Groom’s Accessories: What Should You Wear?

The Necktie

A necktie is part of most groom’s wedding day looks — and since they come in a myriad of colors and patterns, you won’t have a hard time finding one to match your theme.

Here are some tips:

• Wear a necktie with any suit, but NOT a tuxedo
• The width of the tie should be roughly the same as the suit’s lapel
• Silk is the fabric of choice, but if you want a casual look, go for linen
• Mixing and matching patterns is okay, but don’t overdo it; a patterned tie with a patterned suit or shirt is fine, but not all three
• A double or single Windsor knot is best for a wedding

The Bow Tie

Another classic option is the bow tie, which is suitable to wear with tuxedos or a smart suit. Like neckties, bow ties come in a range of patterns and colors.

Here are some tips:

• Black bow ties should always be silk, while white bow ties look better in cotton
• Pre-tied options are more common and far easier to wear 
• If you go for a self-tie model, practice tying it before the wedding
• The butterfly bow tie style is the most common option
• The jumbo butterfly is larger and more formal and best for taller grooms
• The batwing and rounded club tie are better for casual looks
• The diamond point tie has flair and is a bit more showy

The Bolo Tie

The bolo tie features a thin cord with a decorative clasp. It’s a very on-trend accessory right now, but it’s not suitable for all weddings, especially formal affairs. However, if your dress code is Western, it’ll look right at home.

Here are some tips:

• Wear it with a suit, not a tuxedo
• For a more formal look, wear the bolo tie with your shirt buttoned all the way up
• The neck cord should tuck under the collar, and the clasp should sit in the center; the tips of the cord should end at chest level
• Match the size of the clasp with your collar size — large with large, small with small
• Match the color of the clasp and tips with your shoes or jewelry

The Cravat

The cravat is one of the most traditional forms of groom wear and is a more flamboyant alternative to the classic necktie.

Here are some tips:

• Cravats look great with tuxedos or smart suits
• The cravat makes you appear broader, so it’s best suited to tall or slim men
• For a more casual style, wear the cravat inside the shirt collar
• Cravats look ultra-elegant when teamed with a waistcoat
• Most cravats are silk 
• Tying a cravat can be tricky, so practice before the wedding date

The Cummerbund

The cummerbund is a formal dress accessory widely worn at black tie events. It’s a wide strip of fabric tied around the waist to cover up the bunches and ruches often created when you tuck your shirt into your suit pants.

Here are some tips:

• Wear a cummerbund with a tuxedo and bowtie only, as it’s the height of formal attire 
• Match the cummerbund color or pattern to your bow tie
• The fabric type should match your tuxedo lapels
• Wear pleated cummerbunds with pleats facing upwards
• Wear the cummerbund at your natural waistline, AKA half on your pants’ waistband and half on your shirt
• Don’t wear a belt with a cummerbund

The Pocket Square

A pocket square adds flair to your outfit, and it’s an essential when it comes to groom suit accessories. Pocket squares come in many colors and patterns. While they don’t have to match your tie, they should complement it.

Here are some tips:

• For ease, choose a tie that comes with a matching pocket square
• Match patterned suits with plain pocket squares and vice versa
• Choose a silk, linen, or silk and wool blend pocket square
• Silk pocket squares must be at least 16” x 16” in size
• Wear the classic fold with a suit and the presidential fold with a tuxedo
• If you’re feeling flamboyant, try a fancier fold

The Shoes

Unless you’re getting married on a beach, you need shoes to go with the formal dress code. Groom shoes should be as comfortable as they are stylish.

Here are some tips:

• Black suits or tuxedos look best with black dress shoes
• Gray suits pair well with black or brown shoes
• Blue suits look best with dark or light brown shoes
• Leather is the most practical choice
• For formal weddings, choose lace-ups; slip-ons work for casual occasions

The Belt

Belts serve a dual purpose; they’re super stylish and stop your pants from falling down! But should you wear one? It depends.

Here are some tips:

• Never wear a belt with a tuxedo or very traditional attire
• If your suit pants feature belt loops, you need to wear a belt
• If there are no belt loops on your pants, don’t wear a belt
• Belts must match your shoes in material and color
• The perfectly-sized belt will have around two to three inches of length left when buckled 
• If your pants are too loose, but there are no belt loops, wear suspenders

The Tie Bar

The tie bar or tie clip is an elegant strip of metal that keeps a necktie tidy. The tie bar fastens the front and back lengths of the tie onto the shirt, stopping it from swinging.

Here are some tips:

• Choose a tie bar that matches the color of your wedding ring
• Position the tie clip to sit halfway between your tie knot and your jacket’s first button 
• Keep the tie bar straight
• The tie clip must not be wider than the tie itself

The Cufflinks

Cufflinks come in many interesting designs, so you can choose something that fits your taste or aligns with your hobbies or passions. Matching cufflinks are also often given as gifts to the wedding party, and they make for cool wedding photos when displayed.

Here are some tips:

• Cufflinks only work with a French cuff shirt that has no cuff buttons
• If choosing metal cufflinks, match the color to your wedding band

Groom Accessories List FAQs

What Accessories Should a Groom Have?

The groom should choose accessories that fit the wedding outfit, including a bow tie or necktie, cufflinks, a tie bar, shoes, and a pocket square.

What Jewelry Should a Groom Wear?

Popular jewelry items that a groom might consider wearing include cufflinks, a watch, and the wedding band. A groom may also choose to wear other jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet if it fits the rest of the wedding suit attire.

What Does a Groom Need to Buy for a Wedding?

The groom is generally required to buy their attire and the groomsmen’s wedding attire and groom and groomsmen accessories. The groom should also purchase gifts for the wedding party, including their partner.

What Color Do Grooms Traditionally Wear?

Grooms wear many colors, but the most popular options are black, gray, and navy blue.

Does the Groom Buy Their Ring?

Many modern couples like to shop for and purchase wedding rings together, especially if they plan to buy a matching set.

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