Father of the Bride/Groom Style

The fathers of the bride and groom are important members of the bridal party who will, of course, appear in all the family wedding photos. So what will they wear for your big day? The choices are generally between the traditional formal morning suit, complete with cravat and waistcoat (and even top hat and cane) or a more modern 2-piece suit.

Image courtesy of Heaton House Farm

Former disgraced US president, Bill Clinton, is soon to be father of the bride to daughter Chelsea in what’s likely to be a large lavish event. So is Bill the traditional type to go for a morning suit or is he more of a modern man? When it comes to father of the bride/groom style, it’s usually the bride who makes these decisions. If the bride and groom have decided that the bridal party should dress in traditional morning suit, complete with cravat and waistcoat then that’s generally what the groom, best man,ushers and fathers will wear.

If your daddy dearest feels uncomfortable in formal attire then it’s perfectly acceptable for him to wear a smart 2-piece suit with matching buttonhole instead. It has to be said though that it does look better when both fathers match, even if they don’t match the groom and best man.  There are several ways you can ensure the dads look part of the bridal party even if they’re not wearing matching formalwear to the groom and best man. Colour co-ordinating ties, waistcoats or even shoes will ensure all the men are co-ordinated as will matching buttonholes and cufflinks.

Find even more advice in our Groom pages!