Picture this: You’re deep in wedding planning chaos, and suddenly someone blurts out, “Wait…who’s supposed to buy the ties for the big day?” It’s such a simple thing, but honestly, nobody seems to agree on the answer. Some say it’s the groom’s job, others claim every groomsman should pony up for their own. The internet? Full of “it depends” and out-of-date advice. So, where does the truth actually land in summer 2025?
The Origin of the Wedding Tie Tradition
Weddings and special attire go together like cake and frosting. But where did the whole idea start, and why are ties—neck or bow—such an expected part of groomsmen style? Back in the day (we’re talking Victorian England and all those stiff collars), men’s formalwear was a signal of status and respect. The tie was a finishing touch, sometimes a silk cravat for wealthy gentlemen or woven cloth for everyone else. Fast forward to American weddings in the early 20th century, neckties became affordable, and matching the wedding theme started to catch on.
Today, the style you see depends a lot on the vibe of the wedding. Rustic barn? Maybe patterned linen ties. Classic black tie? Probably silk or satin bows. Want a peek at how much things have changed? According to a recent survey by The Knot, only 52% of weddings in 2024 had the entire wedding party in matching ties. The rest went for mix-and-match—proof that tradition’s flexible now.
Why do ties matter so much? It’s all about looking coordinated in those photos, plus a subtle nod of respect for the couple tying the knot. And sometimes, the tie even becomes a memento, something to spark a smile years later. No one wants a picture with one dude in polka-dots and everyone else in stripes… unless that’s the theme, of course.
Who Traditionally Buys the Ties?
This is where wedding etiquette gets fuzzier. Traditionally, the groom covers the cost of the ties for himself and his crew—especially if he’s picky about color or style. Think of it as a “thanks for standing by my side” gift. But here’s the twist: by 2015, modern etiquette books and wedding blogs started saying it’s okay for groomsmen to pay for their own ties, especially if they’re also buying a suit or renting tuxes. According to WeddingWire’s data:
| Year | Favors/Paid By Groom (%) | Self-Financed by Groomsmen (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 67 | 33 |
| 2020 | 51 | 49 |
| 2024 | 44 | 56 |
So, the tide is clearly shifting. It’s rare for couples to foot the bill for suits or shoes these days (those are bigger expenses), but ties—a mid-range item—are up for negotiation. How do actual couples decide? It really boils down to three things:
- How much control the couple wants over the look
- Whether matching ties will be ordered together
- The total cost burden on the groomsmen
Here’s a helpful tip: If you ask your friends to buy a specific tie (say from a boutique shop or designer), be clear about the price ahead of time. And if you’re going custom, offer to cover part or all of the expense. Nobody likes a surprise at checkout.
The Modern Take: Communication is King
If your go-to advice is “talk to your crew,” you’re already way ahead of the game. Most groomsmen are happy to pay if it means looking great and having a keepsake from the day. But, there are a few traps couples fall into:
- Assuming everyone can “just pick up” the right tie and it’ll magically match
- Choosing an expensive tie without warning about the cost
- Sending a vague group text and hoping for the best
Instead, get clear. Do you want a specific color? Material? Width? Set up a shared doc or chat just for tie logistics. Drop links, share photos, and let everyone know if you’re buying in bulk (it’s often cheaper that way). Top wedding stylists usually recommend the groom orders all the ties together, then either pays up-front or coordinates repayment if friends are covering their own. Bonus: You won’t end up with four blues and two that are “close enough.”
And don’t stress if you’re breaking with tradition. According to a 2024 survey by Brides Magazine, 68% of respondents felt “perfectly fine” with buying their own tie—as long as they got a heads-up first. The real drama only happens with surprises or mixed signals.
Creative and Budget-Friendly Solutions
Weddings seem to eat up money fast—so finding a way to save on accessories makes a difference. These days, you don’t have to go the luxury brand route. Plenty of grooms hop online and buy a pack of matching ties on Amazon or Etsy (custom monograms, wedding dates, or even inside jokes are trending). Prices range from $8 a tie to $120 for a monogrammed silk designer option.
- If you’re crafty, DIY hand-painted or embroidered ties are showing up on Instagram. Grab plain ties in bulk, then personalize at home—a win for style and savings.
- If you’ve chosen multiple patterns or colors, let each groomsman choose a tie that fits your palette. This way, your wedding color story still works, and everyone spends what they’re comfortable with.
- Outfitting kids or junior groomsmen? Etsy has adjustable, clip-on options to match the grownups. Most run under $15 and ship worldwide.
- Try a wedding suit rental service—sometimes matching ties are included with tux rentals, so check before buying extras. Generation Tux and The Black Tux offer entire accessory bundles now.
Quick heads-up: If your wedding is during a hot month, go for lighter fabrics like linen or cotton rather than polyester or silk. Your groomsmen will thank you when they’re not sweating through the speeches.
Tie Etiquette FAQ and Top Planning Tips
Still got questions? You’re definitely not alone. Here’s what you really want to know, unsugarcoated:
- Who picks the style? Usually the couple decides, but don’t be afraid to ask your friends for input. They know their own style and comfort zones best.
- Should everyone wear the exact same tie? Not always! Mix-and-match shades or subtle patterns look great in photos. Just keep it in the same color family.
- How far in advance do we need to order? Two months is smart—especially if special orders or shipping is involved. Things get weird when ties arrive a week before the big day.
- Can ties double as wedding favors? Absolutely. Add custom tags with the date or a fun message (“Thanks for tying the knot with us!” works surprisingly well).
- What about destination weddings? Order extra ties in case of lost luggage. More than a few groomsmen have ended up panicked in a resort gift shop.
Keep in mind, the person buying the ties often depends on your budget, your friends’ budgets, and your vision for the day. If you want total control, foot the bill yourself. If you’re fine with your guys chipping in, be direct and clear about the details so nobody’s left in the dark.
For the best luck, strong groom ties communication, a dash of flexibility, and a little planning ahead always pay off. No two weddings are exactly alike, so make the call that makes sense for your group. At the end of the day, when you’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder, the details shrink compared to the memories you’re making—though, hey, it never hurts if everyone looks sharp doing it.