As a wedding guest, you want to look stylish yet appropriate when attending a wedding. Choosing the right tie to go with a black suit can elevate your look while still keeping the focus on the bride and groom. Black suits are versatile and can be paired with ties in many different colors and patterns. The most important factors to consider are the formality of the wedding, the time of day, and your own personal style preferences. Typically, darker colored ties like navy, maroon, or forest green work best for daytime weddings, while lighter silver, blue, or pink ties can add flair for evening black tie weddings. Ultimately, the tie should complement your complexion and hair color. With some strategic planning, you can pick a tie that makes you look and feel your best as a wedding guest.
Guidelines for Choosing a Tie Color for a Black Suit
Here are some guidelines for selecting a tie to wear with a black suit as a wedding guest:
Consider the formality of the wedding
– Black tie optional or formal weddings allow for more playful ties like metallics or pinks
– Daytime or garden weddings call for more subtle tie colors like navy, burgundy, forest green
– Avoid light pastel ties like yellow or lavender for formal weddings
– Patterns like dots, stripes, or paisleys can add interest for less formal weddings
Think about the time of day
– Darker ties complement daytime black suit outfits
– Lighter silver, blue, pink, or purple ties work well for evening weddings
– Avoid light ties like tan, light pink, or yellow for daytime
– Save bright neon ties for evening celebrations
Consider your complexion and hair color
– Darker complexions pair well with brighter colored ties
– Light skin tones look great with darker burgundy, navy, forest green ties
– Redheads and those with warm complexions shine in green ties
– Cooler complexions are complemented by purple or blue ties
– Metallic ties add sheen for olive and darker skin tones
Stick to quality materials
– Silk ties drape best and have a luxurious sheen
– Wool, linen, and knitted ties provide texture
– Cotton ties are more casual and best for less formal weddings
Choose a width appropriate for your body type
– Skinnier ties suit slender frames
– Wider ties complement larger body types
Pair colors strategically
– Monochromatic combinations of black suit and tie appear classic and elegant
– Go for complementary colors like navy suit with a maroon tie
– Contrasting colors make a bold statement like light blue with dark green
– Limit patterns to avoid clashing colors and busy looks
Accessorize for unity
– Match metals for belt buckle, cufflinks, tie clip, etc.
– Leather shoes and belt in brown or black tone
Specific Tie Color Suggestions for a Black Suit Wedding Outfit
Here are some of the most stylish, sophisticated tie colors to wear with a black suit to a wedding:
Burgundy Tie
A burgundy or maroon tie paired with a black suit is a timeless, fail-safe option for a wedding. The deep red hue conveys elegance and works year-round from day to night weddings. Burgundy ties complement cool-toned complexions.
Navy Blue Tie
A navy blue tie is another versatile staple that looks sharp with a black suit. The nautical flair of a navy tie offers an alternative to basic black and adds some depth and interest. Navy works well for men with warm skin tones.
Forest Green Tie
For a unique twist, a forest green tie paired with a black suit makes a fashion-forward statement. Green ties stand out against a black suit while still maintaining a classic sensibility. Forest green ties enhance red hair and fair skin.
Light Grey Tie
A light grey tie keeps things interesting without going too bold. It serves as a neutral option that works for any season or skin tone. Light grey adds subtle brightness for a daytime event.
Silver Tie
Metallic silver ties shine for a formal evening wedding, especially when paired with a black suit. The sheen of a silver tie makes it eye-catching and celebratory for a special occasion like a wedding.
| Tie Color | Formality | Skin Tones | Wedding Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burgundy | Classic, formal | Cool undertones | Day or night |
| Navy | Neutral, versatile | Warm undertones | Daytime |
| Forest Green | Stylish, modern | Fair, red hair | Daytime |
| Light Grey | Subtle, bright | Any | Daytime |
| Silver | Formal, celebratory | Olive, darker | Evening |
Tie Fabrics, Patterns, and Textures to Consider
Beyond just color, the fabric, pattern, and texture of a tie also impacts its formality and how it complements a black suit.
