What's the protocol for father of bride and father of groom in terms of outfits/dress code?

Question Asked: 30/08/2017

Wedding Date: 9/08/2018

Most Helpful Response

(0) · Australia Wide

Posted: 11/03/2025

The father of the bride and father of the groom traditionally follow the wedding's dress code, ensuring they look polished while complementing the overall style of the wedding party. Here’s what to consider:

1. Match the Wedding Formality

If the wedding is black tie, they should wear a tuxedo like the groom.
For a formal wedding, a dark suit (black, navy, or charcoal) with a tie or bow tie is ideal.
At semi-formal or casual weddings, a lighter suit or blazer with dress pants works well.

2. Coordinate with the Groom’s Look

They don’t need to wear the same suit as the groom but should be in a similar colour tone or complementary style.
If the groom is in navy, the fathers could wear navy or charcoal to coordinate.
A matching tie, pocket square, or boutonnière can subtly connect their look to the wedding party.

3. Should They Match Each Other?

They don’t have to, but it can look great in photos if both fathers wear similar suits in different shades or coordinating accessories.
If one father prefers a vest or a different tie style, that’s a subtle way to differentiate their looks while staying cohesive.

4. Comfort and Personal Style Matter

Consider the season and venue when selecting fabrics (lighter fabrics for summer, wool blends for winter).
If the wedding is more relaxed, they might opt for a blazer and trousers instead of a full suit.

Final Thought

The goal is for both fathers to look sharp, coordinated, and comfortable while allowing the groom to stand out. If you’d like help selecting the right suits, reach out at hello@modusoperandisydney.com.au—we’d love to assist!

Answered by: 3 Experts

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Your Suit Connection

(2) · Sydney

Posted: 21/11/2017

I could spend time telling you all about different suits and outfits that they could wear but in a nutshell, the Father of the Bride and Groom should be dressed as formal as the wedding party.

Once the formality has been decided upon, the dads can then figure out what they should wear - a Tuxedo, Lounge suit or something even more relaxed.

A nice touch is for their accessories to compliment their partner or in the case of the FOB - the bride.

Just For Him offers styling sessions for Dads as well as the Groom and Groomsmen.

For further information, feel free to call us on 9630 6000.

Brittons Formal Wear

(125) · PERTH

Posted: 31/08/2017

Father of the Bride (FOB) and Father of the Groom (FOG) have several options in regards to dress standard.

For FOB, he has the hard task of matching the bride (if he is giving her away) and his wife (if she is in attendance). But depending on circumstances of each couple, FOG will generally dress to match the function he performs.

For FOG, his role is traditionally more relaxed, as he performs no function at the wedding.

With this in mind, generally speaking, dressing FOG and FOB to match, in Dinner Suits with bowties, is quite classic, and unassuming. It allows FOG to match both bride and partner without clashing with colours, or without confusion as the Groom. There are other options with regard to Fashion, and also different circumstances, but this option is by far the safest. A good stylist, will generally take into account, the outfits of the bridal party before offering a suggestion, but your individual circumstances are important as well.

I hope this helps

Matthew at Britton's Formal Wear

PERTH WA 6000

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