Sorting Through the Tie Lingo

Most couples know that, at some point in the wedding planning process, the tuxedo will come into the discussion. While some brides and grooms may be looking for a more casual wedding, some opt for black or white tie affairs. However, some grooms do not know the difference between the types of ties and what is appropriate for what type of occasion:

Tie
A nice necktie can add a touch of class to most any suit. It is knotted at the throat and the tails trail down the center of the chest pointing at the waistline. There are thin neckties and thick neckties, and they can be made out of a variety of materials to match the colors of the wedding. You can even purchase a clip-on tie if you are intimidated about tying the necktie.

Bowtie
Few people can picture a tuxedo without the bowtie and cumberbund. The bowtie may intimidate some grooms, because they can be a challenge to tie, but there are also bowties that are pre-tied and just fasten around the neck.

Bolo/Bola
The bolo tie, sometimes referred to as the bola tie, is most often associated with country-western wear. It originated with Native American nations, and it consists of a piece of cord that is fastened through some sort of ornament or bead.

Cravat
The cravat is the ancestor to today’s tailored necktie. It is a pleated white linen strip that originated in the 1600’s. Few grooms will even consider wearing a cravat unless you are planning a period wedding.

Ascot
Some people use the cravat to mean the same thing as the ascot tie. It is a wide, formal tie that is folded over and fastened with a tie tack. It is usually made of a wide, thick silk.