If the brides dress is white, can the groom wear ivory bow tie?

My bridal dress is white (not ivory) and i’m considering whether the groom should be wearing white or ivory bow tie. I’m afraid he would look washed out wearing white bow tie on top of white shirt or it would blend in too much.

Question Asked: 25/01/2018

Wedding Date: 9/08/2018

Most Helpful Response

Modus Operandi Sydney

(0) · Australia Wide

Posted: 11/03/2025

A white bridal gown and an ivory bow tie for the groom can work, but it depends on how much of a contrast there is between the two shades. Here’s what to consider:

Does Ivory Work with White?

  • Slight Contrast: If the ivory bow tie is only slightly warmer than the dress, it will add just enough definition without clashing.
  • Noticeable Contrast: If the ivory leans too yellow or creamy, it might stand out against the crisp white dress and shirt.

Alternatives to Consider:

  • White Bow Tie with a Subtle Texture – A slight pattern or textured fabric (like satin or jacquard) can help it stand out against the shirt.
  • Soft Grey or Champagne Bow Tie – These add a touch of contrast while keeping it formal and refined.
  • Black Bow Tie for Classic Elegance – If the wedding is black tie, a black bow tie is always a timeless, sophisticated choice.

Final Tip:

If possible, compare the bow tie next to your dress fabric in person to see how they look together under different lighting conditions.

If you’d like help choosing the perfect wedding accessories, feel free to reach out at hello@modusoperandisydney.com.au—we’d love to assist!

Answered by: 7 Experts

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Suited Up

(2) · Victoria Wide

Posted: 1/02/2018

You will find that if you have a colour palette which includes white and ivory, it is perfectly OK to wear an Ivory bow tie with a white dress.

An ivory bow tie will look great with a crisp white shirt. And if you have some ivory in your flower bouquet this will also help bring the look together. 

Brittons Formal Wear

(125) · PERTH

Posted: 30/01/2018

Dear Bride,

It is a matter of concept. If you want the matching look, opting for a patterned white tie can help lift it up off the shirt, and there are plenty of tie manufacturers who do self patterned (embossed style) ties.

Ivory as a colour, is introducing a new colour to the concept. I would suggest going to a colour in your flowers first before opting for the Ivory tone. Colour matching to his boutonierre (Button Hole Flower) could be an option for you as well.

Finally, using the Ivory tone, is not a problem as such, as mentioned before it's introducing a new colour because you are in White.

If you have any concerns, speak to you suit stylist for ideas. There will be somehing that you both like, and possibly haven't tried yet.

Regards

Matthew Allen

Brittons Formal Wear - Perth

Mens Suit Warehouse

(28) · Melbourne, Victoria

Posted: 29/01/2018

hi we at menssuitwarehouse have been been involved in dressing wedding parties for over 20 years we have seen some very out there ideas and also the traditional approach our opinion is very simple every wedding party is different we like to take the approach try and see and then you will decide yourself when you see it..

 

its your wedding we believe once you see it together you will know the difference so feel free to pop in and let one of our experienced consultant work through all the options and come to the right decision for you..

Thanks

Angelo

The Suit Concierge - Bespoke Tailors

(8) · Melbourne

Posted: 29/01/2018

I think a white shirt with an ivory bow tie(silk or satin finished)  would look great, and it wouldn't blend.

If you have further questions, feel free to get in touch with us!

InStitchu

(110) · Australia Wide

Posted: 29/01/2018

Hi there, 
The general rule of thumb is that the bride and groom wear the same shade of ivory/white for the dress and shirt. As for the bow-tie the groom will be able to wear an ivory shade with a white shirt, this will look great as the bow-tie will stand out against the shirt and not blend in too much! 

Ed Harry

(50) · National

Posted: 29/01/2018

Yes the groom can wear an ivory tie - we have a range in-store  that would suit!

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