Planning your wedding look doesn’t stop at choosing the suit. The right wedding accessories are what brings everything together - from your colour palette and bridesmaid dresses to your groomsmen’s styling and finishing touches.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right accessories for the groom and groomsmen, how to match ties and pocket squares to your wedding colours, and when to order everything so it arrives in plenty of time. You’ll also find practical advice on coordinating colours with bridesmaid dresses and flowers, along with simple styling tips to create a polished, cohesive look.

Whether you’re planning a modern neutral wedding or working with a bold seasonal palette, this guide will help you style your wedding party with confidence from start to finish.

Start with our swatch packs to find your perfect colour match

Your Wedding Accessories Checklist

Getting the details right starts with knowing exactly what you need for both the groom and the groomsmen. Having a clear wedding accessories checklist early on helps you to stay on organised and on budget, avoid last-minute stress and ensure everyone looks coordinated on the day.

For most weddings, you’ll be choosing a core set of accessories for the groom, then coordinating matching or complementary pieces for the groomsmen. It can be nice to extend this to the wider wedding party (Father of the Groom/Bride, siblings, page boys and/or ushers) but this is totally dependent on your vision and budget for the day! 

Groom Accessories

The groom’s accessories usually set the tone for the overall look. This typically includes a tie, bow tie or cravat in your chosen colour, a pocket square, cufflinks and a boutonnière. Many grooms also add a tie bar for a more polished, formal finish.

• Tie or bow tie
• Pocket square
• Cufflinks
• Boutonnière
• Tie bar (optional)

For a really 'classic' wedding look, often the groom may opt for a champagne/ivory tie and pocket square to match the bride and stand out from the groomsmen. It can then be a nice detail to add cufflinks or a lapel pin to the outfit just to keep the colour continuity across the wedding party.

Groomsmen Accessories

For the groomsmen, the goal is coordination rather than exact uniformity. You may choose matching ties for a classic look, or use complementary shades and patterns within your wedding colour palette for a more relaxed feel.

• Matching or coordinated ties
• Pocket squares
• Socks
• Boutonnières

A coordinated set of colour-matched ties across the groom and groomsmen can be the perfect way to keep everyone looking on theme, however setting the groom apart with a patterned tie in the similar colour, or by choosing a bow tie in the same colour is a great way to set the groom apart. 

Optional Extras & Finishing Touches

Once the essentials are covered, you can add smaller details that elevate the overall look and double as thoughtful gifts for your wedding party.

• Colour-matched cufflinks
• Well presented gift box sets
• Matching socks

These finishing touches help create a cohesive look in your photos and give your groomsmen something meaningful to keep after the day.

Download our printable wedding accessories checklist

How to Choose Groomsmen Ties

Choosing the right ties for your groomsmen is one of the most important styling decisions for a polished wedding look. The ties you select not only coordinate with the groom’s outfit but also help tie together your overall colour palette and wedding theme.

There are three popular approaches to groomsmen ties:

1. Matching exactly
For a classic and uniform look, the groom and groomsmen all wear the same tie colour and fabric. This creates a cohesive appearance in photos and keeps the styling simple and elegant.

2. Coordinated tones
If you want a slightly more relaxed feel, choose different shades within the same colour palette - for example, sage, eucalyptus, and olive - or find a patterned fabric that works with a plain colour to allow for a mix-and-match idea. This approach gives depth to your wedding party’s look while maintaining harmony with your overall colour scheme.

3. Contrast styling
For couples who want the groom to stand out, consider giving him a tie in a different colour from the groomsmen - the traditional choice for this is ivory, but could be the colour of the groomsmen suits, a flower colour or a colour to fit in with the venue! This contrast highlights the groom while still keeping the classic wedding feel.

When making your decision, consider factors such as the suit colour, the wedding season (spring pastels versus autumn tones for example), and the bridesmaid dress colours. Paying attention to these details ensures that every element of your wedding party’s attire complements each other seamlessly.

Browse our groomsmen tie collections to find the perfect colours and styles for your wedding.

Wedding Colour Matching Guide

Colour matching is one of the areas where most couples feel overwhelmed - but it doesn’t have to be! The key is to start with your core wedding palette, usually inspired by the bridesmaid dresses, floral arrangements, or the overall styling of your venue.

Once your palette is set, the next step is to choose accessories that complement your colours rather than clash. Ties, bow ties, pocket squares and other small details can elevate the look of your wedding party and tie the whole aesthetic together.

Popular UK Wedding Colour Palettes

If you need a little inspiration, have a look through some of the colour palettes that are proving the most popular this year - and for good reason! 

