Since entering the field of Philadelphia wedding photography, I’ve read a lot of wedding blogs and magazines. I’ve noticed something: They’re all about the bride! That makes sense, since she usually does most of the planning. But there’s no reason to leave the guys out of the process entirely.
That’s why I decided to start a series of posts containing wedding tips for guys. I thought I’d kick things off with a post all about ties! Not everyone has to wear one to work in this day and age, which means that not everyone is familiar with how to buy one. Here are a few of the things you should consider when selecting what tie to wear on your wedding day.
Width
Your tie’s width should be proportionate to your frame. A three-inch-wide tie is perfect for most people. If your torso is broad, you may want a tie that’s a bit wider– three and 3/4 inches or so. If you’re very slender, you might be able to go down to two and 3/4 inches without looking like you’re wearing a skinny tie.
Most ties nowadays have a taper to them, but skinny and straight ties are back in style. Just make sure the knot isn’t significantly bigger or smaller than the space between your lapels.
Length
Regardless of the kind of knot you tie, the end of your tie should just reach your belt buckle. Most “regular” ties are either 57 or 58 inches long, but they do make ties for taller men that are 62 to 64 inches long. They make shorter styles as well, but most shorter guys just tie a larger knot to use up any extra length in the tie.
If your wedding will have a vintage theme, you might want a tie that is shorter than 57 inches. This look was on trend for part of the 40’s and again in the 70’s. If you’re going for this look, an inch or so above your belt buckle will achieve the style you want. Any shorter, and you’ll end up looking like Pinocchio!
Quality
The highest quality ties are made from silk, which lends a rich texture and a straight drape. If you’re buying a silk tie, you’ll want to check to see if the silk was cut “on the bias”, i.e. straight across the bolt of fabric. Drape the tie over your hand. It should hang straight down, not curl or twist to one side.
Handmade silk ties are the most expensive, but most ties get their weight from an interior lining made of wool or a wool blend. A quality tie will have a bar tack, which is a small horizontal stitch on the back of the tie. It’s often absent on mass-produced ties.
That’s it for now. I’ll be posting guys’ guides on other stuff from time to time, including a review of different knots and how to tie them. Check back soon!
