What Should Father of the Bride Wear?

So much thought goes into what the mother of the bride and groom should wear, but there’s very little talk about what the father of the bride should wear on his daughter’s big day. If you observe classic wedding traditions, he’ll have a prominent role in the proceedings, whether walking you down the aisle, giving a toast at the reception, or the traditional father-daughter dance. As such, it’s important that he looks and feels his best.

As your premier wedding information source in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we at Nearlywed have a lot of experience and have our fingers on the pulse of current trends. Read on to get the answer to the question, “What should the father of the bride wear?”

What Should the Father of the Bride Wear?

As much as you love your father, with all his quirks and dad jokes, your wedding day is not the time to let him choose his outfit. The dad sandals and polo shirts simply will not cut it! This is a big event; he should look as polished and put together as possible. Follow these tips, and you’ll make sure your dad stands out on your big day for all the right reasons.

Your Big Day Requires Collaboration

The father of the bride’s attire will largely be determined by the wedding dress code and what the bride and groom plan wearing. Typically, the father of the bride wears a suit or tuxedo that is similar to the groom and groomsmen. However, this doesn’t mean that your dad has to look exactly like all the men in the wedding party – your father can stand out by tweaking the tie color or wearing a different colored shirt.

If your dad wants to wear a different-colored suit, make sure that it complements the other suit colors that the groom and groomsmen are wearing and doesn’t clash with the bride’s attire. You should also coordinate with the groom’s dad and make sure they don’t match, and each dad has his own unique look – their looks can reflect their taste while blending in with the overall style of the wedding. Remember, don’t let your dad overdress or outshine the groom.

Express Personality with Accessories

Changing up the accessories is a fun way to incorporate your dad’s individuality and help him stand out among the other gentlemen. Choose small, personal items that add style without being overly flashy. For example, pocket squares, socks, a statement watch, shoes, a belt, cufflinks, a boutonniere, and ties in coordinating colors will help complete his ensemble while adding some extra flair. Keep it classic and simple, and don’t overdo it with statement pieces. It’s all about finding the right balance.

Buying in Bulk Isn’t Just For Groceries

Shopping for the perfect outfit is an important part of the wedding planning process, and one of the best ways to save money is by buying the father of the bride’s attire when buying the rest of the wedding party. Stores usually offer a discount option when you rent or purchase multiple suits for wedding party members, so it’s a good idea to include your dad’s suit in that order to be included in the discount.

Sending your father shopping with the groom and groomsmen is an excellent way to help him pick out his suits with some guidance and include him in the process without forcing him to pay the full price of the suit. It’s also an excellent bonding experience!

Consider the Weather & Location

When choosing what the father of the bride should wear, you need to consider the location and season of the wedding. Temperatures can vary drastically from season to season, so ensure his attire reflects this by choosing appropriate fabrics and colors based on how hot or cold it may be during your ceremony and reception.

For example, an outdoor wedding in the warmer months calls for linens or light-colored cotton suits and tuxedos, while a fall wedding usually leans toward darker-toned colors and more decadent fabrics like velvet and silk. Also, indoor events often have a dressed-up theme, so dark tuxedos and suits are best, while beach weddings usually range from casual to semi-formal, so a linen suit in a creamy off-white or beige is as safe a bet.

Wedding Planning Made Easy with Nearlywed

When choosing wedding attire for the bride’s father, you want him to feel comfortable yet stylish at your special event. Include him in the ordering process, and let him have fun with the accessories.

If you have a wedding coming up, you can count on Nearlywed to provide you with all the support and information you need to transform your dream celebration into the event of a lifetime! Contact us today to start planning or shop online for your wedding.