Father Dress Code Etiquette  |  Top Questions & Answers  |  Popular Father of the Bride Suit Colors  |  Suit Accessories  |  Fathers’ Suit Inspiration

The father of the bride and the father of the groom are some of the most important guests on wedding day so appropriate attire is a must! Learn all the tips and tricks to being the best dressed father on the wedding day. Here are some of the top things to know when it comes to choosing father of the bride attire.

Best Father of the Bride or Groom Attire Ideas & Etiquette

There are plenty of factors to consider for the father of the bride or groom’s wedding day outfit. Consider the time of day, season, wedding venue, weather forecast, and dress code. The most important factor is to match the formality of the wedding. We’ve got some great ideas for your father of the bride look and all the most important etiquette for you to follow.

Father of the Bride or Groom Dress Code Etiquette

Even if you’re a casual dad, a casual look won’t be appropriate for a formal wedding. You can find fun little ways to incorporate your personality into your outfit. But, make sure to follow important father of the bride or groom dress code etiquette and guidelines. Above all, check with the couple to make sure your outfit fits into their vision for the wedding.

1) What Does the Father of the Bride Wear?

The father of the bride generally wears something that follows the dress code for guests. But, it should be more formal as he’s a person of honor at the wedding. So, he'll it's expected that he'll either wear a suit or a tux. The father of the bride often has a boutonnière or other accessories to set him apart from other guests.

2) What Does the Father of the Groom Wear?

The father of the groom dresses in a similar fashion to the father of the bride in a suit or tuxedo. And, since he is a person of honor at the wedding, he'll also wear a boutonnière. The couple may also recommend him to follow a specific color scheme to help him stand out from guests.

3) Father of the Bride Dress Code

The dress code for the father of the bride and the father of the groom is the same as the dress code for the guests - but elevated. For a formal or black tie wedding, he should wear a tuxedo and a black tie or bow tie. If the dress code is semi-formal, he should wear a nice suit and tie. For a more casual wedding, he can wear something a little bit more dressed down. 

Top Questions About Father of the Bride or Groom Attire

Since there is not always a specific dress code for the father of the bride attire, you may have a bunch of questions. No problem! We’ve got the answers to your most asked questions to help clear things up!

1) When Should the Father of the Bride Buy / Rent His Suit?

The father of the bride or groom should start shopping at least four months before the wedding. He’ll need time to find the right suit, make sure it’s tailored, and try it on before the big day. Purchasing something affordable, yet formal like our Kennedy Blue father of the bride suits is another great option. They’re available in almost any color that the bride or groom may ask you to wear.

Renting a suit is always a good option for fathers who don’t dress up often. It's especially helpful if you're short on time, or don't have a specific brand in mind. For example, you can rent with two months notice.

2) Does the Father of the Bride Wear the Same as the Groomsmen?

No, the father of the bride doesn’t usually wear the same exact outfit as the groomsmen. But, the wedding couple might ask him to try to complement or coordinate with the wedding party in some way. Some couples choose to have everyone buy or rent the same suits. Generally, the father of the bride or groom should still distinguish himself from the wedding party in some small way. This could be: adding a vest, having a different boutonniere, or choosing a different tie color.

3) What Tie Color Should the Father of the Bride/Groom Wear?

The father of the bride can wear any color tie that suits the wedding dress code. For example: don’t wear a blue tie to a black tie wedding or a funky pattern tie for a formal wedding. If the father of the bride wants to coordinate with the mother of the bride, wearing a tie in the same color as her dress is a great touch. You may need to buy a color coordinating tie if the wedding couple want you to wear a specific color to match the wedding decor or wedding party.

4) Do the Father of the Bride and Father of the Groom Match?

The father of the bride and father of the groom don’t need to match. We recommend they coordinate their outfits. So, even if they aren’t wearing the exact same attire, they will still both complement the group in wedding photos. This decision is ultimately up to the couple and the fathers. Do what's best for your specific wedding vision.

Popular Father of the Bride or Groom Suit Colors

Most fathers of the bride or groom will wear black or navy to the wedding. However, the color options are endless if you’re working with a more flexible dress code. Try to make sure you will look great with the wedding party in the wedding photos and that you’re dressed appropriately for the venue.

1) Black Father of the Bride Suits or Tuxedos

Black is always a great option for wedding attire, especially if it’s a formal wedding. A formal or black tie wedding may require a black tuxedo instead of a suit. It's sleek and classic and will always be dressy enough for an important role like being the father of the bride or groom.

2) Traditional Grey Father of the Bride Suits

Grey is a really popular father of the bride suit color. Grey suits are slightly less formal than a class black and are perfect for a semi-formal wedding. They’re also nice because the lighter color works for daytime weddings and summer or spring weddings. Many men already have a grey suit in their closet for special occasions and can dress it up with a few details to make it wedding day appropriate.

