You’ve got the perfect wedding suit ordered, fitted and ready to wear, with accessories to match. It’s time to try it on and get those finishing touches just right.
It’s around this time that many grooms discover that they don’t know exactly how to tie a tie for a wedding suit, or which is the right knot to use.
It may seem like a small thing, but this kind of detail really matters on such a big occasion. The right knot, perfectly executed, can complement the collar and suit style and really elevate your look.
Why the Right Tie Matters for a Groom’s Wedding Suit
Before you even start thinking about knots and how to tie a tie, you need to choose one. The tie is more important than you might think, as it’s where the eye is drawn to. Normally, not a large consideration, but as the groom a lot of eyes will be looking at you as you walk down the aisle.
The perfect tie complements the overall aesthetic of your wedding suit, sets the tone for the event and coordinates effortlessly with the wedding colour palette. So, it’s important to choose carefully.
The Different Types of Wedding Ties (and How to Choose)
There are a few key choices you’ll need to make when selecting a wedding tie. These include:
- Material and texture – choose from silk, satin and wool blends, pairing a smooth tie with a formal suit and opting for a knitted one if it’s a casual setting
- Pattern and colour – opt for solid, block colours for a classic look, or bring in subtle patterns to add some personality. Just make sure to coordinate with the wedding colours, taking elements such as the bridesmaid’s dresses or bridal bouquet as your cues.
- Width and length – slim ties work best with modern and popular wedding suits, while wider ties are best for traditional or retro-inspired looks
Windsor Knot
Now, let’s move onto that all-important knot. The first popular choice is the classic Windsor Knot. It’s a full, triangular shaped knot that works best for spread-collar shirts and formal weddings. If you want to feel confident at a black-tie reception, this is probably the best knot to choose.
How To Tie A Windsor Knot
Here’s how to tie a Windsor Knot in a few simple steps:
- Drape the tie around your neck with the wide end on your right, longer than the narrow end.
- Cross the wide end over the narrow end to the left
- Bring the wide end up through the loop between your collar and the tie
- Pull the wide end down to the left
- Bring the wide end around the back of the narrow end to the right
- Pull it up again through the neck loop
- Bring it down through the front loop you created
- Adjust the knot by tightening gently and centre it, making a slight dimple below the knot.
With all of these knots, it’s best to stand in front of a mirror to tie your tie. You may also want to bring in a friend or family member to help.
You can also watch a video online, as there are plenty of step-by-step video guides out there – this can help you visualise the steps and know exactly what the end result should be.
It could even be a good idea to ask about ties and knots at your suit fitting, as your tailor will be able to recommend a good match for your suit and perhaps even show you how to tie it.
Half-Windsor Knot
The Half-Windsor Knot is another popular choice, especially for those put off by the bulkiness of the standard Windsor. It’s slightly smaller, sleeker and more versatile, working well with medium spread or standard collars.
How To Tie A Half-Windsor Knot
To tie a Half-Windsor Knot, follow these instructions:
- Place the tie around your neck with the wide end on your right
- Cross the wide end over the narrow end
- Bring the wide end up through the loop between your collar and the tie, then down to the left
- Wrap the wide end around the front over the narrow end from left to right
- Pull the wide end up through the neck loop
- Pass the wide end down through the front loop you created
- Tighten gently and shape a small dimple beneath the knot
Four-in-Hand Knot
Lastly, we have the Four-in-Hand Knot. This is arguably the most common knot used by grooms on their wedding day, as it’s narrow, slightly asymmetrical and works brilliantly with slim collars and modern wedding suits.
How To Tie A Four-In-Hand Knot
Here’s how to tie a Four-In-Hand Knot:
- Drape the tie around your neck with the wide end on your right
- Cross the wide end over the narrow end to the left
- Wrap the wide end behind the narrow end to the right
- Bring the wide end over the front to the left again
- Slide the wide end up through the neck loop
- Pass it down through the front loop
- Tighten and position the knot neatly, creating a slight dimple if desired.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Tying a Tie
To stop yourself getting flustered when trying to tie your tie on the big day, it’s useful to know about the mistakes to avoid:
- Make sure the tie is ironed first, as a crumpled or wrinkled tie will never look good – even if you tie it perfectly
- Not practising beforehand – this only leads to stress on your wedding day
- Getting the tie too long or too short – this can throw off your whole silhouette. Ideally, the tip of your tie should graze the top of your belt
