Bow Tie or Tie for a Wedding? How to Choose (and How to Tie a Bow Tie)
A wedding is one of those occasions when every detail counts, and the neck accessory is one of the first things people notice. Tie, bow tie or ascot? The answer depends on the dress code, the time of day and your role at the wedding. After more than 50 years making ties and bow ties by hand in Barcelona, here is our guide to getting it right.
First, check the dress code
Morning dress (daytime ceremony)
The most traditional option for a daytime wedding, especially for the groom, the fathers and the best man. Morning coats are worn with a tie or, for an extra touch of elegance, an ascot cravat. Soft greys, ivory and discreet patterns are the classic choice: see, for example, the Ivory Belvedere Ascot Cravat (€95) or the navy Classic Silk Jacquard Ascot Cravat (€95).
Suit (daytime or semi-formal)
Most guests wear a suit, and here both the tie and the bow tie work. A silk tie is the safe, timeless choice; a bow tie adds personality and makes you stand out in the photos. If you go for a tie, our guide on how to choose a tie to match your shirt and suit will help you get the colours right.
Black tie (evening)
If the invitation says black tie, the answer is clear: a dinner jacket with a bow tie, never a tie. Black silk is the rule: the Black Jack Bow Tie (€35) or the Micro Dots Bow Tie in Black (€35) are perfect. For the complete look, the black silk cummerbund and bow tie set (€125).
Groom, best man or guest?
- Groom: he sets the tone. An ascot with morning dress or a silk bow tie in a lighter or more special colour sets him apart from everyone else.
- Best man and fathers: they usually coordinate with the groom, in the same style but in a slightly different colour or pattern.
- Guests: elegant but without overshadowing the groom. Avoid white and ivory if the groom is wearing them, and leave the ascot to the wedding party in a morning-dress wedding.
Colours and patterns for a wedding
Weddings are celebrations, so this is the moment to wear colour. Spring and summer call for light blues, pinks, greens and soft florals; autumn and winter for burgundy, navy, bottle green and paisley. Silver and grey are a classic for the groom: the Silver Wedding Bow Tie (€35), in satin silk, was designed precisely for weddings. One rule: if your suit and shirt are plain, the bow tie or tie can be bold; if your shirt is patterned, choose something more discreet.
Matching sets and the pocket square
A matching bow tie and braces set is one of the most elegant ways to make an entrance, especially when you take off your jacket at the party. Our sets, such as the Garden Delight or the Midnight Emerald Paisley (€129), are available in very limited units.
And do not forget the pocket square: it should complement your bow tie or tie, never be identical to it. Pick up one of the secondary colours of the pattern.
Our bow ties: knot already tied
Good news if tying a bow tie worries you: all Marco Pascali bow ties come with the knot already tied by hand. You just put it on and fasten it, and it looks perfect all night.
How to tie a self-tie bow tie, step by step
If you ever wear a self-tie bow tie, tying it looks difficult, but it is only a variation of tying your shoelaces. Practise a couple of times before the big day:
- Put the bow tie around your neck with the left end about 4 cm longer than the right.
- Cross the long end over the short end, at the centre of your collar.
- Pass the long end up and under the loop around your neck, and pull to tighten.
- Fold the short end (now hanging at the front) horizontally to form the front of the bow.
- Drop the long end straight down over the centre of that fold.
- Fold the long end back on itself to form the second half of the bow.
- Push it through the loop behind the front bow.
- Adjust by gently pulling the folded ends until both sides are even and the knot is firm.
Not sure which bow tie suits you best? Write to us and we will help you choose.
Handmade in Barcelona since 1973
All our ties and bow ties are handmade in Barcelona from silk. Discover the full collection of silk bow ties and ascot cravats. Free shipping to mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands on orders over €50.