Bayside Brides, can you believe it is already June? Last month we celebrated Mother’s Day with dresses and styling ideas for mothers, so with Father’s Day this month it seems only appropriate that we’d plan to give some outfits ideas for the fathers, grandfathers, and even the husbands or husbands-to-be in our lives.
Men’s suiting styles generally work for every man from ages eighteen to eighty, so these styling ideas are great for any male in your life, or in your wedding party. I’ve also picked some gifts that are perfect for Father’s Day, or to give your dad a little present to thank him at your wedding.
Here are my picks for a casual summer look, a distinguished gray look, a formal look, and gifts for dear dad.
Casual Summer Look for a Bayside Dad
Michael Kors Natural Linen Suit / Triple Stripe Tie in Ocean by J.Crew / Starfish Boutonierre via Martha Stewart Weddings / Perforated Cap Toes from Brooks Brothers in Walnut / White Ludlow Dress Shirt / Red Pocket Square
If your wedding is in the summer months or in a tropical or seaside locale, you can’t beat a nice crisp linen suit! This suit can go with anything from a pastel to darker color wedding color scheme just by switching out the accessories–especially the tie! I went middle-of-the road in colors with a classic blue and red. To give it a little seaside flair, why not have Dad wear a starfish boutonniere to show he’s one of the special stars of the day?
Distinguished Gray Look for a Bayside Dad
Gray Pinstripe Madison Golden Fleece Brooks Brothers Suit / Supima Dress Shirt in Blue from Brooks Brothers / Silk Large Dot †Cambridge Tie J.Crew / Navy and Gray Dress Socks / Cap Toe Shoes from Brooks Brothers / Sailboat Boutonniere by Fritts Rosenow
This distinguished gray look is made a little more relaxed by the use of a blue shirt, which would be appropriate for a guest of a wedding or for the wedding party to wear at relaxed ceremony. (I just wanted show some other shirt color besides white, but to go more formal, a white shirt would definitely be in order. ) I’m seeing a lot of gray suits in weddings because they are a little softer than the traditional black suit, and pair nicely with the softer colors we see in bridal and bridesmaid attire, too.
The polka dot tie has special meaning to me–it’s very similar to the one my dad wore when he married my mom! Besides the tie, my absolute favorite thing is that sailboat boutonniere made by this fabulous shop I just learned about called Fritts Rosenow. They make custom boutonnieres of anything that might represents the groom’s interests and they specialize in custom nautical looks! How perfect would that be for a Bayside wedding?
Formal Look for a Bayside Dad
Madison Golden Fleece Three Button Notched Tuxedo by Brooks Brothers / Herringbone Bow Tie from The Tie Bar / Propeller Cufflinks by Just Cufflinks / Four Pleat Cummerbund by Brooks Brothers / Patent Leather Dress Shoes from Brooks Brothers / Locket Boutonniere via Martha Stewart, see slide 9
Tuxedos will always be the standard at weddings, and if your dad is a traditionalist, he probably will want to wear one. If your dad isn’t that traditional, but your wedding attire still calls for a tux, there are subtle ways to let your dad stand out. I’m partial to this sharp herringbone bow tie and the powerboat or airplane-themed propeller cufflinks, as a fun twist on a formal look.
Did you know that there are tons of types of tuxes and they all have guidelines for when to wear them? Here’s a handy pin about it! I learned in my research that a cummerbund or vest is required if the tux is a single breasted tux like this one is. I love a tux with vest but it just got a little crowded in the collage so I went with the classic cummerbund. For the boutonniere, I thought this idea of having a framed picture — either of your father’s own parents, or perhaps even of you as a child — could be a special sentimental touch for a father to wear.
Gift Ideas For Bayside Dads
With Father’s Day around the corner, I thought I’d provide a few ideas for gifts. It’s also likely that you may want to thank your father for his participation in your wedding (and your life!) so if he’s a Bayside sort of father who enjoys boats and all things nautical, here are a few ideas. These could make good groomsmen gifts, too!
1. ChART Custom Cufflinks 2. Banana Republic Anchor Socks and Hugo Boss Knot Tie 3. Fish Hook Belt from Vineyard Vines 4. Anchor Father’s Day Card from Sugar Paper 5. Vineyard Vines Crab Pocket Square 6. Nautical Chart Coasters 7. Anchor Bottle Opener from C. Wonder and Anchor Beer Glass
The first idea–the cufflinks–needs more detail! (I swear they aren’t paying me to mention them–they are just a great find for anyone who loves the sea or is getting married along the water! ) They are from a great company called ChART, whom my husband and I discovered at the Annapolis Boat Show a few years ago. They’ll take any nautical point and make a custom gift for you: necklaces, bracelets, or cufflinks like these. My husband got me a necklace of the point in NH where we were married. It’s a gift I treasure and I know dads will treasure the cufflink version too!
I also included everything from standard socks and ties to gifts for boating or beer aficionados– all with a nautical twist. And check out that great card: “Happy Father’s Day, You’re My Anchor”. It’s the perfect way to thank him for keeping you grounded (meaning centered–not punished at home!) all these years.
As always, I hope these ideas have helped you find the perfect thing for your own Bayside wedding and for your father to wear. At the very least maybe you’ve found a last-minute Father’s Day gift!
Wishing a very Happy Father’s Day to all the Bayside Dads!
XO
Sukey at Dress For The Wedding
