For a morning wedding where the groom and groomsmen are wearing a morning suit, the fathers should wear a morning suit.  If the groomsmen are wearing dark suits, then the dads should wear the same.  Dads are such a special part of the couple’s lives they should be dressed equally as nice as the rest of the bridal party.

According to online forums and chat rooms, some brides prefer to have the dads wear exactly what the groomsmen are wearing but many brides get creative in order to make the dads stand out.  Here are some ways to differentiate the dads from the rest of the groomsmen and the groom:

• Choose one type of accessory for the groomsmen and another for the dads.  For example, if the groom and groomsmen are wearing long ties, put the dads in a traditional bow tie.
• Have the groom, groomsmen, and dads all wear accessories in different shades of one color.
• If selecting a black shadow stripe tuxedo or suit for the groom or groomsmen, have the dads wear solid black or vice versa.
• Have the dads wear a double-breasted version of the single-breasted tux or suit the groomsmen are wearing or vice versa.
• Have different boutonniere versions made for the dads, groom, and groomsmen.
• Sometimes traditional wedding attire for dads will vary by culture, ethnicity, and religion, as well.  Dads of Scottish or Celtic heritage may opt to wear a kilt to the wedding while Filipino fathers might wear a Barong Tagalog, an embroidered shirt worn for weddings and formal occasions. It is also quite appropriate for active or retired military fathers to wear a uniform.

Dressing dads for weddings doesn’t have to be confusing. The formality of the wedding and cultural traditions should determine the style of dress for dads but you can work with your groom, groomsmen, and fathers to achieve a look that is cohesive and comfortable for all.