Quick Answer: What Tie Should You Wear to a Wedding?
- Black tie: a black bow tie. No exceptions.
- Formal and semi-formal: a solid or subtly patterned silk tie.
- Cocktail: a silk tie with more colour or pattern, or a bow tie if it suits your style.
- Casual and fall or winter weddings: a textured tie adds depth without shine.
Choose a colour that complements your suit and the wedding palette, and keep the width in proportion to your lapels.
Your tie sits front and centre in every photo, so it deserves a little thought. Whether you're the groom, in the wedding party or a guest, here's how to choose the right wedding tie for the dress code, the season and your outfit. (Need help with the knot itself? See our step-by-step guide on how to tie a tie.)
Bow Ties: For Black Tie and Formal Weddings
The bow tie is the most formal necktie there is. If the invitation says black tie, a black bow tie with a tuxedo is the standard.
At formal and cocktail weddings, a bow tie in a deep colour like navy or burgundy can be a confident alternative to a long tie. Keep it in a solid colour or a very subtle texture so it looks elegant rather than costume-like. Want to get the look right? Read how to style a bow tie.
Silk Ties: The Wedding Standard
Silk is the most common tie fabric for good reason: it has a subtle sheen, holds a knot well and resists wrinkles, so it survives being packed for a destination wedding.
A good rule: the simpler the tie, the more formal it looks.
- Solid ties are the most versatile and the most formal. They work at every dress code below black tie.
- Stripes, dots and small geometric patterns suit semi-formal and cocktail weddings.
- Florals and paisleys are great for spring, summer and cocktail weddings, as long as the pattern is refined rather than busy.
- Novelty prints belong at a truly casual or themed wedding, if anywhere.
Textured Ties: For Depth and Cooler Seasons
Textured ties have a more matte, tactile finish that looks great with sport jackets and blazers and plaid or check suits. They're a natural fit for casual, rustic and fall weddings, where a high-shine tie can look out of place. For something playful, a knit bow tie adds texture too.
How to Choose Your Wedding Tie Colour
- Match the formality: darker ties read as more formal. Lighter ties feel more relaxed and seasonal.
- Complement the suit: with navy, try burgundy, silver, light blue or pink. With grey, try navy, purple or green. With tan, try brown, navy or soft blue.
- Follow the wedding palette, lightly: if the couple has shared their colours, a tie or pocket square in a complementary tone is a thoughtful touch for guests. The wedding party usually matches exactly.
- Don't over-match: your tie and pocket square should complement each other, not be cut from the same fabric.
For more on pulling colours together, see our guide to matching your tie to your suit and shirt.
Get the Width and Length Right
- Width: most men look best in a tie between 2.5 and 3.5 inches wide. Match the width of your tie to the width of your lapels. Slim lapels pair with slimmer ties.
- Length: the tip of your tie should land at the top of your belt buckle. Too short or too long throws off your proportions in photos. Our tie length guide has the details.
Finishing Touches
A tie bar keeps your tie in place through the ceremony, the photos and the dance floor. Place it between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt, and keep it narrower than your tie.
Keep your tie in place all night. Here's how to wear a tie bar.
FAQ
Can you wear a regular tie to a black tie wedding?
Traditionally, no. Black tie calls for a bow tie. For "black tie optional," a dark silk necktie with a dark suit is appropriate.
Should groomsmen wear matching ties?
Usually, yes. Matching ties or bow ties are the easiest way to unify the wedding party. The groom often wears a different tie or colour to stand out.
What tie colour is best for a summer wedding?
Lighter shades like light blue, soft pink, lavender, sage and light grey look fresh in summer, especially with tan, light grey or light blue suits.
Shop Wedding Ties at Tip Top
Explore our ties, bow ties and pocket squares, or see everything in one place in our wedding accessories collection. Proudly Canadian Since 1909. You can also shop in person at one of our 80+ locations across Canada.
