Groom Tie or Bowtie: Choosing the Perfect Accessory for Your Wedding
Jul, 20 2025
Two men standing at the altar—one in a sharply knotted tie and another with a neatly folded bowtie. Does a tiny piece of fabric really set the tone for such a big day? Absolutely. Debates over what accessory the groom should wear can get surprisingly passionate, so let’s unpack why this little choice matters so much. Even the most stylish grooms in Melbourne have argued about whether they’d feel more themselves in a modern tie or a classic bowtie. It’s not just about looks—this decision says something about personality, tradition, and the vibe of the whole wedding.
The Origins and Traditions Behind Ties and Bowties
If you trace back through wedding albums from the past century, you’ll quickly notice a pattern: neckwear shapes the era. Think about the bowtie. It came into style in the 17th century, right after Croatian mercenaries introduced the ‘cravat’ to French high society. This simple knot evolved, and by the 19th century, the bowtie was a symbol of refinement. Aristocrats loved it. Seen any old James Bond movies? Bowties ooze suave confidence. So for formal black-tie weddings, bowties are naturally at home.
Ties, on the other hand, became the daily men’s staple by the early 20th century. Back then, ties meant business—literally. They came in all patterns and widths but always pointed downward. By the 1950s, grooms often wore slick, skinny ties to match their Mad Men-style tuxedos. These days, ties are everywhere, from rustic barn weddings to city hotel ceremonies. Even the royal family—yes, we’re talking Prince William’s wedding—sometimes choose ties over bowties.
Melbourne, always one to mix classic and trendy, often plays with both traditions. There’s something about an old-world bowtie at a Victorian building wedding, but go to any Fitzroy rooftop celebration, and you’ll spot patterned ties in bold colours. Many families have traditions, too—some pass down a vintage silk tie as a good luck charm or insist on wearing a particular tartan bowtie to represent heritage. The takeaway? Whichever you choose, you’re nodding to a deep-rooted history.
Does the Venue Make the Choice?
The location of your wedding can whisper—and sometimes shout—what you should put around your neck. Let’s say you’re booking the grand ballroom at the National Gallery of Victoria. Here, a bowtie just feels right, especially with a tuxedo or a velvet dinner jacket. High ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and black-tie invitations almost beg for that sharp, symmetrical shape under your chin.
Flip the scene to a boho-chic beach wedding on the Mornington Peninsula. Sand between your toes doesn’t exactly scream black-tie. This setting calls for a more relaxed look. A woven linen tie, loosely knotted and maybe in a soft pastel, feels breezy and comfortable. Bowties can feel out of place if your vibe is barefoot and windswept.
Then, there are those quirky spots unique to Melbourne—think an urban brewery or a street art-filled laneway. It’s here that grooms get bold. Patterned ties, novelty bowties, and even colourful accessories pop up. The venue’s personality gives you a license to play, especially if you want to surprise your guests or stand out in those post-ceremony photos.
Here’s a tip: Consider your setting as the backdrop for your outfit. Classic space? Go bowtie. Casual outdoors? Lean tie. If your wedding falls somewhere in between—a garden with vintage rugs, or a retro theatre—both options work. Just pick what feels true to you and matches the space. Planning a wedding with a strict dress code? Check the invite! If it says ‘black tie’, the answer is kind of sorted for you.
What About Comfort and Personality?
You could wear the world’s most expensive suit, but if your neckwear feels like a noose, you’re not going to enjoy a single minute of the day. That’s where personal comfort steps in. Let’s get honest—bowties aren’t for everyone. If your neck’s on the larger side or you’ve never quite gotten the hang of tying a bowtie, you might spend the ceremony fidgeting. Plus, some guys just don’t feel themselves unless there’s a classic tie draping down the front of their shirt. Ties are easy to adjust if things get too snug under the collar.
Still, if you’re a confident dresser or want to inject a bit of flair (or even quirk), a bowtie can be the perfect conversation starter. People tend to remember unique touches, especially if you pick an unusual fabric—think hand-sewn Liberty print or even a wooden bowtie (yes, that’s a thing in Australia right now).
Melbourne’s wedding stylists often say: match your accessory to your personality. Are you outgoing and keen to make a statement? A bold-patterned tie or bowtie can work wonders. Prefer keeping things understated? A classic navy or black silk tie feels timeless and safe. Your wedding day isn’t the time to try a whole new persona—just turn up the best parts of your real self.
And don’t ignore logistics. If you’re having multiple outfit changes or spending time outdoors, ties are generally less fussy because they’re less likely to shift or twist in the wind. But, on the flip side, bowties don’t dangle into the cake or fly in your face while dancing. Here’s a quirky fact: According to a 2024 Melbourne survey, about 40% of grooms regretted their wedding day accessory choice because it “felt wrong” with the suit or theme. Try everything on together—jacket, shirt, and neckwear—before the big day, so there are no surprises.
Take a moment to look in the mirror and ask yourself: ‘Do I look like me?’ The most memorable weddings are always the ones where the groom radiates that comfort and confidence, tie or bowtie aside.
Trends, Tips, and What the Data Says
You’d think tradition rules weddings, but the last few years have seen Melbourne—and a good chunk of the world—shake things up. More grooms are shunning the “one size fits all” approach in favour of what feels right. There’s even data to prove it. Check out the table below, from a 2024 survey of 500 Melbourne grooms, that looked at what neckwear was worn at weddings that year:
| Accessory | % of Grooms |
|---|---|
| Tie (Classic/Modern) | 64% |
| Bowtie (Classic/Novelty) | 29% |
| No Neckwear | 7% |
Ties are the clear leader, but bowties have a die-hard fan club. Notably, novelty bowties (like florals or bold prints) doubled compared to 2020. Grooms are choosing details that reflect their story—vintage ties from a father or grandfather, custom-embroidered initials, or locally crafted bowties by Melbourne makers.
So what do the pros say? Melbourne stylists and tailors generally offer a few golden rules (but feel free to break them if you want to stamp your own style!):
- If your wedding is black tie, a bowtie is still considered standard.
- Slim ties look best with modern, slim-cut suits. Wider ties pair better with classic, boxier shapes.
- Bowties can add a vintage touch, perfect for retro-themed photos or older venues.
- For same-sex weddings or bridal parties with mixed attire, matching the neckwear colours or prints can look brilliant in group photos.
- Feeling nervous about fabric textures? A matte-finish tie or bowtie won’t reflect light oddly in your wedding photos, unlike super-shiny satin.
Finally, if you’re wrestling with the final choice, why not try out both looks before your wedding? Take selfies. Ask friends to give honest feedback, or snap pics when you’re trying on the full outfit with your suit hire shop. Remember, it’s your day—you’re allowed to make your own style rules!
The real secret? The neckwear isn’t just an accessory; it’s a statement of self. Whether you’re Team Tie, Team Bowtie, or somewhere in between, the right pick is the one that tells your story, fits your comfort zone, and makes you walk down the aisle feeling just a bit taller.