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What Should the Father of the Groom Wear?
What should the father of the groom wear?
The father of the groom should wear the same level of formality as the father of the bride and the wedding party, coordinated in advance so the two fathers differ in tone or detail rather than wearing near-identical suits.
Coordinate with the other father first
The single most useful conversation is between the two fathers. Agree the formality level and then differentiate slightly — one in charcoal and one in navy, or the same fabric family with different tie and pocket square treatments.
Follow the groom's lead
If the groom is in a tuxedo, both fathers should be in tuxedos. If the groom is in a light coastal suit, a black tuxedo will look wrong in every photograph. Formality flows down from the couple.
Fit is what people notice
Shoulder width, sleeve length and trouser break are what read in photographs from ten feet away — not the brand of the cloth. A made-to-measure suit at a moderate price, correctly fitted, outperforms an expensive off-the-rack garment every time.
Practical details
You will be standing, walking, hugging and dancing for eight hours or more. A slightly softer construction, a comfortable trouser rise and a breathable cloth make a long day considerably easier.