Sage Green & Ivory
Soft, elegant, and perfect for spring or outdoor weddings, sage tones pair effortlessly with ivory dresses and floral arrangements, creating a fresh, romantic vibe.
Explore sage green ties and accessories

Brown, Nude & Neutrals
Warm, modern, and ideal for boho or autumn weddings, taupe tones bring a rich, inviting feel to your colour palette.
Explore neutral wedding accessories

Navy & Champagne
Timeless and formal, this combination works beautifully in traditional venues, giving a classic, sophisticated touch to your wedding party.
Explore navy wedding accessories

Dusty Blue & Grey
Clean, soft, and romantic, dusty blue and grey are perfect for summer weddings, offering a light and airy aesthetic.
Explore dusty blue accessories

To ensure your accessories match your chosen colours perfectly, we recommend ordering colour swatches. This allows you to test shades against dresses, flowers and other elements of your wedding before making a final decision.

Order colour swatches to match your exact shade

Matching Ties to Bridesmaid Dresses

One of the most common questions couples ask is: “Should groomsmen ties match bridesmaid dresses exactly?”

The short answer is: yes absolutely - if you want! It's a lovely coordinated and harmonious look. Getting the colour spot on across the whole wedding is an easy way to ensure everyone and everything looks considered and on-theme! However it's not essential, a colour scheme can be achieved without this!

If you're struggling with an exact match due to lighting (colours look very different in natural light!), weave (some fabrics have different threads woven through which can distort colour) or fabric types (for example, satin ties with chiffon or matte dresses) then a  good strategy is to aim for a tonal match within the same colour family. Choose complementary textures and colour, and ensure your accessories coordinate with the floral arrangements.

For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing sage dresses, consider groomsmen ties in patterned sage fabrics. For terracotta bridesmaid dresses, burnt orange or rust ties work beautifully to complement the overall palette, particularly if the flowers can reflect this range of colour too! 

By thinking in terms of tone, texture and coordination, you’ll create a wedding party look that feels intentional, polished and cohesive without needing every tie to match perfectly.

Get help with out full guide to matching ties to bridesmaid dresses for more inspiration and examples.

When to Order Wedding Accessories 

It's never too early to order your wedding accessories! Once you've chosen your colour scheme then you're ready to go. Ordering early reduces the risk of fabrics going out of stock, colours being discontinued or dye batches changing the colours ever so slightly - also bear in mind that if you need anything custom or bespoke, this can take a little longer. 

Ordering your wedding accessories at the right time can save stress and ensure everything arrives together, perfectly coordinated. Here’s a suggested timeline to help your planning run smoothly:

First thing on your planning list! At least 6–9 Months Before
Start by choosing your wedding colour palette. This sets the foundation for all your planning choices including flowers, stationary, bridesmaids dresses and venue décor as well as the accessories, from ties and pocket squares to boutonnières and groomsmen styling.

Ordering swatch packs to give a rough idea of colour palette is a great way to start off your colour planning. They're a handy tool to take with you to dress/suit fittings, florists and venues to help visualise colour schemes! 

4–6 Months Before
Narrow down your colour swatches and test them against bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and other key elements. This step helps you confirm that your chosen shades complement each other and avoids last-minute surprises.

Once you've got that perfect swatch, you know everything will match! Just use the swatch code to search on the website for everything available in that colour.

2–3 Months Before
Place your order for ties, bows, cravats, pocket squares and other wedding accessories. By ordering early, you give yourself plenty of time for customisation and adjustments if needed.

3–4 Weeks Before
Schedule final fittings and styling checks. Make sure every groomsman’s tie, pocket square, and accessory is the correct size, colour, and texture, so everything looks polished on the wedding day.

We still have time to fix any issues at this point! Last minute orders are usually possible and anything up to 1 weeks notice may be possible but the options available may be more limited. 

So order your swatches early to avoid last-minute changes and ensure a perfectly coordinated wedding party.

Groomsmen Gift Ideas

Wedding accessories make some of the best groomsmen gifts - they’re practical, stylish and something your groomsmen will actually use on the day. Choosing thoughtful gifts also helps your wedding party feel appreciated while keeping everyone coordinated in your chosen colour palette.

Some popular options include:

• Matching tie and pocket square sets - A classic way to keep your groomsmen looking polished and in sync with the wedding palette. If you're buying their ties anyway, why not gift them for a thoughtful gesture?
• Personalised cufflinks - Add cufflinks in the matching fabric to make a meaningful keepsake they’ll treasure long after the wedding.
• Socks in your wedding colours - Fun, practical and a small way to tie your colour palette throughout the party.
• Complete accessory bundles - For an all-in-one option that ensures each groomsman has everything they need, from ties and pocket squares to cufflinks and more.

