When talking about wedding fashion, the big day is as much a chance for the groom to look his best as the bride. Picking out an outfit that is tailored to be flattering, looks like he’s made a real effort, and looks great in the photos with the clothing of the rest of the bridal party can help a man look and feel confident on his wedding day. However, just as the bride probably isn’t accustomed to spending all day in a big, expensive princess dress, the groom is unlikely to have had many occasions to wear anything more formal than a business suit, so choosing formal clothing and wearing it right can be a new challenge.
One of the things that can be most difficult to decide on and wear can be the accessories for the wedding suit. It is these accessories, like cufflinks, handkerchiefs, and of course the tie or cravat, that give the outfit colour and that fancy, wedding look, but they tend to be things most men hardly ever wear. So how do you choose whether to go for a tie or a cravat at the neck?
Why Choose a Tie?
A tie can be the easier choice, because most men wear ties from time to time or even every day for work, and so are comfortable in them and used to them. Knowing how to tie a tie in a smart, formal way like a Windsor knot is important, because your bride probably won’t be there to help you, but if you can pick this up or already know, it is easy to slip your tie on and look sharp for your wedding. Ties tend to be cheaper than cravats and more widely available, too. A tie can also be further accessorised with a tie pin, and of course, if you pick something versatile you can use it again in future – there are far more occasions where a classy silk tie can be worn normally than a cravat.
Why Choose a Cravat?
A cravat is a less commonly worn piece, so it will feel more like a special outfit for a once in a lifetime occasion. Wedding cravats are usually sold pre-tied, so you can slip it on without knowing how to tie one yourself. A cravat also adds a larger colour accent to your outfit than a tie, so if you have a bold wedding colour scheme it can allow you to incorporate more of those nice colours into what you wear. Because they are worn less often, cravats can also add an extra air of formality and specialness to the outfits of your groomsmen or best man.
Which to Choose
Both options can look great, but which you choose should really come down to how formal you want your look to be, the general dress code of the wedding, and whether or not you like the idea of wearing something you have never worn before.
Why not try both looks in the colour of your choice and see how you feel in them before deciding?
Photo courtesy of Shaun Taylor Photography.
