How to Nail the Garden Party Wedding Look Without the Stuffy Suit
Let’s be honest: planning a wedding comes with a mountain of unwritten rules, and somewhere near the top of the stress list is figuring out what the groom and groomsmen are supposed to wear.
If you’re planning a relaxed, outdoor celebration, the last thing you want is for your guys to look like they’re heading to a corporate board meeting in the middle of July. Heavy wool, stiff ties, and formal tuxedos just don't mix with green lawns and open skies.
Fortunately, nailing that effortless, stylish garden party look is easier than you think—and it starts with throwing tradition out the window.
1. Ditch the Tweed and Breathe Easy
When it comes to outdoor weddings, fabric is everything. Leave the heavy tweeds and stiff winter wools in the closet.
Instead, lean into lighter, breathable materials like cotton and linen. Pair them with lighter suit tones—think soft beiges, light greys, or muted pastels. Not only will your groomsmen thank you when the afternoon sun hits, but it instantly sets a relaxed, welcoming tone for the whole event.
2. The Secret Weapon: Florals
Wondering how to keep your groomsmen coordinated without looking like clones? Try florals.
Because a floral tie or pocket square features a natural mix of colors in the petals, stems, and leaves, it has built-in tonality. It gives you that effortless, organic, mismatched boho look while keeping everyone neatly tied together. It’s a foolproof shortcut to great style.
3. Pick One Lead Colour
The easiest way to make a wedding party look cohesive without feeling overly staged is to choose one lead colour—like dusty pink or sage green.
Tie that single shade into the bridesmaid dresses, the buttonholes, and the groomsmen’s accessories. It creates a seamless visual thread without making anyone look like they were forced into a mold.
4. Don't Forget the Littlest Guests (and the Dogs!)
Wedding parties come in all sizes, including page boys, ring bearers, and even the family dog.
Traditional neckties can look bulky and feel uncomfortable on kids. That’s where safe, clip-on bow ties come in handy. They can be made to fit children as young as three months old, they stay securely in place with safety clips, and best of all? The little ones can easily unclip them when it's time to run around and play at the reception.
The Only Rule That Actually Matters
Our absolute biggest wedding planning pet peeve? Everybody’s got an opinion.
If you are stressing out over choosing the right ties and feeling the pressure to make everything "traditional," take a deep breath and remember this: It’s your day. It’s only one day. Don't worry about tradition.
Go with what you like. More often than not, if you love it, your guests will too. Take what works for you, leave the rest behind, and most importantly—have fun with it!
Ready to style your wedding crew? Explore The Tie Garden’s collection of cotton, linen, and floral accessories for adults, kids, and pets.