By selecting gifts that double as wedding accessories, you create a polished look for your wedding party while giving presents that are both stylish and will be used on the day!

Real Wedding Inspiration

Seeing real weddings in action can help you visualise how your colour palette and accessories come together. By exploring how other couples have styled their wedding parties, you can find ideas that suit your own wedding aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do groomsmen ties have to match exactly?

Not necessarily - coordinated shades within the same colour palette can work really well and are visually interesting. Exact matches are traditional and stunning, but tonal variations can work and still remain cohesive.

2. Should ties match bridesmaid dresses?

Yes absolutely! Although this isn't essential really. Remember that various fabric types and lighting will make colours look slightly different so a close match usually works well. You can also choose to complement the bridesmaids’ dresses and floral arrangements rather than replicate them exactly. 

3. Can I mix different tie colours for my groomsmen?

Yes - especially if the colours are from the same palette. Mixing shades can add depth and personality to your wedding party styling without clashing with the overall colour scheme.

4. How many swatches should I order?

Start with swatch packs as 2 or 3 of these will give a good range of inspiration. When narrowing down the colour, order as many as you need! We recommend ordering 3–5 swatches  so you can compare them against bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and venue décor to ensure your chosen shades coordinate perfectly.

If you can't find the exact match then use our colour matching service to help you out! 

5. What colour tie suits a navy suit?

Navy suits are versatile. Popular options include sage, blush, terracotta, burgundy and dusty blue, but you can also experiment with gold, sunflower, or neutral tones depending on your wedding palette.

6. When should I order groomsmen accessories?

As early as possible! We suggest ordering swatches 4–6 months before the wedding and ties, pocket squares and accessories 2–3 months prior. This ensures time for final fittings, adjustments and matching with bridesmaid dresses, as well as allowing time to fix any issues if fabric is out of stock or has changed colour batches.

7. Can bow ties be mixed with standard ties for the same wedding party?

Yes - for a modern or personalised look, the groom or certain groomsmen can wear a bow tie while others wear standard ties. It's great to mix and match! 

8. How do I choose the right tie fabric?

Consider the wedding season and style. Satin ties feel formal and polished, matte finishes work for rustic, boho, or summer weddings. The colour is more important as most ties are made from a satin fabric however, patterns can be a great option for a little standout flair. If you need a little more inspiration then have a look at our guide here>

9. Can groomsmen wear patterned ties?

Absolutely - patterns like subtle stripes, checks, or textures can add visual interest. Just make sure the patterns complement the colour palette and don’t clash with each other or the bride’s party attire. Need an idea? Have a look at some great groomsman combinations here! 

10. Are personalised gifts like cufflinks and tie sets appropriate for groomsmen?

Yes! Practical accessories like cufflinks, tie sets, or socks make thoughtful, stylish gifts that can also coordinate with the wedding look. They’re both useful on the day and memorable keepsakes afterward.

11. How do I match ties to seasonal weddings?

Choose colours that reflect the season: pastels and soft neutrals for spring/summer, and rich, warm tones like terracotta, burgundy, or gold for autumn/winter. This helps the wedding feel cohesive with its surroundings - a good tip is to look at your flowers. Whatever is seasonally available is a good starter for your colour palette.

12. Can ties complement florals as well as bridesmaid dresses?

Ties should coordinate with both the dresses and floral arrangements. This creates harmony in your photos and ensures the wedding party feels intentionally styled. By choosing your colour scheme carefully, everything can be matched and cohesive. 

13. Is it okay for the groom’s tie to be different from the groomsmen?

Definitely. A contrast tie for the groom helps him stand out while maintaining a cohesive look. The difference can be subtle with a slightly darker or patterned version, or more pronounced depending on your style. An Ivory colour is a classic choice but opting for a patterned tie in the same colour as the groomsmen ties is a more modern standout approach.

14. How do I ensure swatches match exactly when ordering online?

Always order physical swatches, not just digital colours. Check them against dresses, florals, and décor under natural light to ensure a true match.

When it comes to ordering, if you search using the swatch code on the swatch card you'll only see things available in that exact fabric match.

15. What if my chosen tie colour isn’t standard?

There are plenty of custom or mix-and-match options. Drop us a message to request special shades or coordinate with your swatches to get the perfect match for your wedding palette. We're able to source new fabrics and work with suppliers to help you find a perfect match. 

Find Your Perfect Wedding Colour Match

Now that you’ve planned your accessories, it’s time to choose your colours and accessories.

Shop tie collections
Order colour swatches
Explore wedding colour palettes

Create a wedding look that feels cohesive, stylish, and completely yours.