What Color Should the Father of the Groom Wear? A Practical Guide for Modern Weddings

Choosing the right color for the father of the groom’s suit isn’t about matching the groom exactly-it’s about looking polished, respectful, and like part of the wedding team without stealing the spotlight. Too many fathers end up in dark navy or black because they think it’s safe. But in 2026, weddings are more personal than ever. The right color can say a lot: that you respect the couple’s vision, that you’re comfortable in your skin, and that you’re not just showing up-you’re participating.

Start with the groom’s suit

Real example: At a wedding in Queenstown last year, the groom wore a charcoal two-piece with a silk lapel. His dad wore a navy wool suit with a light gray shirt and a burgundy tie. They looked like a team-same level of formality, different enough to tell them apart. No one asked who was who until they were introduced.

Ask about the wedding palette

Here’s how to do it: look at the bridesmaid dresses, the floral arrangements, and the table linens. If there’s a dominant secondary color-say, deep plum or olive green-you can pick a suit that subtly reflects it. A charcoal suit with a plum pocket square? Perfect. A navy suit with an olive tie? Even better. You’re not wearing the color, you’re hinting at it.

One father in Auckland wore a dark green suit to his son’s autumn wedding. The groom’s tie was forest green, the flowers were rust and gold, and the venue had wooden beams. The suit didn’t match the groom’s, but it felt like it belonged. People commented on how ‘thoughtful’ the outfit looked-not because it was flashy, but because it felt intentional.

Avoid these common mistakes

• White or cream-unless you’re the groom’s dad in a 1920s-themed wedding, this looks like you’re trying to be the groom.
• Bright red or neon-even if it’s your favorite color, it’s a distraction. Save it for the after-party.
• Matching the groom’s exact shade-this isn’t a twin outfit contest. You’re not his clone.
• Too many patterns-pinstripes are okay if they’re subtle. Houndstooth or checks? Skip it. You’re not at the races.

One father in Wellington wore a bright blue suit because he thought it matched his son’s bowtie. The groom wore navy. The result? The father looked like he’d wandered in from a different wedding. He spent half the reception explaining why he chose it.

Season and location matter

For colder months: stick with navy, charcoal, or black wool. Add a vest or a wool overcoat if it’s chilly. For warmer months: consider a light gray, taupe, or even a soft beige suit made from cotton-linen blend. These colors reflect heat, breathe better, and feel less formal than wool. Pair them with a white or light blue shirt and skip the tie if the wedding is casual. A pocket square in a matching tone from the bride’s bouquet? That’s the move.

At a beach wedding in Coromandel last December, the father of the groom wore a light taupe linen suit with no tie. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, and he wore loafers. He looked relaxed, elegant, and completely at ease. The groom wore a navy suit with a tie. They looked like father and son-not like they were in a costume.

Accessories are your secret weapon

• Tie or bowtie-choose a color that matches the bridesmaids or the flowers. If the bride’s bouquet has blush roses, a blush silk tie on your suit looks intentional, not random.
• Pocket square-fold it simply. White linen is always safe. If you want to add color, pick one from the wedding palette. Don’t match it exactly to your tie-that’s a rookie mistake.
• Shoes-black or dark brown oxfords are the default. If your suit is light, brown is fine. If your suit is dark, black is safer. Avoid loafers unless the wedding is super casual.
• Watch and cufflinks-keep them classic. No flashy logos or bright metals. Silver or gold, depending on the groom’s jewelry.

One dad in Christchurch wore a navy suit with a white shirt, no tie, and a silver watch with a leather strap. His pocket square was folded into a simple rectangle, but the fabric was the same silk as his son’s tie. No one noticed until the wedding album came out-and then everyone said, ‘That’s so thoughtful.’

When in doubt, ask the couple

Some couples will say, ‘Wear whatever you like.’ That’s not freedom-it’s a trap. They’re being polite. Push gently: ‘Is there a color or style you’d prefer I avoid?’ Nine times out of ten, they’ll give you a real answer.

One father in Rotorua asked his daughter-in-law what she imagined for his outfit. She said, ‘Something that looks like you-calm, grounded, not flashy.’ He ended up in a charcoal suit with a pale blue shirt and a navy pocket square. It was perfect. She cried when she saw him.

Final checklist

1. What color is the groom wearing? Don’t copy it.
2. What’s the wedding palette? Pick a color from it, even if just in your tie.
3. Is it formal or casual? Match the formality level.
4. Is it summer or winter? Choose fabric and shade accordingly.
5. Are you standing next to the groom in photos? Make sure you’re not the same shade.
6. Have you asked the couple for guidance? Even if they say ‘no preference,’ ask again.
7. Do your shoes match your belt? If not, fix it.

There’s no single ‘right’ color. But there are plenty of wrong ones. Your goal isn’t to be the best-dressed man at the wedding. It’s to look like you belong-with dignity, warmth, and quiet confidence.