Father of the groom attire can be surprisingly tricky to get right. You want to look sharp, but you can’t show up dressed exactly like the groomsmen. The goal is finding an outfit that fits the occasion, works with the rest of the wedding party, and still feels like you.
Start with the wedding dress code and what the groom’s wearing, then factor in the venue, time of day, and weather. Once you have those details down, choosing your suit and accessories gets a whole lot easier.
Read on for how to put together a look that feels just right for the upcoming nuptials.
What Should the Father of the Groom Wear?
Start with the wedding invitation. Etiquette for father of the groom attire dictates that you should follow the same dress code as the other guests, and make sure the outfit works with what the groom picked out.
A well-tailored, dark suit is a good place to start for most weddings because it suits a wide range of dress codes.
Wedding Dress Codes for the Father of the Groom
Not sure what the wording on the invitation actually means? Here’s the rundown on wedding style for different dress codes:
- Black tie: Go with a classic tux, formal white dress shirt, black bow tie, and polished leather dress shoes.
- Formal: A dark, double-breasted suit with a dress shirt, tie, and leather dress shoes is a reliable choice.
- Cocktail: Stick with a suit and dress shirt for cocktail attire, with or without a tie. This dress code allows for a bit more fun, so feel free to play with color and understated accessories.
- Semi-formal: A suit and tie will put you comfortably in the right zone. Seasonal colors and fabrics, such as beige linen, work for daytime ceremonies in the summer. Evening events generally call for darker tones.
- Casual: A casual wedding doesn’t mean you can wear your everyday weekend clothes. Depending on the couple’s plans, a blazer or sport coat with dress slacks and a button-down shirt can be perfect.
Wedding Events
Most wedding weekends have multiple events, each with a different vibe, so pack more than one outfit. The ceremony usually calls for your most formal look and should follow the stated dress code. During the reception, you can loosen your tie or remove your jacket once the dancing starts.
You’ve got more sartorial flexibility for the rehearsal dinner. Many couples expect guests to wear semi-formal attire for this event, but you should still take your cues from the venue and any official dress code.
For a send-off breakfast or brunch, go casual but still polished. You can skip the dress shirt but avoid baggy, ripped, or stained clothing.
Should You Rent or Buy the Groom’s Father’s Suit?
As the father of the groom, you’ll most likely pay for your own wedding outfit, so it makes sense to think about what you’ll get out of it after the big day. Renting a suit keeps things simple when the celebration calls for a specific look you probably won’t wear again. Buying costs more upfront, but it can be a smarter move if it’s a versatile suit that you’re likely to wear again.
How To Decide
Renting makes a lot of sense for a one-time tuxedo or black tie look that doesn’t get much use in your regular rotation. You can get fitted for the occasion, wear it, and return it afterward without dedicating closet space to a new garment.
Buying is worth considering when the dress code calls for something like a classic navy, midnight blue, or medium gray suit. You can get it altered to fit perfectly and bring it back out for things like receptions, holiday parties, and work events in the future.
Planning
Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out your outfit. For Men’s Wearhouse rentals, we recommend booking wedding groups at least four months ahead of time so everyone can get measured. Rental looks typically arrive three to four days before the event, which gives you and the wedding party time to try the suits on and address any fit issues.
If your group lives in different cities, you don’t have to fly everyone into town to get measured together. The groom can set up a wedding group with Men’s Wearhouse, and each person can get measured at a location near them.
Color and Coordination
Once you figure out how formal your outfit needs to be, it’s time to think about how your style fits into the big picture. As the father of the groom, you want to look connected to the wedding party without blending in too much with the groomsmen.
Navy and charcoal are great suit colors to consider because they work with a wide range of wedding color schemes and dress codes. Avoid outshining the groom, which is a big no-no.
Coordinating With the Wedding Party
Your look should complement the wedding party’s outfits without copying them. For example, if the groom and groomsmen are wearing tuxedos, so should you. If they’re in suits, choose one in a similar color or use your tie, pocket square, or boutonniere to link your look to the group.
It’s worth checking in with the father of the bride before either of you settle on an outfit. You don’t need identical suits, but complementary colors and similar formality will make the family photos look better.
Working With the Wedding Colors
You also want your suit to make sense with the couple’s color scheme. Ask the groom about the wedding colors and choose a suit that complements it. Use the same approach for your accessories.
For example, if the wedding colors are light gray and navy blue, a charcoal suit color ties in nicely without being too matchy-matchy or (even worse) clashing.
Fit and Wedding Accessories
Your suit doesn’t have to have the biggest price tag at the reception to look sharp. A proper fit does a lot of the heavy lifting, especially if you don’t wear suits very often, and accessories pull the whole outfit together.
Tailoring
Even a great suit looks off when the proportions aren’t right, so try on your full outfit with time to spare before the big day in case you need to make an adjustment.
Evaluate how it fits, starting with the shoulders. The seams should end where your natural shoulders do without hanging over the edge or pulling across your back. Your jacket sleeves should end around your wrist bone with roughly a quarter to a half-inch of shirt cuff showing. Dress slacks should fall cleanly over your shoes.
A general rule of thumb is to start alterations six to eight weeks before the wedding. Tailoring usually takes a week or two, and if it’s a bigger job, it can take longer. Schedule in some breathing room so you don’t have to rush your final fitting.
Accessories
The father of the groom’s wedding accessories should add a fun vibe to the look and reflect your personal style. Accessorize your suit with a tie or bow tie that works with the dress code, then add a colorful or patterned pocket square. A boutonniere can connect your look to the wedding flowers. If you’re more of a jewelry guy, add a watch and cufflinks.
Dress for Your Son’s Wedding at Men’s Wearhouse
Getting your wedding attire right doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow the dress code, coordinate with the couple, and choose something that fits well and feels comfortable enough for a full day of photos, dinner, and dancing.
A well-fitted tux or suit with the right alterations is all you need to look polished and feel like yourself. For guidance, visit Men’s Wearhouse. Our team is ready and waiting to help you find a comfortable wedding look that suits your personal style.
FAQ
Does the Father of the Groom Have To Wear a Tie?
Not always. A tie makes sense for formal and semi-formal events, but it might be optional for cocktail and casual weddings. As always, follow the dress code and take your wedding attire cues from the groom.
Can the Father of the Groom Wear the Same Suit Color as the Groom?
He can, as long as the couple’s on board with coordinating. That said, the outfits don’t need to match exactly. Small differences in the suit colors, ties, and accessories keep the wedding styles distinct from each other.
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