No matter the venue — from an urban cathedral to a farmhouse in the country — showing up to a wedding in anything but your best is a major faux pas. Yes, some couple’s might encourage you to dress casual. But even if you don’t need to don a full suit, no men’s wedding outfit is complete without a stylish tie!
Unfortunately, the world of ties can often feel stagnant and boring. That’s because so many young men shop for ties in the stores their fathers did.
Before you sigh and reach for your standard button-up and tie (you know, the ones you wear for every formal occasion), why not consider stepping up your wedding attire game?
Head-Turning Fashion Is All in the Details
Don’t worry, though, because curating the perfect men’s wedding outfit rarely means needing to go out and buy a whole new suit. Instead, you can skip the fitting rooms at your local department store and head straight to the accessories.
And by accessories, we mostly mean ties!
If you ask us, ties are the perfect addition to any formal men’s look. Whether you go for fun and whimsical or classic and tailored, the right tie can take the average dress shirt from okay to amazing.
If you need a little inspiration, we have just the thing:
Make shapes on and off the dance floor
From a distance, this straight tie looks like it has a simple pattern. But upon closer inspection, you can clearly see that it’s adorned with cute little seahorses!
If you want to add a bit of charm to your formal look, your tie is the place to start. And you’re sure to get a few smiles from people when they realize you’re not just wearing some boring old pattern.
If you want to try out this look for yourself, why not rock some delicate pink elephants to your next wedding invite?
Or, if you want something a bit more colorful, pair this coral anchor necktie with a set of refined cufflinks to match.
Texture is key
Every fashionista knows that putting together the perfect outfit isn’t just about the color or pattern of your clothing. It’s also about the texture.
When an affair calls for something a bit more subdued colorwise, playing with texture is a great way to make your men’s wedding outfit stand out from the crowd.
If you want to take your standard button-up shirt to the next level, consider pairing it with the felted cotton Revolution necktie. While these ties come in a variety of formal colors, the added texture will ensure your final look is anything but boring!
Knit your grandpa’s bow tie
On the subject of texture, this style tip doesn’t just apply to straight ties. In fact, bow ties provide an excellent canvas for those who want to add some intrigue to their wedding look.
One of the biggest trends right now is the knit bow tie. From afar, these ties look like any other bow tie you’d find in your local clothing retailer. But a closer look gives away the unique knit construction.
You can rock a solid color or go with a pattern (maybe even a Christmas sweater-inspired one for a holiday wedding?). However you choose to style your ideal men’s wedding outfit, a knit bow tie will offer a fun twist.
Feel like a wallflower
Being a wallflower isn’t always a bad thing. But with a bold floral tie, you won’t need to worry about that label in the first place!
Florals have been one of the fashion industry’s most popular patterns recently, especially in women’s fashion. So, why should men miss out on this classic style?
While you probably don’t want to show up to a formal wedding in head-to-toe floral, there’s nothing wrong with a muted accent tie. Our current favorite is Sleepy Willow, but your options are far from limited.
Wooden you know
Oh, speaking of recent fashion trends, have you seen this one? Yep, wooden bow ties are in!
When it comes to adding a statement piece to your favorite men’s wedding outfit, this certainly qualifies. You’re sure to start a few conversations with other wedding guests, as well.
If you don’t like being the center of attention, this bow tie might be a little too out-there. However, we encourage you to step outside your comfort zone with a wooden bow tie of your own! You can even finish off the look with a set of Wood Inlaid Cufflinks.
All-black everything
Turning heads often means playing up the color, texture, and prints of your outfit. Still, that’s not the only way to go about looking great at your next wedding event.
Although black is the most popular color for this look, it’s not your only option! Instead, we encourage you to go all-green, all-white, or even all-pink (if the occasion allows, of course).
A classic black straight tie should be in every man’s wardrobe. If you need to invest in one for your all-black men’s wedding outfit, though, make sure you choose something made from silk, like the Coal Necktie.
Pop of color
Sometimes, it’s not the complexity of your men’s wedding outfit that makes it work. Instead, it’s often the simplicity.
But simplicity doesn’t need to mean boring. For example, adding a pop of color to your standard suit is the perfect way to add a bit of fashion flair to your look.
One of the best ways to do this is, obviously, with your tie. For this look, we prefer a brightly colored bow tie in gold (but the color is ultimately up to you!).
Oh, and don’t forget the matching pocket square.
Bohemian rhapsody
There’s no denying that bohemian weddings, often shortened to just “boho,” are the biggest trend of the moment. But while wedding fashion largely focuses on how women can pull off this trendy look, it largely ignores the men.
Fret not, though, because you too can roll up to your next wedding in a laid-back but stylish outfit that screams Southwest-living. All it takes is an earthy palette, like this brown denim jacket, and some textile inspiration taken straight from the 1970s.
Fortunately, though, paisley ties are, more-or-less, fashionably neutral. While this pattern might be trendy when paired with a boho-inspired men’s wedding outfit, it will remain a timeless piece in your wardrobe.
To complete your free-wheeling look, secure your straight tie with a feather-shaped Vintage Tie Bar.
Pretty in pink flowers
Can you make floral patterns look stoic and masculine? Of course. Sometimes, though, it’s nice to get in touch with a more delicate side of your wardrobe.
A soft pastel, floral bow tie adds a dash of whimsy and romance to any men’s wedding outfit. However, this color palette will really only work with a pair of light-colored slacks or suit jacket.
We’re big fans of rocking this pattern as a bow tie. But for those diehard straight tie wearers, you unleash your pretty side with the Leonardo tie, as well.
Prepare Your Wardrobe: Wedding Season Is Coming
If you’re in your mid-20s to late-30s, you know that wedding season never really ends. Between college friends tying the knot and family members exchanging vows, you might even feel like your life is one giant reception at this point!
Even if you only have one wedding on your calendar this year (lucky you!), you still need a killer men’s wedding outfit for the big day.
So, straighten your tie, stretch your limbs, and tell the DJ to cue up your favorite song. Trust us, all on eyes will be on you — in the best way possible!
What men’s wedding outfit trends have you been seeing among your peers? Are there any you love or despise? Fill us in with a comment below!
Here are some of our favorite looks to get you started!
