Father of the Bride: Choosing a Tuxedo

The father of the bride should wear a black or midnight blue tuxedo in a comfortable cut, with restrained details, at a level of formality equal to or one notch below the groom. A father stands in a special place: the walk with his daughter to the altar is one of the most photographed moments of the whole day. His outfit should make him look composed and at ease, not compete for attention.

Walking his daughter to the altar

The walk from the flower arch to the stage is usually slow, under the eyes of the whole hall. At that moment people watch his face, his hand holding hers and his walk, so the jacket must let him move naturally. A few practical points:

• The jacket should not bind across the shoulders or underarms, since he will offer his arm and wave to guests.
• Trousers with a comfortable waistband that does not squeeze the stomach, so sitting and standing for long stretches stays easy.
• Shoes he already knows. Do not put him in a brand-new pair on such a significant day.
• A handkerchief in the pocket, because this is often when emotions rise.

When the bride wears a large gown with a long train, the father should walk a little slower still. The outfit should give him comfort rather than decoration.

Formal, but not outshining the groom

By custom the groom is the most formally and prominently dressed of the men. The fathers of the bride and groom commonly dress equal to him or slightly below. In practice, if the groom wears a tuxedo with satin peak lapels, the father may wear a simpler notch or shawl lapel, without a coloured cummerbund or an elaborate bow. His boutonniere is smaller than the groom's. Ask both families to agree on the formality level, as our note on coordinating both fathers suggests.

Colour matters too: avoid unusual shades or loud patterns. He is the father, the lead in one part of the ceremony, not of the entire day.

A comfortable cut for middle age

In the forties, fifties and beyond, the body changes: heavier shoulders, a rounder stomach, a slightly bowed posture. The right tuxedo is cut to the body but with room to breathe, not the tight line of a young man. Suggestions:

• A one- or two-button jacket, length covering the seat, a touch longer than a younger cut.
• A slightly higher trouser rise with forward pleats or a comfortable straight leg, so the stomach is not squeezed.
• A waistcoat or cummerbund of a good size, covering the waist transition; a dark waistcoat helps the torso look tidy.
• Natural shoulders with little padding and sleeves wide enough to raise an arm.
• A medium-weight worsted with good drape, not too stiff.

For more, read the tuxedo for the middle-aged figure, and tuxedos for gentlemen over sixty if the father is older.

Black or midnight blue

These two colours are safe and elegant. Black reads serious and shares a tone with the groomsmen; midnight blue is softer, good for a father who wants to ease black's rigidity. If the groom wears a lighter shade or burgundy, the father's black acts as a good backdrop. If the groom wears black, the father can choose midnight for a gentle difference. Two models to consider: the classic black peak-lapel tuxedo for the black route, and the night-navy tuxedo with a black waistcoat for the midnight route.

Keep accessories simple: a white shirt with a light stand or turndown collar, a hand-tied black bow or a black tie, a white pocket square, silver cufflinks and black leather shoes. If the bride has a main wedding colour, add a bow or pocket square in a matching shade.

Fit and timing

Many fathers rarely wear formalwear and are shy of fittings. Invite him early, keep the atmosphere relaxed and measure the stomach, shoulder and arm length with care. Making time depends on the model and the fitting schedule, and your consultant will confirm it when measuring, so the bride's family should order well before the wedding to leave room for adjustments. If he prefers not to commission one, see the rental option on our tuxedo rental page.

Suggestions from the Mon Amie workroom

We are glad to measure the father of the bride in a relaxed setting and coordinate his outfit with the groom's without competing for the lead. See styles on the wedding tuxedo page, then book a fitting at a showroom so father and groom can try theirs together.