This guide will help you decide!
When it comes to weddings, every detail counts, from the vows to the wardrobe. For the groom and his party, accessories like neckties and bow ties are more than just finishing touches; they’re style statements that reflect the formality and theme of the big day. But here’s the big question many couples face when planning their wedding outfits: should we wear neckties or bow ties?
If you’ve been wondering which option works best for your wedding, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down when to go for a bow tie versus a necktie, how each ties into different dress codes, the pros and cons of each option, and expert tips on pulling your look together with the other elements of your outfit like tuxedos, vests, or suspenders. By the end of this blog, you’ll have all the insights you need to confidently decide what suits your special day best!
Traditionally, bow ties have been closely associated with high-formality events like black-tie galas, where they symbolize sophistication and elegance and exude a timeless charm. Neckties, on the other hand, emerged as a symbol of professionalism and versatility, making them a staple for business settings, semi-formal occasions, and events with a slightly more relaxed dress code.
Today, the lines between formal and casual attire have blurred significantly. While a bow tie still conveys a sense of elegance and remains a classic choice for traditional formal occasions, it has also carved out a space in everyday and casual fashion.
Bow ties have become particularly popular within the "hipster" scene, where bold patterns and vibrant colors are embraced as a statement of individuality and creativity. Whether it's a vintage-inspired floral print or geometric designed bow ties offer a way to stand out in a crowd. They’ve proven they can be fun and quirky, adding a playful touch to casual outfits, while still retaining their elegance when paired with formal attire for special occasions. This versatility has solidified their place as a fashion accessory that bridges the gap between tradition and modern self-expression.
Neckties, with their unmatched versatility, continue to be an excellent choice for a wide range of occasions. From polished church ceremonies to casual garden weddings, a necktie can easily adapt to the tone and style of the event. The variety of widths to select from also allows you to tailor your look to match the mood and setting perfectly. Narrower widths like our "skinny width" create a sleek, polished look, perfect for formal events like business meetings, weddings, or upscale dinners. Wider widths like our "knotty width" and "classic width" offer a more relaxed, casual vibe, ideal for weekend outings, casual gatherings, or everyday wear. Choosing the right width helps you balance style and appropriateness for any occasion.
For the groom, the choice between a necktie and a bow tie begins with the wedding’s style and level of formality.
Formal Weddings
If your ceremony takes place in a formal wedding setting like a grand ballroom, historic estate, luxury hotel, or upscale country club, a classic bow tie is your best bet, especially for black-tie or white-tie events. It pairs effortlessly with a tuxedo and adds that timeless touch of sophistication. Alternatively, if you do prefer a long necktie for a formal wedding, a sleek Windsor knot in a solid color or simple pattern is another excellent choice for grooms seeking a formal, polished look.
Semi-formal or Casual Weddings
For rustic barn weddings, beachfront ceremonies, or intimate backyard receptions, a necktie exudes laid-back sophistication. It also offers plenty of options for mixing and matching patterns to compliment non-traditional wedding palettes or themes. As another option, if you favor bow ties, a patterned bow tie paired with a crisp white shirt, solid colored suspenders, and rolled-up sleeves creates a charming and relaxed look that's perfect for a more casual or outdoor wedding.
Pro Tip: Choose accessories that reflect your personal style and comfort. Want to make a bold, stylish statement? Opt for a bow tie. Prefer a more understated, timeless look? A classic necktie is the way to go. To help the groom stand out, consider outfitting him in a bow tie while the groomsmen wear neckties—or vice versa if that suits your vision better!
Wedding guests should always consider the dress code stated on the invitation, and when in doubt, follow the rule of matching the venue’s vibe.
The most important thing to remember as a wedding guest, is that you should aim to look polished and on theme while avoiding overshadowing the groom or matching the wedding party’s attire too closely.
Tie or Bow Tie with a Tux?
Traditionally, tuxedos are paired with bow ties to maintain a cohesive black-tie look. This pairing is timeless and sophisticated, making it the classic choice for the most formal of weddings. However, for couples looking to break tradition or host a slightly more relaxed affair, a sleek necktie can modernize the tuxedo's appeal while offering a chic alternative to the bow tie. When determining which width of tie will best compliment a tux, take the measurement from the widest point of the lapel and select the ties width that is closest to this measurement.
Tie or Bow Tie with Suspenders?
Suspenders are a timeless accessory that bring a playful vintage charm to an outfit. When styling suspenders with a bow tie, focus on creating a cohesive or complementary color palette. For example, a mostly navy bow tie can pair beautifully with neutral or subtly patterned suspenders in shades of beige, camel, or grey. This classic combination is perfect for more eccentric, quirky, or vintage inspired weddings.
When pairing suspenders with a necktie, the result leans slightly more casual. Opt for a necktie that coordinates with the suspenders in terms of color and pattern. For example, if the suspenders have a bold pattern, a solid or subtle tie works best to balance the outfit. Neckties with suspenders are perfect for semi-formal events, rustic-themed weddings, or even smart-casual gatherings where you want to stand out without being overly formal.
Tie or Bow Tie with a Vest?
Vests are a stylish addition to any wedding ensemble, bringing an extra layer of sophistication and refinement to the outfit. When paired with bow ties, they create a sharp and elegant focal point, ideal for formal or black-tie events. Neckties, on the other hand, offer a different balance, distributing visual weight more evenly and complementing less formal or more casual wedding themes. To achieve a polished and cohesive look, select textures and colors that harmonize seamlessly across all elements of the attire.
When choosing between a necktie or a bow tie you must consider the formality of the dress code, venue setting, preference of the wearer, and overall vibe of your wedding. For grooms, it’s important to choose accessories that complement the wedding theme and coordinate with the bridal party. Guests should let the dress code guide their choice, adding a touch of individuality where appropriate.
Whatever you choose, make sure it tells your love story. With our customizable options, you can design neckties and bow ties in your wedding colors and patterns that truly reflect your style. From fit to design, create a look that feels authentically you.
Manufacturing in the USA allows quick customization with orders shipping in as fast as 7 days from order. Learn about our standard and expedite turnaround times and what you can expect based upon order size and shipping location.
We have no minimums so whether you want a full production sample to review prior to placing a large order, need only one product for now or want to order several different designs, go for it! Learn more about products and pricing at our FAQ.
You can easily start a custom design in just a few minutes and we'll work quickly to create a design in a business day or less, so long as we have the color and design assets needed. Request swatches to verify designs or ask for quick revisions to meet your design objectives.
Hundreds of patterns have completely customizable colors so you can match to a dress, suit, palette or just make a rad one-of-a-kind design you won't see anywhere else. Remember that colors on screen are different than print and if you need exact colors, please verify with the ColorMatch Chart.
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