The Great Wedding Tie Debate: Bow Tie, Necktie, or No Tie at All?
When planning a wedding, couples spend a lot of time thinking about flowers, venues, and seating charts. But one surprisingly important style decision often sneaks up on grooms and their crew: what kind of tie should everyone wear?
As wedding photographers at Korbman & Company, we’ve photographed hundreds of weddings, and trust us—tie choices can subtly change the entire look and feel of your wedding photos.
Let’s break down the classic options.
The Classic Necktie
The traditional necktie is by far the most common choice for weddings. It’s timeless, clean, and works with almost any suit or tuxedo.
For many weddings, the groom and groomsmen all wear matching ties to create a polished and coordinated look. It photographs beautifully and keeps everything looking sharp from the ceremony to the dance floor.
Bonus: it’s also the easiest option for groomsmen who may not be experts in formalwear.
The Bow Tie
Bow ties bring a little personality to the party.
They’re perfect for formal black-tie weddings, but they’re also popular for couples who want a slightly more stylish or playful look. A well-tied bow tie can make the groom stand out in photos and adds a touch of charm that works beautifully with tuxedos or tailored suits.
Just one warning: make sure someone in the group actually knows how to tie one.
The Groom Stands Out
A popular trend we see at many weddings is letting the groom wear something slightly different.
For example:
Groom in a bow tie, groomsmen in neckties
Groom in ivory or patterned tie, groomsmen in solid colors
Groom without a tie for a relaxed look
It’s a subtle way to help the groom stand out without screaming “Hey, look at me!”
And from a photographer’s perspective, it adds a nice visual layer to group portraits.
No Tie? No Problem.
For outdoor, beach, or more relaxed weddings, some couples skip ties altogether. Open collars paired with great suits can create a modern, laid-back style that still looks polished in photos.
Just make sure the overall look stays intentional—not like the guys simply forgot their ties at home.
The Final Thought
Whether it’s bow ties, neckties, or no ties at all, the most important thing is that the look fits the style of your wedding.
At Korbman & Company, we love capturing these personal style choices because they help tell the full story of the day—from the groom getting ready with his groomsmen to the celebration on the dance floor.
And if you're planning your wedding and want photography that captures every detail (yes, even the tie debate), we’d love to be part of your day.
