What Does the Father of the Bride or Groom Wear to a Wedding?

While a lot of thought goes into what the mother of the bride and groom should wear on the big day, dads are often neglected when discussing wedding fashion. Sure, menswear isn't as popular of a subject as womenswear, but a wedding is a significant moment for all members of a family, and what Dad wears will have a major impact on the overall aesthetic of a couple's special day. That's why understanding what the father of the bride or groom should wear to his child's celebration is essential information to know.

According to the experts at Men's Wearhouse, the father of the bride and groom's outfit should generally fall in line with what the groom and the groomsmen are wearing. This isn't to say that all dads need to be a carbon copy of the men in the wedding, but they should complement their attire in some form or fashion. "You want the father of the bride to feel comfortable in what they’re wearing and it should feel connected to what the groom is wearing in terms of fabric or formality," Men's Wearhouse adds.

With all this in mind, and in order to bring more attention to the fathers of the evening, we put together a list of the most important tips to know when selecting a father-of-the-bride and -groom suit or tuxedo. Read on for more.

Tips for Selecting a Father-of-the-Bride and -Groom Look

First and foremost, a dress code should be established before anyone begins to shop for a father-of-the-bride and -groom look. While most dads will likely sport a suit or tuxedo, there are instances where slacks and a button-up shirt are appropriate, especially if the couple is hosting a themed or super causal wedding. Once a dress code has been finalized, however, finding the best look can be achieved by following the below expert tips.

Complement the Groom and Wedding Party

As mentioned, fathers of the bride and groom should wear looks that complement the groom's and groomsmen's attire. For example, if all the groomsmen are wearing light-colored suits, Dad should opt for a lighter-hued suit; if the groom and wedding party are wearing tuxedos, the father of the bride or groom should also wear a tuxedo; or if the soon-to-be-wed is wearing upscale beach attire, Dad should follow suit and reach for his best Tommy Bahama button-down. This is to prevent an individual's father from overshadowing the groom, while also keeping his look in line with the overall wedding aesthetic.

Consider Placing a Group Menswear Order

Oftentimes, menswear stores will offer a discount when renting or buying several suits for members of the wedding party. Thus, couples should consider ordering all menswear attire at the same time for a potential group discount. The groom can also opt to shop at the same time with his father and/or future father-in-law to keep the shopping and ordering process simple and streamlined. "This is also a fun event for the wedding party, and inviting the father of the bride will make him feel included!" adds Men's Wearhouse.

Don't Forget the Accessories

Even though dads are required to compliment the wedding party and groom, that doesn't mean they're not allowed to infuse a bit of personality into their day-of looks by way of accessories. "Think of it as the extra ten percent," says Men's Wearhouse. "Whether a lapel pin or boutonniere that might have meaning to the wearer, a pocket square in a fun pattern, or even playful socks, there are numerous ways to inject some fun and character into a formal look without sacrificing the respectful presentation to the ceremony. Just be sure the accessory does not overpower the suit or tuxedo."

It's also important to note that the father of the bride and the father of the groom don't necessarily have to match accessories with other members of the wedding party. "The father of the bride should feel free to experiment with accessories," continues Men's Wearhouse. "If he is a bow tie wearer, he should choose a bow tie that goes with the overall color scheme. If he has a favorite pair of dress shoes, see if he can incorporate those into his look. If he favors three-piece suits, allow him the freedom to wear a vest." That said, all add-ons should still align with the dress code—so skip the bow tie if the wedding calls for beachy casual attire.

The Most Popular Colors for Father-of-the-Bride and -Groom Suits

While most fathers of the bride and groom will opt for black or navy suits or tuxedos, that doesn't mean there aren't alternative colors to consider for a wedding. Burgundy, for example, is an extremely popular choice for autumnal nuptials, especially if the wedding is being held outdoors amongst the fall foliage. Green—either sage, hunter, or emerald—is also a top pick for dads who'd like to opt for non-traditional hues and sport a look that is sure to stand out (as long as the couple approves, of course). Lastly, dusty blue, burnt orange, beige, and brown are lovely shades for dads to consider should the couple's wedding theme and color palette allow for these types of suits.