Silk Ties
Silk ties are the gold standard for formal events like weddings. Silk has a luxurious sheen and drapes nicely on a suit. Opt for high-quality woven silk over cheaper silk blends.
Wool and Cashmere Ties
For wintertime weddings, wool and cashmere ties provide insulating warmth and texture. Wool ties pair nicely with tweed suits.
Cotton Ties
Cotton ties have a matte finish and relaxed vibe perfect for summer or destination beach weddings. Avoid shiny satin cotton ties.
Linen and Chambray Ties
Like cotton, linen and chambray ties provide breathable textures for warm weather or garden weddings.
Knit Ties
Knit silk or wool ties offer another tactile alternative to smooth silk. They nod to vintage style.
Dot and Printed Ties
Small dots or prints, like a navy ground with pink dots, inject whimsy and individual flair.
Striped Ties
Classic striped ties, like those in maroon, navy, or green, pair perfectly with pinstripe suits.
Paisley and Floral Ties
Subtle paisley or floral ties harmonize well with the wedding aesthetic. Avoid loud patterns.
| Tie Fabric | Texture | Formality |
|---|---|---|
| Silk | Smooth, shiny | Very formal |
| Wool | Nubby | Semi-formal |
| Cotton | Matte, textured | Casual |
| Linen | Rustic, casual | Informal |
| Knit | Soft, flexible | Smart casual |
Tie Width and Length Guidelines
In addition to material and color, the other key factors for selecting a tie are its width and length. Follow these tips:
Width
– Wider ties suit larger body frames
– Skinny ties work for slender builds
– Standard tie widths are 3-3.5 inches wide
– Avoid extremes like ultra skinny or fat ties
Length
– The tip of the tie should fall to the top of your belt buckle
– For a 6′ man, a 58″ long tie hits the right spot
– For shorter men, ties around 54-56″ are proportionate
– Tall men can pull off longer 60-62″ tie lengths
| Body Type | Recommended Tie Width |
|---|---|
| Slim | 2.5 – 3 inches |
| Athletic | 3 – 3.5 inches |
| Stocky | 3.5 – 4 inches |
A tie that is both the right width and the right length will perfectly frame and flatter you in your black suit for a wedding.
How to Tie a Tie
Once you’ve picked the perfect wedding tie to go with your black suit, make sure you know how to tie it properly. Here are some step-by-step instructions for tying a flawless Windsor, Half Windsor, or Four in Hand knot:
Full Windsor Steps
1. Drape wide end of tie below narrow end, crossing long part across chest left to right
2. Bring wide end over and behind the narrow end to the right
3. Bring wide end back across to the left side
4. Bring wide end up through the neck loop from underneath
5. Bring wide end down through the knot in front from left to right
6. Hold narrow end with one hand; slide knot up with other hand
7. Remove collar from underneath tie, tighten knot snugly
Half Windsor Steps
1. Drape wide end below narrow end angled down
2. Bring wide end over and across narrow end to the left
3. Bring wide end up through neck loop from underneath
4. Bring wide end down through knot in front from right to left
5. Tighten knot against collar by holding narrow end and sliding knot up
Four in Hand Steps
1. Drape tie around neck with wide end on right, longer part on left
2. Cross wide end over front of narrow end to the left
3. Bring wide end up and through neck loop from underneath
4. Bring wide end down through knot in front from left to right
5. Tighten knot snugly up against collar
With practice, you can learn to tie sharp, consistent knots. Looking up tutorials can help ingrain the muscle memory faster.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect tie to complement your black suit for a wedding largely comes down to choosing a color, pattern, and fabric that reflects the formality of the event and flatters your complexion. Satin silk ties in darker shades like navy, maroon, and forest green are foolproof options that convey elegance and style. For evening affairs, metallics like silver add eye-catching flair. The width and length of your tie should also create a proportional, tailored silhouette. With these strategies, you can pick a winning tie that conveys thoughtfulness about your wedding guest attire. Focusing on fit and quality ensures you look polished, put-together, and appropriate for celebrating with the bride and groom.