When tying the knot, stick your neck out by choosing one of these chic ties

Grooms looking to add their own style to their suit or tuxedo should look to their tie choice to personalize a wedding-day look.

Michelle Kohanzo, president of the Tie Bar, explains that matte fabrics like cotton, wool, grenadine or textured silks, such as shantung, in medium tones are ideal for daytime affairs. 

While a nighttime or more formal event calls for satin, silks in deeper, richer hues like black, navy blue, or hunter green. “Subtle patterns or grenadines work really well for added interest,” he said.

Wedding stylist Julie Sabatino, owner of the Stylish Bride, advised couples to not choose a tie that is too matchy-matchy with the bridesmaids’ dresses. “Take the colors the maids are wearing and mix and match ties if the guys are wearing a suit.”

Kohanzo noted that the current style for tie widths is a moderate one, which is 2.5 to 3 inches and will look good on all body types. 

Sabatino recommends choosing the same width for all the men in the wedding party. “Stay classic. Avoid going too wide or slim, which would date your photos,” she added.

In addition to classic bow ties and traditional ties, styles to choose from include western bolos, feathered bow ties and custom designs.  Here are a few options to consider for your upcoming big day.  

Hells Canyon Bolo Company crafts bolo ties from rare semi-precious gemstones sourced and made in Idaho and Oregon. “Our bolos are a combination of modern design and traditional roots, inspired by ancient Navajo antique southwestern design,” said owner Nick Bryant.  “They’re extremely versatile and can be worn with everything from a hemp suit to a black tuxedo.”

Sourced from all-natural, sustainable sourced real feathers, Brackish designs a wide array of bow ties in both solid shades and colorful patterns. “Our variety of handcrafted styles allows the wearer to express their personal style while honoring the occasion, whether it calls for classic or laid-back sophistication,” said co-founder and CEO Jeff Plotner. 

Both custom and made-to-order pieces are available. The Royal is made from blush goose feathers layered over transparent, off-white rooster feathers and a mix of green and brown pheasant feathers. The center wrap is made from a light grey linen material.

Grooms who want to show off more of their personality should consider a patterned tie.  “If the suit and shirt are neutral or solid, a floral tie adds just the right amount of visual interest. It’s all about balance — let the tie be the standout,” said Kohanzo. But always keep the wedding’s color palette in mind. “

A tie that echoes the wedding colors—whether through a complementary floral print or subtle accent — will feel cohesive without looking too on-the-nose,” she added. Here, soft shades of lavender in jacquard silk and cotton blend together with a delicate floral weave to create the Favorito floral lavender tie in a 3 inch width by the Tie Bar.

For a black-tie or formal wedding, a black bow tie with a tuxedo is the most classic look. Available in either satin or grosgrain, untied or pretied, it’s one of the few things that hasn’t changed significantly in over 200 years.

However, you can show a little personality with your choice.  “It could be anything from a small dot on black, your school stripe, or all the way up to a madras bow tie for a beach wedding,” said Michael Bastian, Brooks Brothers creative director.

Wedding fashion company Birdy Grey offers a collection of men’s accessories to coordinate perfectly with their vast dress collection. Grooms and groomsmen can wear a necktie or bow tie in the exact color match of the bridesmaids’ dresses, which is available in a rainbow of shades.

The company also sells suits, pocket squares and even socks to ensure everyone’s look is in sync.

“If the bridal party will be going for a mix and match look with alternating colors, the groomsmen can wear a lighter shade tie while the best man or groom can wear a darker shade in the same color family,” said Grace Lee Chen, founder and CCO of Birdy Grey.