Skinny Fatties tie photo by Mumford Photo
Dress codes for destination wedding are pretty loose, and we’ve seen guys get married in everything from business suits to Hawaiian shirts. But the absence of rules leads to confusion: When does a tuxedo look at home at a beach wedding? (Pretty much never.) Are a blue blazer and khakis okay in a mountainside chapel? (Sure.) Under what circumstances would a T-shirt and cutoff shorts be acceptable? (None, unless you’re castaways on a desert island and decide you might as well get hitched.)
The biggest dilemma concerns neckties. They can set the groom apart as the man of the hour, but they can also be uncomfortable and seem overly fussy. Here’s our take on five popular destination wedding sites, and whether or not to wear a tie.
Tropical beach: A tie is about as appropriate as a suit of armor. Go for an open-collar shirt.
Marina: Depends on whether your location has more of a tiki hut atmosphere (no tie) or a yacht club attitude (tie).
Ski lodge: For some reason high altitudes seem to demand a necktie. You could even wear a tuxedo, if it’s a very formal evening.
Ranch. We confess to being suckers for the Texas Tux (tuxedo jacket with jeans and cowboy boots); a tie–even a bolo–looks right at home.
Country garden: We like a tie in gardens and barns (if the site has a historic feel, this could be the place for a bow tie)—but feel free to remove for the reception.
Now that we’ve laid down the Destination: W Rules of Neckwear, it’s time to figure out exactly what tie he should opt for. One of the coolest (and budget-friendly) ideas we’ve seen in a while comes from SKINNYFATTIES, a company that takes his old, wide ties and tailors them into cute, fashion-forward skinny ties.
Brooklyn-based SKINNYFATTIES launched in the summer of 2012, taking orders on Etsy. It’s since transitioned and grown into a stand-alone site. For a mere $30 the company will tailor any tie and ship it back to you, no matter where you’re located. At that price, I say you repurpose his entire closet. It’s a helluva lot cheaper than buying newbies!
Bonus: $1 from each tailored tie goes to Career Gear, a nonprofit organization that helps men transition into the workforce. So he can look good, and you can feel great. –Sarah Leingang
