HOW TO DRESS THE FATHERS OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM

Alright, fellas. When it comes to wedding attire, much of the focus falls on the bride and groom. It’s your day—we get it! But what about the OGs? The ones who’ve been there for you through it all? This one goes out to the dads. So, roll up your sleeves because we’re getting the fathers of the bride and groom suited up in style—The Modern Groom way.

1. UNDERSTAND THE DRESS CODE

First things first. Make sure the fathers get the lowdown on the dress code. Whether it’s a black-tie affair or a more laid-back vibe, knowing the level of formality sets the stage for the perfect ensemble.

2. COORDINATE WITH THE WEDDING THEME

Now, we’re not saying the dads have to match the bridesmaids’ dresses perfectly, but a little coordination goes a long way—especially if the father of the bride is planning on walking his daughter down the aisle following the rest of the wedding party. Think about tying in the wedding colors or theme. Maybe their ties are a slightly different shade from the groomsmen’s to signify that they’re the fathers. Coordinating their outfits with the wedding colors can create a cohesive look in photos, too (something every bride appreciates—take note!).

3. STICK TO THE CLASSICS

When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a classic suit or tuxedo. That’s standard for the father of the bride or groom. Depending on the venue and season, a classic charcoal grey, black, or navy suit will work for most months of the year. If it’s a summer wedding, consider dressing Dad in tan or light grey. If it’s a formal, black-tie affair (again, make sure everyone understands the assignment), the occasion calls for a timeless black tuxedo.

4. PAY ATTENTION TO FIT AND COMFORT

Say no to baggy suits. It’s Dad’s turn to look stylish and fitted, which means that old ‘90s suit can stay in the back of the closet for this one. We don’t know your dads personally, but we’d argue if they’re anything like Steve Martin’s character in Father of the Bride, they believe getting fitted for a suit is a waste of time.

That’s where The Modern Groom has your back (and legs, and torso, and chest).

Let your dad get fit from the comfort of his couch! He can send in his exact measurements virtually, where our stylists will then work their magic. No in-person appointment required—just measuring tape in one hand and a beer in the other. We want Dad to look and feel like a million bucks with minimal effort.

5. ACCESSORIZE

Once you’ve locked in the essentials—the season, theme, color of the suit, etc.—it’s time to break out the accessories. Throw in a snazzy tie, pocket square, or some cufflinks to let their personalities shine through. Our “Suit Up” package includes a suit, vest, shirt, tie, and pocket square. Just sayin’.

6. DON’T SKIP THE SHOES

If you want to go big (trust us—you do), dress these men in style from head to toe with “The Full Package.” It’s a step up from the previous package because, in addition, it includes a belt, socks, and shoes. This ensures complete uniformity across your bridal party. Speaking from experience, you don’t want to let your groomsmen and fathers go rogue when it comes to shoes. Once you get your wedding photos back, you’ll learn there are more shades of brown dress shoes than you thought possible. Take the stress away and coordinate their full looks.

7. PLAN AHEAD AND ALLOW AMPLE TIME FOR FITTINGS

This goes without saying, but plan, plan, and plan. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so your customized suit shouldn’t be either. While we make sure every suit is properly sized and fitted, we’re a company run by human beings. If there’s a mistake, we promise to fix it, but that’s where ample time is nice. Let’s not risk waiting until the last minute.

Use our chart to see how many months ahead you should plan out and to avoid the “OH S#%! ZONE” (1.5-3 months ‘til the wedding). Do you still have that notepad out?

8. SUIT UP WITH THE MODERN GROOM

Okay, gents. There you have it—the ultimate guide to dressing the fathers of the bride and groom. We want to make their jobs as easy as possible, especially since they have to endure shaking a lot of hands and preparing toasts for the big day. Let our team suit them up in style and with ease. Remember, this is a big day for them too as they give their son or daughter away. But the day will go a little smoother if they look, and feel, just as good as the bride and groom.

Book your complimentary 1-1 consult!