The Ultimate Guide to Father-of-the-Bride Suit Ideas & Attire

Dads: Of the many parent wedding responsibilities you'll have leading up to your child's big day, one of the most important ones is to show up looking like a million bucks. Luckily, there are plenty of father-of-the-bride suit options that are worthy of the role. But how do you even go about deciding on one? While there are reliable guidelines for how grooms and groomsmen should suit up for a ceremony, the world of father-of-the-bride (and father-of-the-groom) attire is a bit tougher to pin down. Broadly your job is to dress appropriately for the part, though what "appropriately" means varies from wedding to wedding.

Fear not though, dads. We've got you covered. Read on for everything you need to know about father-of-the-bride attire and etiquette, as well as to purchase a few of our favorite suits that will have you looking sharp when it comes time to walk down the aisle.

In this article:

• What Does the Father of the Bride Wear?
• What Color Suit and Accessories Does the Father of the Bride Wear?
• Father-of-the-Bride Suit Ideas for Any Wedding

Credit: Julia Kaptelova Photography

What Does the Father of the Bride Wear?

What you wear as the father of the bride is determined first and foremost by the dress code of the wedding. Want to clinch the proverbial Father of the Year Award early? Check in with the to-be-weds ahead of time and make sure you're all on the same page about what you should wear to the wedding. A talk like this can also be a great opportunity to see if there's anything special they want you to wear, whether it's something that color-coordinates with the father of the groom or a family heirloom with sentimental value to the bride.

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Father-of-the-Bride Attire by Dress Code

Let us help you take the guesswork out of finding your fit. Follow these helpful tips in order to put together the perfect father-of-the-bride outfit for any dress code:

Formal Wedding Attire for the Father of the Bride: For a formal dress code wedding, the father of the bride is going to be expected to wear a tuxedo, as will most of the other guests. There's still some room to make the look your own even under a slightly more rigid dress code, though. Personally, I'll always suggest that guests aim for a more distinguished air (that's you, Dad). To do this, go for a shawl-neck tuxedo. It'll have you looking every bit the elder (sorry!) statesman that you are.

Semi-Formal and Casual Wedding Attire for the Father of the Bride: Dads with permission to dress down (or at least a notch down from formal garb) should still make an effort to look their best and stand out from the rest of the guests. A nice, simple suit is always a good call, whether it's with proper suit attire for a semi-formal dress code wedding or dressed down with a camp-collar shirt in the summer or a sweater in the colder months. For a rustic farm or barn wedding it's always a good call to go with a dress shirt, suit vest, and matching trousers (but leaving the jacket at home, weather-permitting). And in either case, mixing suit separates is also a safe bet.

Beach Wedding Attire for the Father of the Bride: Wondering what to wear to a beach wedding? Well, if the event has a more formal dress code, a linen suit is always going to have you looking great and keeping cool. If the dress code is more laid back, this is where it's okay to leave the pants at home and instead go for a nice pair of dressy shorts. Pair them with a camp-collar shirt or a linen button-down and you'll be ready to escort the bride.

Credit: Janey Pakpahan Photography

What Color Suit and Accessories Does the Father of the Bride Wear?

The color of your father-of-the-bride suit and the accessories you pair with it will depend on the dress code of the wedding and the couple's preference. For instance, they may want your suit color to match the rest of the wedding party's attire. They might even have you match your tie to the event's color scheme. Be sure to check in with them before finalizing your outfit plans and refer to these FAQs for more helpful tips:

Do both of the bride's parents have to match?

A bit of synchronicity among the parents when dressing up never hurts (they're VIPs after all). For example, you could complement the mother of the bride's attire by matching your tie to the color of their outfit. However, there are no hard rules on coordinating between the parents unless the couple specifically requests it.

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. However, this is again an instance in which it will help to check in with the couple first. The sentiment of a bit of coordination between fathers may mean a lot to them, in which case it can be a nice touch to wear matching cufflinks or ties.

Does the father of the bride match the groomsmen or wedding party?

While the father of the bride does not traditionally wear matching outfits with the groomsmen, it's totally acceptable to do so. As we mentioned earlier, you should default to the couple when it comes to attire. They may want you to match with the rest of the wedding party since you'll likely all be posing for photo ops together. Alternatively, they might want you to flaunt your father-of-the-bride status with a suit that's unique to you.

Does the father of the bride have to wear a boutonniere?

Again, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to father-of-the-bride fashion. While boutonnieres are certainly not required of anyone in attendance at the wedding, couples will oftentimes choose to have the father of the bride sport one. Not only does it help differentiate them from other guests, but it's also a great way to tie into the wedding color scheme or theme.

Father-of-the-Bride Suit Ideas for Any Wedding

Now that you know what the father of the bride wears, it's time to get shopping for your look. Check out these editor-approved father-of-the-bride suits that both you and your daughter will love. Psst: Fathers of the groom, don't think we forgot about you. You can shop these looks too, or check out our designated father-of-the-groom attire guide.

The Black Tux Shawl Collar Tuxedo

Photo: The Black Tux

Dad, do you need a tux for the big day but don't necessarily plan on wearing one again after that? The Black Tux has you covered. You can rent this dapper shawl-neck tuxedo with all of the accessories you need (right down to the shoes!) for a fraction of the price you'd have to pay to buy it.

