What should the Fathers wear at our wedding?

Photography: Jenn & Pawel Photography | Three 16 Photography | Mary Costa Photography | Esteban Bahena Photography | Alina Marie Creative | Cait Photo | Jenna Joseph Photography

Here at Friar Tux we have helped thousands of weddings throughout the years, allowing us to gather a lot of knowledge and experience in all things surrounding the styling of the wedding. One major question we are continuously asked is: “What do our dads wear to the wedding?”

Well, we are here to help. There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding what your fathers will wear for those walking down the aisle and Father of the Bride speech moments:

Keep With the Formality of the Wedding 

Keep in mind the formality of your wedding.  If you are having a casual affair on the beach or a black-tie wedding this does coordinate into what everyone wears, including the fathers.  You do not want your father to upstage the groom in any way. 

If the groom is wearing a suit, then the fathers should wear one as well.  If the fathers were to wear tuxedos while the groom is in a suit, then they will look fancier than the rest of the party, drawing attention away from the couple.

If the groom and groomsmen are wearing tuxedos, then it is safe for the fathers to do the same.

To understand the differences between a suit vs. a tuxedo you can see our blog post: What’s the Difference Between a Suit vs. Tuxedo.

Photography:Cait Photo

Think of the Color Scheme of the Day

Take in the color scheme of the wedding day, you do not want your father in a rouge color that throws off your wedding design.

We love that this father not only kept with the color scheme of the overall wedding design, but also coordinated with the groom as well – creating photo magic! This father wore a deep navy-blue suit with a pop of orange in the tie- perfectly vibing with the theme of the wedding. Then showing even more attention to detail by having the same color tone as the groom’s suit.

Photography: Mallory Dawn Photography

This wedding pulled in several color elements of the day perfectly to create an amazing bridal party and father-of-the-bride look.  With the groomsmen in navy suits and the groom in a burgundy tuxedo, this father wore a light grey suit with a navy vest and bow tie.  Pulling in the groomsmen’s color while still being neutral and putting in his own special style twist. 

Photography: Lisette OC Photography

This wedding added some fun color, by not only matching the color scheme of the wedding but also the Mother of The Bride as well.  This dashing dad wore our Steel Blue Michael Kors Performance Suit paired with a sage green tie to perfectly complement the mother's gown as well as the boho green elements of the wedding day.  

Photography: Alina Marie Creative

Keep it Neutral

We typically tell our brides and grooms to keep their fathers more on the neutral side.  By using greys, blacks, and navys for their attire.  Why you ask?  Well, when the bride is being escorted down the aisle, you do not want anything to bring the eye away from her.  If your father is in a pink suit or something more bold, then they tend to draw attention during the big walk-down-the-aisle moment.

 Photography: Three 16 Photography

For this wedding the father of the bride wore a deep Charcoal Suit suit from our for-purchase suit separates collection.  Allowing him to look modern and stylish without drawing from the gorgeous bride’s moment.  Yet, making a style slash by wearing a modern floral long tie. 

And small trivia for those of you who do not know, this father is none other than Greg Goodwin our President here at Friar Tux and his daughter Aimee!   

Photography: Wilm Whim Photography

Allow For Personal Style to Show

Now we have mentioned a lot about keeping it neutral and not drawing focus away from the bride, but we understand that sometimes dads just have uber cool style! And if they do, then let them show it (within reason of course).  Below are two great examples on how the fathers can bring their own flare to the moment.

This wedding the father wore a classic style of a black double-breasted coat.  He paired his look with a red patterned shirt and long tie.  This look works splendidly because he kept with the tone and colors scheme of the overall wedding perfectly. 

 Photography Jenn & Pawel Photography

This wedding did the same, with the father in a chic burgundy velvet tuxedo with a black shirt and coordinating bow tie.  He matches the overall color scheme, including his daughters own floral arrangement and makeup!  This is father-daughter style on point if you ask us!  

Photography: Leah Marie Photography

Take in the Moments

Now this is not a style tip, but more of a personal one from our family to yours…enjoy the moments.  Take the time to spend with your fathers on the big day.  Couples, remember this is a big day for your fathers as well.  They have the responsibility of seeing you join hearts with another, allow them to still know you are their daughters and sons always. 

Photography: Astray Photography

Photography: Leah Marie Photography

Photography: Alina Marie Creative

Photography: Esther Sun Photo

Photography: Esteban Bahena Photography

Need Father of the bride gift ideas? Check out our ties, accessories, and fun socks available for purchase and gift Dads with something they can wear after your special day.

We hope we were able to help you today with how to dress the fathers on your special day.  And we wish everyone a Happy Father’s Day!