Quick answer: Match the bow tie to the wedding's main accent color (usually the bridesmaids' dresses or the flowers) and keep the suspenders in a neutral that works with the pants, like grey, navy, tan or brown. This keeps the groomsmen and ring bearer coordinated without looking too matchy.
The simple rule: accent bow tie, neutral suspenders
Think of the bow tie as the "pop" and the suspenders as the "frame." A colored bow tie connects the groom's side to the bridesmaids, while neutral suspenders tie back to the suits or pants. If you want a bolder look, you can match both, but the accent-plus-neutral approach is the safest for photos.
Bow tie and suspender pairings by wedding color
| Wedding color | Bow tie | Suspenders | Pants or suit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dusty blue | Dusty blue or dusty blue floral | Grey, navy or tan leather | Grey, tan or navy |
| Sage green | Sage or mint | Tan or brown leather | Khaki, tan or light grey |
| Burgundy / wine | Burgundy, wine or marsala | Charcoal or brown leather | Charcoal, navy or black |
| Terracotta / rust | Cinnamon or terracotta | Brown leather or mustard | Khaki or tan |
| Blush / dusty rose | Blush or dusty rose | Navy or grey | Navy or light grey |
| Navy | Navy, gold or champagne | Navy or tan leather | Navy or grey |
| Emerald / hunter green | Hunter green | Beige leather or light grey | Grey or black |
| Classic black & white | Black | Black or white | Black or charcoal |
How to choose by season
- Spring: dusty blue, blush, mint, lavender, with light grey or tan
- Summer: coral, aqua, light blue, champagne, with khaki or ivory
- Fall: terracotta, cinnamon, mustard, burgundy, with brown leather
- Winter: wine, hunter green, navy, silver, with charcoal or black
Should the groom wear a different color?
Many grooms wear the same color as the groomsmen but stand out with a different texture (like satin or floral), a necktie instead of a bow tie, or a unique lapel pin or boutonnière. A matching pocket square finishes the look.
Getting the color right when ordering online
- Compare against a real swatch. Hold a bridesmaid dress fabric sample next to your screen, or ask the bridal shop for a swatch.
- Order all sets at once so everyone's colors match exactly.
- Ask us. Send a photo of your swatch through our contact page and we'll suggest the closest match.
Frequently asked questions
Should bow ties and suspenders be the same color?
They don't have to be. A colored bow tie with neutral suspenders is the most versatile look. Read more in Should bow ties and suspenders match?
What color bow tie goes with a grey suit?
Almost any: dusty blue, blush, burgundy, sage, navy and yellow all look great with grey. Pair them with grey, navy or black suspenders.
What color bow tie goes with a navy suit?
Burgundy, blush, gold, champagne, coral and light blue stand out beautifully against navy. Tan or brown leather suspenders add warmth.
Is there a discount for outfitting the whole wedding party?
Yes. Buy 3 or more sets and save 10%, or 5 or more and save 15%. The discount is applied automatically at checkout.
Find your color: Shop bow tie and suspender sets in newborn to adult sizes, so the ring bearer can match the groomsmen.