Spier & MacKay Black Suit

Photo: Spier & MacKay

It's not everyday that you get to call yourself the father of the bride, but there are certainly a number of other occasions where you'll find yourself reaching for this classic black suit. Featuring a 2-button jacket with notch lapels and flat-front trousers, it makes an excellent addition to any man's closet.

Grand Le Mar Blue Milano Suit

Photo: Grand Le Mar

Double-breasted suits may be all the rage in 2024 but for dads, they're totally trend-proof. You'll always look your part in one of these, and Grand Le Mar's Milano suit in a bright, eye-catching blue is the perfect choice for formal and cocktail attire weddings all year round.

Suitsupply Light Green Tailored Fit Havana Suit

Photo: Suitsupply

Heading to a wedding in the spring or summer? A layered suit might sound less-than-ideal for the occasion. Luckily, there are plenty of breathable linen suits that are perfect for fathers of the bride. This green option from Suitsupply, for instance, will keep you feeling cool (and looking even cooler).

Banana Republic Signature Hopsack Italian Suit in Navy Blue

Photo: Banana Republic

Banana Republic may very well be the best place to pick up a suit at your local shopping mall (though don't worry, there's plenty available online for dads who'd rather spend a Saturday afternoon elsewhere). Among the standouts of their collection is this lightweight hopsack suit, perfect for outdoor weddings or indoor ones with a semi-formal dress code.

Proper Cloth VBC Fresco Tuxedo

Photo: Proper Cloth

Can't decide on just one color for your suit? Well, as it turns out, you don't have to. Proper Cloth's sharp take on a peak lapel tuxedo comes in a rich shade of blue with black lapels and detailing. It's the perfect tux for a father-of-the-bride who's looking to stand out in a sea of black tuxes.

Anthony Sinclair Two-Piece Mid-Grey Glen Check Suit

Photo: Anthony Sinclair

Dads looking to channel their inner James Bond can go straight to the source with this stunner from Anthony Sinclair, one of the more storied tailors on London's Saville Row. It's got a subtle glen-check plaid and a great story for the reception when people are asking where you got it–Anthony Sinclair outfitted Sean Connery for his run as Bond and this particular suit can be seen in From Russia With Love.

Bonobos Jetsetter Wool Suit in Light Grey

Photo: Bonobos

Bonobos keeps their signature Jetsetter suit simple. It's perfectly proportioned with classic touches that ensure it'll never go out of style. It comes in a variety of standard colors but this light gray edition is perfect for fathers of the bride preparing to suit up for a spring or summer wedding. A fashion-forward suit like this one will have you looking every bit the cool dad we know you are.

Brooks Brothers Madison Fit Stretch Wool 1818 Suit

Photo: Brooks Brothers

Dads know as well as anyone that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. And the Brooks Brothers 1818 suit definitely ain't broke. Well over a hundred years after their first store opened they're still one of the go-to destinations for guys looking to dress up for a special occasion. Enter the 1818 suit, a classic cut in simple black available in a wide array of sizes.

Everlane The Linen Blazer and The Linen Trouser in Cornstalk Chambray

Photo: Everlane

If you're a dad attending a beach wedding with a casual dress code, you'll look great in this classic linen suit. It's lightweight, breathable and not to mention, stylish. Pair it with your favorite sunglasses and some woven sandals for the perfect beach wedding father-of-the-bride outfit.

Michael Kors Check Patterned Suit Jacket

Photo: DXL

Dads, we know just how hard it can be to find a suit that fits right and that's why we trust DXL. They have an extensive selection of stylish and size-inclusive looks, like this navy blue patterned ensemble from Michael Kors, which is available in sizes 44 through 56.

Egara Skinny Fit Suit Separates Jacket and Pants in Tan Solid

Photo: Men's Wearhouse

Who says beige has to be boring? Certainly not us. This sleek, skinny fit suit is a foolproof pick for any cocktail or semi-formal occasion. Pair it with a tie or pocket square that matches the wedding's color scheme for a polished look when posing for group pictures.

The Black Tux Black & Tartan Tuxedo

Photo: The Black Tux Black

Don't be afraid to stand out, Dad. This colorful plaid tux will have you ready to arrive in style to the next formal or cocktail dress code wedding on your calendar. It's available to rent–along with all the rest of your father-of-the-bride outfit essentials–for one convenient price.

Ralph Lauren Men's Polo Soft Seersucker Suit Jacket in Bright Blue and White

Photo: Macy's

You're not just a regular dad. You're a cool dad, and you deserve a look that proves it. Luckily, we found one that fits the bill. This stylish seersucker blazer is guaranteed to make a statement, whether you choose to wear it with matching pants and a pair of loafers, or even a pair of khaki-colored chinos and boat shoes.

Todd Snyder Brown Donegal Madison Suit Jacket

Photo: Todd Snyder

A semi-formal wedding in the fall or winter offers a chance to get creative and switch things up from your usual style. Instead of a classic suit, why not opt for seasonally-appropriate separates, like this wool coat (which would look incredible styled with a pair of plaid pants and some suede ankle boots, by the way)?

Additional market work by Sofia Deeb