The bride's father doesn't have to wear the exact same outfit as the groom, but his attire should coordinate in formality, style, and color to create a cohesive look, often matching the groom's suit or tuxedo but with subtle differences like a different tie or vest, and communication with the couple and the other father is key.
While the father of the bride doesn't typically wear the exact same suit as the groom, his attire should align with the overall wedding theme. He often wears a similar style, either in a classic cut or a traditional suit, with matching accessories.
Traditionally, the father of the bride duties focused on walking his daughter down the aisle, hosting the wedding reception, and providing financial support. He symbolically “gave away” the bride, often delivering a heartfelt toast at the wedding breakfast.
Although the father of the bride and the father of the groom should coordinate their outfits, they shouldn't necessarily match. Both fathers' should ensure their suits match the overall dress code of the wedding, but each should have their own slightly unique look.
A classic black tuxedo and bow tie with black patent leather shoes work best for a formal father of the bride attire, as tuxedos are more formal than suits. If the wedding party is also wearing tuxedos and bow ties, this is the one case where it's fine for dad to match.
The "5 suit rule" is a men's style guideline, popularized by Steve Harvey, suggesting that owning five essential suits—black, navy, gray, brown, and tan—allows you to create numerous outfits (often cited as 75+) by mixing and matching the jackets and pants with basic shirts (white, cream, powder blue) for maximum versatility. It's a strategy to build a foundational wardrobe with versatile pieces that can be combined to form many different looks.
The dress code for the father of the bride and the father of the groom is the same as the dress code for the guests - but elevated. For a formal or black tie wedding, he should wear a tuxedo and a black tie or bow tie. If the dress code is semi-formal, he should wear a nice suit and tie.
The Most Popular Colors for Father-of-the-Bride and -Groom Suits. While most fathers of the bride and groom will opt for black or navy suits or tuxedos, that doesn't mean there aren't alternative colors to consider for a wedding.
Keep With the Formality of the Wedding
If the groom is wearing a suit, then the fathers should wear one as well. If the fathers were to wear tuxedos while the groom is in a suit, then they will look fancier than the rest of the party, drawing attention away from the couple.
The “don't wear white” rule is so important that you should also avoid wearing any color that could be mistaken for white or ivory. Every version of beige, ecru, champagne, and similar hues is off-limits. Pastel colors can be a beautiful choice for a spring wedding.
The "30/5 minute rule" for weddings is a time-management strategy: expect things that usually take 5 minutes to take 30 on your wedding day (like getting dressed due to distractions), and plan for 30-minute buffers before major events, while conversely, anticipating guests might arrive 5 minutes late to key moments. This rule builds crucial flexibility into your schedule, preventing small delays from derailing the entire event and creating breathing room for spontaneous moments, ensuring a smoother, less stressful day.
Parents don't have to buy a wedding gift if they've already contributed financially to the wedding costs. If giving a gift, consider meaningful items like family heirlooms or experiences instead of just money. Coordinate with in-laws on gifts to ensure the couple gets something special without overspending.
A traditional father of the bride speech includes a few key elements such as welcoming the guests, anecdotes and compliments about your daughter, a welcome to your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law, words of advice and a toast to the new couple.
The bride and groom will dance first. This is the usual format. Then the parent dances with the couple - the father with the bride and the mother with the groom. The groom's father will then dance with the bride and the groom with the mother-in-law.
The father of the groom should help plan and host the rehearsal dinner and order his suit early. On the big day, it's important for him to greet guests and support the groom with confidence. Dancing with your child's partner and giving a heartfelt toast are highlights of the wedding reception.
Mother of the groom dresses should complement mother of the bride dresses, but not be entirely dictated by them.
Do both partners' fathers need to match? There is no tradition stating that the fathers of the bride and groom need to match their outfits or wear the same suit for the wedding.
According to traditional etiquette, the groom's family is responsible for paying for the bride's rings, the groom's and groomsmen's attire, the rehearsal dinner, gifts for the groomsmen, some personal flowers, the officiant's fee, the marriage license fee, certain aspects of transportation, and the honeymoon.
Normally your dad would walk on your left side. At the front you stand facing the officiant with the groom on your right, so he will stand to the right while you walk in, and when you and your father get to the front you will find yourself in the middle, with your father on the left and your husband on your right.
The Top Colors for Mothers of the Groom to Avoid
As with any wedding guest, it's best to avoid wearing white or any color that resembles the bride's wedding outfit. You may also want to steer clear of blush, beige, or other light neutral tones that may appear lighter on camera.
The groom's parents can also walk down the aisle together, followed by the groom as he walks alone.
10 Fun and Unique Ways to Honor Your Mother at Your Wedding
Historically, the father of the bride — and in some traditions, the groom — held a clear, formal role. From making financial contributions, to walking their daughter down the aisle, giving a heartfelt speech, and even hosting the reception, these duties symbolised love, support, and the beginning of a new chapter.
Traditionally, the groom's parents host and pay for the rehearsal dinner. I don't recommend a gift to the bride's parents if you are hosting the dinner, but a gift might be appreciated if the bride's parents are hosting (and paying for) the rehearsal dinner.
For grooms, consider pinning something meaningful — like his cufflinks or a small locket — inside your jacket or on your boutonnière. It's a quiet way to carry him with you all day. Include a moment of remembrance during the ceremony, perhaps with a short message from your officiant or a candle lighting in his honor.