Best Father of the Bride Suits for the Wedding Day
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In honour of Father’s Day, we’re here to lend a helping hand to all the dads out there with the Father of the Bride suit ideas you’ve been looking for. While womenswear often takes precedence over menswear in bridal fashion, a wedding day is a significant moment for all family members. Ensuring Dad looks and feels his best, in a way that's on theme, is just as important as any other category of wedding guest fashion.
We often see a lot of discussion around mother-of-the-bride outfit ideas, but dads are often a little neglected on the fashion front. That’s why we’re focusing on the fathers who need something stylish to wear for their child's big day.
As a general rule, the Father of the Bride or Groom’s outfit should complement the rest of the wedding party, generally aligning with what the groom and groomsmen are wearing. This doesn’t mean they all need to don the same suit, but a bit of unity tends to create a cohesive look.
So, to give a little extra attention to the dads this wedding season, we’re providing the inspiration and fashion tips they need when selecting a Father of the Bride or Groom suit or tuxedo. Let's make sure all the dads out there look dapper and feel confident on this special occasion.
What Suit Should the Father of the Bride Wear?
Choosing the right suit for the Father of the Bride or Groom is key to ensuring the wedding day is perfect for everyone involved. While Dad may never have been big on fashion, a wedding day is a special occasion, and it's a must to get it right.
But most importantly, the Father of the Bride or Groom should feel comfortable and confident in his outfit. Incorporate his personal style into the suit selection, whether that means a traditional three-piece suit, a modern slim-fit suit, or something with a bit of flair, like a patterned tie or pocket square. Accessories can help to add a touch of personality to your Father of the Bride outfit - think stylish tie, pocket square and cufflinks that match the wedding colours. A well-polished pair of shoes is also essential.
What Colour Suit Should the Father of the Bride Wear?
There's no such thing as should when it comes to choosing the perfect Father of the Bride wedding suit. But in a general sense, the Father's suit should complement the overall wedding theme and colour scheme. If the wedding has a formal black-tie theme, a classic tuxedo is a must. For a more relaxed, rustic wedding, opt for a tailored suit in lighter colours.
Don't forget to consider the season and wedding venue for more clues on what to wear. Lighter fabrics and colours work well for summer weddings, while heavier materials and darker hues are ideal for winter. For outdoor weddings, linen or lightweight wool are the go-to choices.
Should the Father of the Bride Match the Groomsmen?
While the Father of the Bride doesn’t need to match the groom and groomsmen exactly, his outfit should harmonise with theirs. The key is to coordinate rather than match exactly. If the groomsmen are wearing navy suits, the Father of the Bride can opt for a suit in a complementary colour such as charcoal, grey, or even a different shade of blue - perfect for standing out as a significant figure while blending seamlessly with the overall colour scheme.
Beyond colour, pay attention to the style and fabric of the suits. If the groomsmen are wearing modern slim-fit suits, the Father of the Bride should choose a suit with a similar cut to maintain a uniform appearance. Similarly, if the wedding has a specific fabric theme, such as wool or linen, wearing the same material will help to enhance the aesthetic harmony within the wedding party.
The formality level of the Father of the Bride’s attire should also match that of the groom and groomsmen. If the wedding party is dressed in black tie, the Father of the Bride or Groom should also wear a tuxedo.
10 Best Father of the Bride Wedding Suit Ideas
The Rock My Wedding Editors have compiled the 10 best father-of-the-bride suits to give you the inspiration you need for the big day. From classic black father-of-the-bride suits and other popular tones, such as grey and blue, in various materials and styles - like suits for summer - we've thought of it all so you don't have to!
Father of the bride black suits
You can’t go wrong with a classic black tuxedo or wedding suit as the bride's father. Become the image of sleekness and sophistication with these father-of-the-bride suit ideas available at Wallis and Debenhams. Whether the wedding is black-tie, relatively formal, or you simply like the staple aesthetic of a black tuxedo - we’re sure these options will be 100% bride-approved. If you want to add a pop of colour, your choices are endless with a black suit! Opt for some colour with your bowtie, tie or pocket square for a winning look. And for extra brownie points, why not coordinate your accessory colour with the mother of the bride?
Father of the Bride grey suits
If black wedding suits are a bit too “been there done that” for you, but you still want something sleek and classic - consider a grey suit for your father-of-the-bride outfit. While it’s a bit of a reach to plant grey suits in the coloured suit category, they offer a fresh take on traditional wedding menswear. You simply can’t beat a grey suit with a crisp white shirt, like this option at Charles Tyrwhitt, or why not consider some print & patterns while exploring new shades? A check style is timeless for all fathers of the bride-to-be!
Father of the Bride Blue Suits
So, while grey is a long way off some colour, blue is where the dads out there can get creative in a way that still works for many wedding dress codes! Although blue doesn’t have the same effect as a pink or red wedding suit, blue is a great gateway colour for the beginning of your journey exploring brighter hues. Of course, blue father-of-the-bride suits come in all shapes and sizes, and a pastel sky tone is almost an entirely different vibe to a royal blue or navy suit - so it’s always best to check any dress codes to narrow down the tone that will work for you. Head to Suit Direct or Ted Baker for these elevated options to impress your daughter on her big day. Blue suits are popular wedding attire, as the groom, groomsmen, and wedding guests often reach for this style, and team Rock My Wedding is definitely on board!
Father of the Bride Navy Suits
Yes, navy is still in the category of blue father-of-the-bride suits, but it’s worth its spot at the centre, too! As we mentioned, blue is a versatile colour, and navy suits offer a different energy entirely - sitting closer to the sleek and sophistication attributed to a black suit but in a more fun and contemporary hue - navy suits are a big yes from us! If you don’t know where to start on your hunt for the best navy suits for fathers of the bride, we’re big fans of these stylish suits from Moss Bros and Hawes & Curtis.
Father of the Bride suits for summer weddings
If the wedding day you’re attending has a summer date, you’ll definitely want to avoid things like 3-piece suits and wool materials. There’s nothing like a professional photographer capturing you flushed and rosy on the big day. You can find top-quality linen suits on the high street, but these styles from Charles Tyrwhitt and Hawes & Curtis have caught our eye. Linen suits are perfect for outdoor and beach wedding vibes with a slightly less formal dress code, but if casual is on the cards, you could even opt for a loose and stylish linen shirt and trousers - no jacket needed! During the summer, lighter colours are a must - beige and natural tones are popular for summer wedding suits. Better yet, why not experiment with some mix and matching with colour, too? Suit jackets and trousers don’t necessarily have to be in the same shade or colour entirely!
Father of the Bride Suit Sorted? Don't forget about the Mother of the Bride or Groom, too!
So, as we've discovered, coordination goes a long way when selecting the perfect Father of the Bride suit for the big day. Not only should you consider what the groom and groomsmen are wearing, but any wedding themes and dress codes - don't forget about your other half! Paying extra attention to what the mother-of-the-bride is wearing is a surefire way to score some extra points. Tastefully match your outfits through a colour scheme or accessories for a Father of the Bride outfit done right!