3) Classic Navy Father of the Bride Suits

Navy is another traditional wedding suit color that is perfect for the father of the bride or groom. Double check that this color suit fits into the couple’s vision of their wedding photos before choosing navy. A navy suit is great for weddings of any season but is better suited for semi-formal or casual weddings than formal weddings.

4) Alternative Suit Colors to Consider

Since the father of the bride and the father of the groom want to stand out on wedding day they may want to wear an alternative color suit. Consult the wedding couple about your options but if they give you the go ahead to choose a non-traditional suit color you can have fun with the options. Burgundy, green, blue, burnt orange, and more are all fun father of the bride suit color options. Something light like a tan or beige suit is perfect for a beach or outdoor wedding. 

What Accessories Does the Father of the Bride Need?

Suit and tuxedo accessories will help set the father of the bride and the father of the groom apart. While they may need to keep in mind complementing the wedding party, they should still express their own personality in their attire.

Father of the bride or groom accessories to consider:

• Bow Tie or Necktie - Choose a bow tie or necktie that coordinates with the rest of the wedding party in an appropriate way. Consider coordinating with the other parents as well.
• Pocket Square - Find a color coordinating pocket square that matches your tie choice. You can get creative with a patterned option with permission from the wedding couple.
• Suspenders or Belt - Depending on your suit or tuxedo choice you can wear suspenders or a belt. Just make sure you have one or the other to keep your outfit in place. If you choose a belt, it should match your shoes.
• Boutonniere - The wedding couple will probably have a boutonniere for you to wear on the wedding day that coordinates with the rest of the wedding party. This shows the rest of the guests that you are an important part of the wedding.
• Cufflinks - Don’t forget cufflinks to keep your shirt sleeves in place. A pair that show personality or are customized are perfect as long as they match your other accessories.
• Dress Shoes - Choose shoes that are the right style and color to match your suit and belt. They will also need to fit the dress code.
• Vest - A vest is optional but could be a great addition to set your outfit apart from the bridal party and other guests.

Father of the Bride & Groom Attire Inspiration

Need some inspiration for your father of the bride attire or father of the groom outfit? Think about whether you want to choose a traditional or non-traditional suit color and who you need to coordinate with. After you’ve chosen your father of the bride suit then pick some color coordinating suit accessories to tie it all together. We chose a few interesting options for you to consider. 

1) Color Coordination for Father of the Bride and Father of the Groom

The father of the groom attire should coordinate with the groom and the mother of the groom. Meanwhile, the father of the bride should coordinate with the bride and mother of the bride. These looks can all be a part of a cohesive color scheme taking inspiration from the wedding colors. Have the fathers wear ties that match the mothers’ dresses. Another way to ensure cohesiveness is to have the fathers wear boutonnieres that match the bouquets. Or, following a family color scheme is another option for coordination.

2) Cinnamon Father of the Bride Suit Color

A dark red or brown suit is a fun and interesting option for a father of the bride or groom suit. Fall weddings are the perfect time to experiment with a warm tone suit. Check with the wedding couple about what colors they are okay with you wearing. You can contrast a warm tone suit with a dark or patterned tie.

Cinnamon Father of the Bride Suit Color

3) Formal Wedding Father of the Bride Tuxedo

A classic black tuxedo is ideal for a formal wedding, especially as the father of the bride or groom. Choosing classic black also makes choosing accessories simple. Tuxedos require a black bowtie, black suspenders, and a crisp white tuxedo shirt. This works especially well if the bride is wearing a white dress (as opposed to ivory) so you’ll match as you walk her down the aisle on her big day. A boutonniere in the colors of the bride’s bouquet will add a pop of color if applicable.

4) Sage Father of the Groom Suit

Sage might not be the first color you think of as you’re choosing a father of the bride or groom suit. A unique color like sage works for a semi-formal or casual wedding. This versatile shade works well for weddings in any time of year. Pair this suit with a tie that coordinates with the rest of the wedding party or with the bridal bouquet to create a cohesive look.

Sage Father of the Groom Suit Color

Piece Together the Perfect Father of the Bride or Groom Outfit

Choosing the perfect father of the bride or groom outfit is all about coordinating with the wedding party while still standing out. Your look should be unique but still cohesive with the overall wedding aesthetic. Don’t forget to accessorize in a way that shows off your unique personality as a father. When in doubt: ask your son or daughter for help choosing the perfect suit for their big day.

Need inspiration for the mother of the bride or mother of the groom? We’ve got tons of outfit inspiration, tips, and dress ideas for you in our guide to mother of the bride and groom dresses.

Ultimate Guide to Mother of the Bride Dresses