Weddings come in all different forms and sizes. Some weddings may be formal and large events, while others may be casual and small affairs. Different weddings and themed weddings might require different ties. For example, you may need a more classic tie for a formal and elegant wedding or opt for a more funky tie or bow tie for a more informal, fun-themed wedding.

In this post we’ll explore what might be some of your options at different types of weddings, whether you are considering a tie or bow tie.

The Formal Wedding

When one thinks of a formal or even ‘grand’ wedding one typically thinks of black tie. Those two words – black tie – are not to be taken too lightly. They invariably mean that the wedding will be a formal affair, with a traditional ceremony and reception. It does give you less options in terms of what tie or bow tie to wear in that the dress code is effectively stricter than other weddings.

As such, the idea of a black tie wedding can be daunting for some men. Your refrain might be, “What the hell am I going to wear?!” The good news is that black tie, by being so expressly stipulated, tells you almost precisely what you should wear.

Black tie attire will usually mean an evening suit (or tuxedo to most of the world) with satin-lapel dinner jacket and pants with a satin stripe up the leg to match. The shirt will be a formal white button-down, sometimes with French cuffs. A black bow tie is the safest option, although some men may opt for a thin tie in black or other dark solid colour. You can look through our varied selection of black ties for inspiration.

Ultimately, a black tie event need not be an ‘uphill’ sartorial decision. For one thing, you might have the choice to rent an outfit. For another, it could make for a very exciting day of fancy dress-up. Martha Stewart Living quotes Jackie Avrumson, a New York City-based bridal stylist, who says, “It is the opposite of our day-to-day life. It gives us an exciting event to go to [and an opportunity] to feel great about ourselves. A black-tie wedding is your chance to be the most elevated version of yourself.”

And not all formal weddings are black tie, of course. Formal weddings have become more diverse in recent years, affording gentlemen more dress choices. For example, your evening suit doesn’t need to be in black nor does your jacket need to match your pants. Grooms and guests alike are increasingly wearing different-coloured and even patterned evening jackets at formal weddings, which they can use again at other weddings, including even black tie events, if so needed.

The Fun or Funky Wedding!

In the fashion sense, not all weddings are serious affairs, of course. That can be great news if you’re a guy who likes to keep it simpler, or, better still, lots of fun! A laid-back wedding will give you more options in that you can play around more with what ties you pair with what outfits. Suddenly, a white or beige linen suit with a floral bow tie is a choice you may have at an outdoor summer wedding. Or you can finally get to wear that bold novelty tie at your best friend’s wedding or your vintage super-skinny tie at that 80s-themed wedding!

Even at more informal or fun weddings, there is a golden rule that usually works for your neck attire: lighter colours and pastels are usually best for spring or summer weddings, while darker colors are typically more suitable for weddings in autumn or winter. Prints and patterns will tend to follow the same rule, although when it comes to more casual weddings, there really should be no rules, right?!

Personalise Your Look

The more flexible or relaxed the wedding theme, the more choices you have regarding what tie or bow tie you opt for. The good news is that most weddings today are fairly relaxed about how guests and even grooms and their groomsmen should dress. The expectation is just that you ‘look the part,’ of course. The more you can personalise, the more your tie or bow tie can reflect your personality on the day (or night).

The four factors that allow you to personalize your look are fabric, colour, texture and pattern. The fabric could be silk, satin, cotton or even wool. The texture could be silky to the touch or with a rouched, more rough effect. Personalisation means you may opt for a smooth satin bow tie in navy blue with red polka dots. Or you may opt for a tie in bold paisley pattern in a textured cotton and silk blend. Likewise, you can just play it safer and go with a classic tie or bow tie in a solid colour or hue.

So, Should I Wear A Necktie or Bow Tie?

Ah, the eternal question: tie or bow tie at a wedding? It’s not as simple an answer as one might think. Typically, one will wear a bow tie if wearing an evening suit or tuxedo. It’s your best bet for a black tie wedding, or even a black tie optional wedding or other type of black-tie event. However, today many men wear a tie instead of a bow tie with their evening suit or tux. Formality tends to favour a bow tie or classic necktie, while a more informal wedding offers you more latitude in that regard.

As you know, ties are typically worn with suits. However, even that has changed, with many grooms and guests opting for bow ties with their designer suits these days. A bow tie has a charming way of making a suit either more formal or even less formal, depending on how the ensemble is worn and accessorized, including even what socks you wear.

In the end, what tie to wear at which wedding is very much up to you and your taste. Tieroom offers you many options. Just remember, if you’re the bridegroom this could be one of the biggest days of your life. And if you’re a guest, you still want to make a great impression. So, as with so many things tie-related, just be yourself and the rest will follow.