The important rules all dads should follow when picking their suit.  

While much thought is given to what the mother of a bride and groom should wear, what about the dads? What should the father of a bride or groom wear to the wedding? This is a big event in his life, so if ever there was a time for dad to plan an outfit, it’s now. 

As Perth’s leading suit hire service, Suit Vault has answered the time-honoured question: What does the father of the bride or groom wear to the wedding? 

Match the wedding’s formality 

It’s important to know the details of the big day. This includes the date, time, location, and formality. An evening wedding in a city ballroom is different from a beach event. Speak to the bride and groom about how formal they want their event to be. Is the wedding black-tie or super-casual? Having an open line of communication regarding wedding attire will ensure everyone is happy with the result. 

Ask about the colour scheme 

It is an important concept when it comes to choosing the right attire for the fathers of the wedding. Pre-determined colours will ensure that all the guests look uniform in photos and on the big day. Request that the father of the bride or groom enquire about the engaged couple’s colour preferences for their attire. You have many choices, including a black tuxedo or a more casual grey or blue suit. For a casual event, you might also consider khakis and a button down. To complement the colour scheme, the father of the bride might add some colour to his look by wearing socks or a tie. 

Here are some guidelines on wedding dress codes 

• Black tie – Wear a tuxedo for formal dinner outfit. 
• Semi-formal – A suit in a colour appropriate for the time of day. 
• Casual – These are usually for outdoor weddings or beach weddings. They have a more casual feel. You can wear dress pants, khakis and a collared shirt. While a tie or sport coat is acceptable, they aren’t essential. 
• Night-time weddings, winter – Common colours are black, navy and charcoal. 
• Daytime weddings or summer – The best colours for this occasion are beige, navy and brown. If you don’t want a black tie, a sport coat or tailored trousers with a tie would be a good choice. 
• Colour themes – Sometimes the bride/groom will declare a preference to a particular colour theme. Red and White are popular for Valentine’s Day weddings.

But remember you’re not a groomsmen 

At the very least, the father of the bride or groom should distinguish himself from the wedding party in a small way, by adding a vest or changing the tie colour. If the groomsmen are wearing black tuxedos with a bow tie in one of the wedding colours, the father of the bride or groom might choose to wear a tuxedo with a bow tie in a different wedding colour.  

Coordinate with the other dad, but don’t match 

All fathers and father figures, including stepfathers, should communicate with one another to coordinate their attire and make sure that they are not totally twinning. While it can be a little tricky making sure each dad has his own unique look, it is worth the extra effort. These can be subtle distinctions, such as one father wearing a light blue tie while the other wears a navy tie. 

Add some personality, but don’t go overboard 

The father of the bride or groom may have his own style, and there are plenty of ways to incorporate it into the wedding outfit. The father may not be allowed to wear his Hawaiian shirt at a black-tie event, but he could sport a fun pair of socks or pocket squares to inject some personality into his ensemble. Add colour and style to the look of the father of the bride or groom with accessories like pocket squares and socks. 

To rent or buy?  

It can be costly to purchase a new suit or tuxedo. The “to rent or buy” question is largely a matter of taste. The father of the bride or groom might be able to wear the suit or tuxedo that he has in his closet to the wedding if it’s in good and clean condition. The father could consider purchasing a new suit or tux if there are other occasions when he might be required to wear it, such as work events or social gatherings. If the father of the bride or groom is not a fan of wearing a suit or tie, renting might be the best option. As Perth’s leading suit hire option, Suit Vault can help you with renting or tailoring a new suit for your upcoming family wedding. Contact us today to discuss your options. 

Allow enough time to shop and make alterations 

It shouldn’t take too long to figure out what the father of the bride should wear on the big day. The best time to start shopping for a suit or tuxedo for dad is four months in advance. This gives you enough time to order, measure and alter the garments. He should pick up his ensemble a few days prior to the big day, regardless of whether he rents or purchases it. This allows him time to try it on and make sure it looks great. 

Consider your accessories 

You can leave accessories out of the dress code or include them in it. Sometimes, the bride and groom will have very specific ideas about what they want their parents to wear with photos in hand. In these cases, you can choose to follow the instructions. 

Accessories can add a personal touch to any outfit. But don’t overdo it! It is a good rule to keep things simple. There are many accessory options, depending on the venue and the colour scheme. Here are some to think about: 

• A boutonniere: is the floral decoration on the lapel of a suit jacket or tuxedo jacket. This is usually used when the flowers are being arranged for the wedding. However, it can also be used to match the bouquet of a bride. 
• Cummerbund: A wide waist sash, usually pleated, worn with a suit or tuxedo. 
• Pocket square: A handkerchief that you place in your jacket’s pocket. 
• Suit Vault is here to help. 
• Cufflinks: Any stylish pair of cufflinks, you desire to wear 
• Cravat: A neckband that was the forerunner to the modern necktie. This is a great choice for stylish fathers who want to wear it to a more casual daytime ceremony. 
• Vest: Choose a vest to match the colours of the bridal party. 
• Shoes: Pay attention to shoes! A stylish pair of shoes is essential. You can wear black with almost all suit colours. It’s safer to wear brown and brown together. Select the appropriate style for the occasion. For example, wear loafers and Oxfords with Derbys and Monks. 

Suit Vault is here to help 

Dads may feel overwhelmed by all their wedding-related responsibilities. If the father of the bride or groom feels overwhelmed, he should not be afraid to ask for assistance. Flexibility is important. While everyone wants Dad to look his best, it’s equally important that he feels confident and comfortable. If you are looking for a suit option for an upcoming wedding, contact Suit Vault today.