The father of the bride should wear a suit or tuxedo that matches the wedding’s formality and sits close to the wedding party’s colors without copying them exactly. He is in the family photos, the processional, and often a toast, so the outfit needs to look considered and hold up all day. This guide covers how to set the formality, how to coordinate with the groomsmen, and the options for a daytime, evening, or black-tie wedding.
Match the Formality First
Take the dress code from the invitation and the venue. A black-tie wedding means a tuxedo. A formal evening wedding at a hotel or estate means a dark suit at minimum. A daytime garden or church wedding usually means a mid-tone suit. When in doubt, ask the couple directly, since the father of the bride is expected to be at or slightly above the guest dress code, never below it.
Coordinate With the Wedding Party
The father of the bride should look related to the groomsmen, not identical. If the party is in navy, a charcoal or deep grey suit reads as part of the family without pulling focus. Ask the couple whether they want the fathers in a specific color, and whether the boutonnieres will be provided so yours matches. Our guide on coordinating groom and groomsmen attire explains how the party’s colors are set, which tells you what to work around.
Daytime Wedding
For an afternoon ceremony, a mid grey or blue suit, a white or pale blue shirt, a silk tie in a color that works with the party palette, and brown or black leather shoes. A pocket square in white linen keeps it clean. If the wedding is outdoors in warm weather, a lighter grey and a breathable cloth make the day more comfortable without dropping the formality. Our daytime wedding attire guide covers the earlier end of the range.
Formal Evening Wedding
A navy or charcoal suit in a smooth worsted, a white shirt, a darker or textured tie, and black shoes. A waistcoat or a three-piece suit adds formality if the groom is wearing one and it fits the tone. This is the most common father-of-the-bride setup and it is hard to get wrong.
Black Tie
If the invitation says black tie, wear a black tuxedo with a black bow tie, a white pleated or textured-front shirt, and black formal shoes. A midnight-blue tuxedo is an accepted alternative. Rent or buy depending on how often you expect to wear it again; a father of the bride with more weddings ahead may want to own one. Browse wedding tuxedos for the range.
What to Avoid
- An outfit dressier than the groom’s or one that competes with the wedding party
- White or ivory jackets, which read as trying to stand out
- A business suit that has not been altered; the fit shows in every family photo
- Novelty ties or anything that pulls attention during the toast
- Brown shoes with a formal evening tuxedo
Timing
Start six to eight weeks out so there is time for alterations and a second fitting. Confirm the party colors and any boutonniere plan with the couple before ordering. If the mother of the bride is coordinating her outfit to yours, share the suit color early.
The father of the bride has a simple brief: match the formality, sit near the party’s colors, and get the suit altered. Do those three things and the outfit will carry the whole day. For the broader picture, browse men’s wedding attire.
