Ties to Match Wedding Dresses
Selecting a tie colour that complements the wedding dress is an important consideration for grooms and wedding parties. While the dress itself is most commonly white or ivory, the tie should be chosen with the wider wedding colour scheme in mind, as the two elements appear together throughout wedding photography.
Choosing Ties for White and Ivory Wedding Dresses
A white or ivory dress provides a neutral base, meaning tie colour selection is generally guided by the overall wedding colour scheme rather than the dress itself.
Ivory dresses carry a warm undertone and pair particularly well with warmer tie colours such as mocha, blush pink and sage green. White dresses carry a cooler undertone and typically suit blue and grey-based tie colours, including Aegean blue and light sage.
To determine which undertone your dress carries, hold the fabric against a plain white sheet of paper. A dress with a warmer, creamier appearance by comparison is ivory; a dress that appears the same shade as the paper is white.
Does Dress Fabric Affect Colour Matching?
Fabric type can influence how colours appear in photography. Satin and silk dresses reflect more light, which can make surrounding colours appear brighter or cooler than expected. Lace and tulle dresses tend to soften colours and add warmth due to their layered texture. This is a minor consideration but worth noting when choosing between closely related shades.
Coordinating Ties Without Bridesmaids
Where a wedding does not include bridesmaids, tie colour is typically selected to complement the venue and overall theme rather than the dress. Sage green and mocha suit rustic and countryside venues, Aegean blue suits coastal settings, and aubergine or charcoal suit formal evening weddings.
Should the Groom Wear a Different Tie to the Groomsmen?
Many grooms choose to wear a tie in a slightly different shade to the groomsmen, remaining within the same colour family while allowing the groom to stand out in wedding photography. Alternatively, some wedding parties choose for all ties to match exactly. Both approaches are widely used and considered appropriate.
Confirming Your Colour Match
As colours can display differently across screens and devices, we recommend ordering a fabric swatch before finalising your tie selection. This allows you to compare the exact fabric against your dress, suit or colour scheme in natural light prior to purchase. Swatches are available for £1.29 each with free UK postage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tie colour suits an ivory wedding dress?
Warmer tones such as mocha, blush pink and sage green typically complement ivory dresses well due to their warm undertone.
What tie colour suits a white wedding dress?
Cooler tones such as Aegean blue, light sage and dusty blue typically complement white dresses due to their cooler undertone.
How can I tell if my dress is ivory or white?
Hold the dress fabric against a plain white sheet of paper. A warmer, creamier appearance by comparison indicates ivory; an identical appearance to the paper indicates white.
Should the tie match the dress or the bridesmaid dresses?
As wedding dresses are most commonly white or ivory, ties are generally matched to the bridesmaid dresses or the wider wedding colour scheme rather than the dress itself. For guidance on matching bridesmaid dress colours specifically, please see our dedicated bridesmaid dress colour guide. Alternatively, browse our full tie collection.
How can I confirm the tie colour will match on the day?
We recommend ordering a fabric swatch and comparing it directly against the dress in natural daylight before placing a full order. For further guidance, please contact our team.
Browse our full range of wedding ties and pocket square sets, or contact us for assistance selecting the right colour for your wedding.