Does the Father of the Bride Wear the Same Color as the Wedding Party 15 Friendly Style Ideas
When you’re planning a wedding, figuring out what everyone should wear can get a little overwhelming. The father of the bride often wants to look special, but not like he’s trying too hard.
You might wonder if his look should match the wedding party or if he should do something a bit different.
The father of the bride usually wears a color that complements the wedding party’s attire, not matches it exactly. This helps him stand out just the right amount while still blending in with the whole vibe.
1) Father of the bride usually wears a suit in a neutral color like navy, black, or dark gray.
You’ll usually spot the father of the bride in a suit with a simple, neutral color. Navy, black, and dark gray are go-to picks—they’re classic, and let’s be honest, they just look sharp.
These colors help him stand out a bit, but he won’t clash with anyone else. They work for pretty much any wedding style, which is a relief.
If you’re curious about suit colors, there’s more info on what dads tend to wear.
2) He does not need to wear the exact same color as the wedding party
Matching the wedding party’s color exactly? Not necessary. The father of the bride can pick a different shade that goes with the theme but isn’t a copy.
Coordinating is good, but copying feels a bit much. Let his outfit feel special but still fit in. For more on this, check out this guide to father of the bride attire.
3) Coordinating colors subtly with the wedding party is a popular choice.
One easy trick is to add small touches of the wedding colors—maybe a tie or pocket square that picks up the bridesmaids’ dress shade.
This keeps things connected but not overly matching. It’s a nice way to say, “Hey, I’m part of the party,” while still being yourself.
If you want more subtle coordination, there are some great examples out there.
4) A slightly different shade of blue or gray works well for coordination
Try a blue or gray suit that’s close to, but not exactly, the wedding party’s color.
It’s a small difference, but it helps him stand out just a little. Photos look coordinated, but not like everyone’s in a uniform.
Pick a lighter or darker tone for some style. For more color choice tips, check out father of the bride attire advice.
5) Matching the father’s tie to the mother of the bride’s dress is a nice touch.
Matching the father’s tie to the mother of the bride’s dress? That’s a sweet detail.
It helps both parents look coordinated, but not like twins. Plus, it can work with the wedding colors if you want everything to flow.
6) The father can wear a tuxedo if it’s a black-tie wedding
If the wedding’s black-tie, a tuxedo is the way to go. It matches the event’s formality and looks sharp.
A tux lets him blend in with the wedding party if they’re all suited up. Plus, it shows he’s taking the big day seriously.
7) Avoid bright or funky tie patterns for formal weddings
For formal weddings, keep the tie simple. Bright colors or wild patterns just don’t fit the vibe.
Stick to solid colors or subtle designs. It looks clean and doesn’t pull the spotlight from the wedding party.
Choosing a tasteful tie shows respect for the day and keeps your look polished.
8) It’s common for the father’s attire to stand out but still complement the wedding’s color scheme
You want your dad to look special, right? But not like he’s at a different event.
His suit can be a slightly different shade or style, just as long as it fits the wedding colors. If groomsmen wear black tuxes, maybe your dad rocks charcoal gray or navy.
He stands out, but still looks part of the crew. Add a matching tie or boutonniere for a finishing touch.
9) Dads should match the formality level of the wedding party’s outfits.
He should fit in with the wedding party’s style. If it’s formal, he needs a suit or tux that matches that level.
For a laid-back beach wedding, lighter fabrics and a more relaxed look are perfect. Matching the formality keeps everyone looking good together.
10) Wearing a tie in a similar tone as bridesmaids’ dresses is often seen.
Try a tie in the same color family as the bridesmaids’ dresses. It’s a subtle nod to the wedding colors without being too much.
You’ll look connected to the event, but not like you borrowed a groomsman’s tie. It’s a nice middle ground—stylish, but not identical.
11) Fathers generally wear darker, sophisticated colors to maintain elegance.
Most dads pick darker shades like black, navy, or dark gray for their suits. These colors just feel elegant and fit most wedding vibes.
Darker colors let the father stand out without stealing the show. If you want more ideas, check what suits are common for the father of the bride.
12) The father’s suit rarely matches groomsmen’s suits exactly, but harmonizes visually.
You want the father of the bride to look good with the group, but not be a copy of the groomsmen. His suit should fit the color theme and style, but with his own twist.
Choosing a suit in the same color family keeps things smooth. Maybe he picks a different tie or jacket style for a bit of personality.
This way, he complements the groomsmen and keeps his special role clear.
13) Bow ties can be worn for a slightly different look while still matching colors.
A bow tie is a fun way to stand out, especially if it matches the wedding colors. It’s unique, but not over the top.
A patterned or textured bow tie adds a little personal touch. You get style points, but you’re still coordinated.
Bow ties are perfect if you want something different but not too wild.
14) A red bow tie can add a pop of color for formal black-tie weddings.
Want to stand out a bit at a black-tie wedding? Try a red bow tie.
It’s a bold pop of color, but not too much if you pick the right shade. Just make sure the red fits the overall wedding colors or at least doesn’t clash.
For more on wearing a red bow tie, check out red bow tie etiquette.
15) Accessories like pocket squares or boutonnieres can match the wedding colors.
You can use accessories to tie your look to the wedding colors without matching the entire wedding party. Pocket squares add a pop of color that fits the theme.
Boutonnieres are another subtle choice. You might pick one in the same color or style as the wedding flowers.
These little details help you stand out, but you’ll still fit in with the group. For ideas, check out how to choose boutonnieres and pocket squares.
