Attire & Accessories Forum

Attire for Father of the Bride

Hi ladies! What is the proper attire for the father of the bride? The lady at our formalwear shop suggested that my father wear the same charcoal grey tuxedo as my fiance and the groomsmen, but with a different tie or vest. I have also seen the suggestion of him wearing a different boutonniere, which I like. Any input is appreciated! 

Re: Attire for Father of the Bride

  • Personally I don't really care that my dad "matches" the wedding party. As long as he is in a suit that doesn't totally clash with the colors (ie: hot pink tie when it's a winter wedding) that's fine by me! I also know my mother and am pretty sure she will put him in what SHE wants to there's that...

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  • He's a guest, not a member of the wedding party, so he can wear whatever he chooses. He's not required to match - the guy at the shop might say otherwise but he's trying to increase his sales.

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  • "Rules" will say he does wear the same tux the groom/GM wear. This was mainly true because he is seen as part of the wedding if he is escorting you, escorting your mom, or anything like that.

    With that said, I am with the others about letting them wear whatever they are most comfortable in. Our men are wearing charcoal gray, but both of our dads are wearing black.

    I understand how the salesmen can be. We have to go back this week and make some changes because the first time we let their input get to us.
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  • "Rules" will say he does wear the same tux the groom/GM wear. This was mainly true because he is seen as part of the wedding if he is escorting you, escorting your mom, or anything like that. With that said, I am with the others about letting them wear whatever they are most comfortable in. Our men are wearing charcoal gray, but both of our dads are wearing black. I understand how the salesmen can be. We have to go back this week and make some changes because the first time we let their input get to us.
    No, that is not true.  People who are part of the wedding are: BMs, GMs, Bride, Groom, Flower Girl, and Ring Bearer.

    OP, your Father is a guest at your wedding and he should wear whatever he wants just as the rest of the guests will wear whatever they want.

    It isn't surprising that the formal shop told you this because they just want to make another sale.

  • At almost every wedding I've been to the father has been dressed to the same "level" as the groomsmen, or in identical suit/tuxes. E.G. The groomsmen are wearing a suit, so does the father, the groomsmen are wearing tuxes, so does the father. The father doesn't wear a tux if the groomsmen are in suits. 

    I doubt this is required, but it does make pictures look nicer if you do alot of family photos. I know my dad has already asked my FI if the groomsmen are in tuxes or suits since he plans to match, but that's his call. As long as he didn't dress more formal than them, I'm happy. 
  • kbtaft said:

    Hi ladies! What is the proper attire for the father of the bride? The lady at our formalwear shop suggested that my father wear the same charcoal grey tuxedo as my fiance and the groomsmen, but with a different tie or vest. I have also seen the suggestion of him wearing a different boutonniere, which I like. Any input is appreciated! 

    In terms of actual attire, I agree with the other posters. 

    In regard to your other comments, I have seen that apply more to the groom than the FOB/FOG.  Often, it is the groom who wears a slightly different colored tie, vest, or wears a different boutonniere to stand out slightly from the rest of his groomsmen.
  • I was just basing my comment on what I have always read and seen. Most wedding books, websites, magazines, etc. will say that they match. 

    HOWEVER, I don't think it is a must and I was just trying to give both the reason why people commonly do it and a personal opinion that they don't have to :)
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  • I was just basing my comment on what I have always read and seen. Most wedding books, websites, magazines, etc. will say that they match. 

    HOWEVER, I don't think it is a must and I was just trying to give both the reason why people commonly do it and a personal opinion that they don't have to :)
    I know and I was just saying that those "rules" are wrong.

  • I was just basing my comment on what I have always read and seen. Most wedding books, websites, magazines, etc. will say that they match. 

    HOWEVER, I don't think it is a must and I was just trying to give both the reason why people commonly do it and a personal opinion that they don't have to :)
    I know and I was just saying that those "rules" are wrong.
    Thanks for clarifying then. Now I don't feel wrong for doing it that way too. 
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  • He's a guest - not a member of the wedding party. The MOG and MOB aren't wearing BM dresses, are they?

    He can wear whatever he wants. My groom wore a tux, my dad wore a suit he already had. I don't even remember what color shirt and tie. It's that much of a non-issue. Thankfully, this is one less thing for you to worry about. If your dad asks, just say "Whatever you want, I'm sure you'll look great!"

    PS, that sales person is trying to up their sales. Don't "buy" it.
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