and groomsmen will wear boutonnieres; yours may be identical to theirs or slightly different to ensure you're set apart from the groom and groomsmen.

Selecting the Perfect Suit or Tuxedo

The wedding dress code will determine whether you'll wear a suit or tuxedo. Whichever you wear, make sure it's well-tailored for a perfect fit.

Suit and Tuxedo Fitting Guide

The right fit will enhance your overall look. 

• Jacket Length: Your jacket should completely cover your buttocks. With your arms at your sides, the bottom of the jacket hem should sit at the meaty part of the palm of your hand.
  
• Sleeve Length: The jacket sleeve should expose about ¼ to ½" of your dress shirt cuff.
  
• Trouser Break: Where your trouser hem should meet your shoe will depend on the style of your suit or tuxedo. Modern and slim cuts barely have a break. The half-break is a traditional style where the hem of your pants sits ½ - ¾" past where your trousers meet your shoe.

Consult our dress shirt fit guide for tips on buying the perfect fitting dress shirt.

Fabric and Color Choices for Different Seasons

In addition to the dress code, the season will help determine your suit or tuxedo choice. Suits in lighter colors and lighter weight fabrics are best for spring and summer. Darker colors in heavier fabrics are best for fall and winter.

A black tuxedo is timeless no matter the season. However, you can choose a tuxedo in a lighter weight fabric for warmer seasons and go with a heavier, denser weave for chilly times of year.

Essential Accessories for the Father of the Bride

As mentioned above, accessories provide the finishing touch to an ensemble. Key items include a necktie or bow tie, pocket square, and/or cufflinks. Don't overdo your accessories but carefully choose items that coordinate and add a distinguishing touch to your attire.

Ties and Bow Ties

A black silk bow tie is mandatory neckwear with a tuxedo. Typically, a subtly colored silk necktie is worn with a dinner suit. The selection of wedding bow ties and wedding ties is almost endless so if you feel lost, consult with the bride and groom. They'll have a good idea of which style and color of neckwear they wish to see you wear.

Pocket Squares, Cufflinks, and Other Finishing Touches

A pocket square adds balance to your attire. It can be tempting to match your pocket square with your tie or bow tie — but that's a sartorial mistake. Choose a wedding pocket square in a color and/or pattern that complements your neckwear.

Cufflinks will be worn with French cuff dress shirts. Select simple, elegant wedding cufflinks in a tone that goes with your watch band, ring, or tie bar. 

Dressing for Your Role in the Wedding

If the father of the bride has a special role in the wedding, his attire may differ distinctly.

Walking the Bride Down the Aisle

All eyes will be on you and your daughter if you'll be walking her down the aisle. Wear a tie or bow tie that accents her wedding bouquet. Consult with her to make sure your choice differs from the groom's and groomsmen's ties and accessories.

Father-Daughter Dance Considerations

If you'll be the focus of a father-daughter dance, inform your tailor to allow for enough room to raise and stretch your arms. Break in your wedding shoes well in advance. You won't want any pinching while tripping the light fantastic.

Shopping Tips and Timeline

Start shopping for your father of the bride attire about three to four months before the wedding. This will give you time to find just the right garments and schedule several fittings. Buy your shoes at the same time and start breaking them in.

If wearing formal attire isn't in your future, consider renting. It will be most cost effective and you won't have to store an outfit you'll never wear again. However, if you're a clothes horse, by all means go ahead and purchase a special ensemble for your daughter's wedding. You'll receive excellent personal tailoring and enjoy it for years to come.

Find the Perfect Father of the Bride Attire at The Tie Bar

Your daughter will be your most reliable source regarding attire advice for her wedding. She'll share the dress code and how you can coordinate styles, colors, and accessories with the wedding party.

When you're ready to select a stand out suit or tuxedo, explore The Tie Bar's quality collections for stylish options. Browse The Tie Bar's wedding attire collection to find beautiful neckwear, dress shirts, accessories, tuxedos, and suits.

FATHER OF THE BRIDE STYLE