Bow Tie or Necktie: What's Actually Different
If you're planning a wedding, you've probably stood in front of a mirror wondering whether a necktie or a bow tie is the right call. Both are classic. Both photograph beautifully. But they serve slightly different purposes, and the right choice usually comes down to the mood you're going for and who else is standing beside you at the altar.
A necktie is versatile and familiar — it works in almost any setting, from the office to a black-tie gala. A bow tie is more deliberate. It's a smaller, more structured shape that sits neatly at the collar and doesn't shift or drape the way a long tie can, which is part of why it's become the go-to for wedding and formal wear.
When a Necktie Still Makes Sense
Neckties aren't going anywhere, and honestly, for some weddings they're still the better fit. A long, flowing tie can complement a very traditional black-tie affair, or a groom who simply feels more like himself in one. If your wedding party leans conservative or corporate in style, a well-chosen necktie is a safe, elegant option.
Why So Many Grooms Choose Bow Ties for Weddings
That said, bow ties have quietly become the wedding favorite for a few good reasons:
- They stay put. A necktie can twist, hang unevenly, or get in the way during a first dance. A bow tie holds its shape all day.
- They photograph cleaner. Because a bow tie sits compact at the collar, it reads sharp in every wedding photo, from the ceremony to the reception dance floor.
- They pair effortlessly with formalwear. Whether it's a classic black tuxedo or a lighter suit for an outdoor ceremony, a bow tie finishes the look without competing with it.
- They coordinate easily across a wedding party. Matching groomsmen in the same color is simple when you can shop by color and pick shades like navy, burgundy, or sage green to match the wedding palette.
And if you'd rather not fuss with tying a perfect knot before you walk down the aisle, every bow tie in our shop is handmade and pre-tied, with an adjustable neck strap and a secure hook closure — so it looks freshly knotted from the first look through the last dance, no last-minute practice required.
Ring Bearers Deserve the Same Polish
This is where bow ties really pull ahead of neckties: they scale down beautifully. A necktie on a small child can look oversized and a little awkward, but a bow tie sized correctly looks intentional and sweet. Our Little Gentleman collection is built specifically for that — kids sizes from 2 to 8 that mirror the adult styles, so your ring bearer looks like he belongs in the wedding party, not like he borrowed his dad's tie.
The Detail Guests Remember: Daddy & Me
If there's a father-son moment anywhere in your wedding — the groom and his own son, a proud dad walking his little boy down the aisle, or just a photo-worthy family moment — matching bow ties are the easiest way to make it memorable. Our Daddy & Me matching sets pair an adult bow tie with a coordinating kids bow tie in the same fabric, so father and son (or grandfather and grandson) match down to the stitch. Add a pocket square set for a slightly more finished look, or keep it simple with just the bow ties. Every set ships with a complimentary gift card, which makes it an easy gift for the groom, the father of the bride, or the ring bearer's dad.
Our Take
A necktie is a fine choice, and if that's the look you love, wear it with confidence. But for weddings — especially ones with kids in the wedding party or a father-son moment worth capturing — a bow tie tends to be the more forgiving, more photogenic, and more meaningful choice. It holds up through the whole day, it scales down to fit little ones, and it turns a simple accessory into a matching family keepsake.
Browse our full range of wedding bow ties, explore patterns or solid colors, and find the set that fits your day — every piece handmade, pre-tied, and ready to wear.