The Art of Coordination: Choosing Colours, Ties & Bow Ties for Your 2026 Wedding

By Emma, Founder of Arsenic and Old Lace

Published: January 2026

There’s a particular stillness on the morning of a wedding. The suit hangs ready, shoes polished, cufflinks waiting their turn. And laid carefully beside it all — the tie or bow tie that will quietly define the look.

After years of dressing grooms and wedding parties, I’ve learned that this detail is never just decorative. It’s expressive. It sets the tone. And in 2026, it speaks to something deeper than trend — it speaks to intention.

Today’s couples are choosing meaning over excess, craftsmanship over convenience, and cohesion over uniformity. And that shift is shaping how we think about wedding style from the very first detail.

Parwich Sage Green and Dusty Pink Rose Neck Tie

£40.00

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Colour as a Story, Not a Trend

Before you choose a tie or bow tie, you need to understand the emotional language of your wedding. Colour isn’t simply aesthetic — it sets atmosphere.

In 2026, we’re seeing a move toward grounded, expressive palettes that feel calm, considered, and timeless:

• Sage, moss, and olive greens — romantic, organic, quietly confident

• Inky navy and midnight blue — classic, assured, endlessly wearable

• Warm neutrals such as oat, stone, and soft taupe — refined and adaptable

• Muted florals drawn from nature rather than novelty

  
  

These tones don’t dominate a look — they support it. They photograph beautifully, age gracefully, and allow individuality to sit comfortably within a cohesive aesthetic.

The Suit Sets the Rhythm

Your suit is the foundation. Everything else should respond to it, not compete with it.

A well-cut navy or charcoal suit offers the perfect canvas for expressive accessories. Texture becomes just as important as colour — cottons, soft weaves, and subtle structure add quiet depth.

This is where accessories earn their place. A thoughtfully chosen tie or bow tie should feel like a natural extension of the suit, not an afterthought.

Florals, Reimagined for 2026

Floral designs have grown up.

Gone are the novelty prints of the past. Today’s florals are inspired by heritage textiles, botanical studies, and historical pattern-making — designs that feel intentional rather than decorative.

At Arsenic and Old Lace, many of our patterns draw from archival British textile traditions. A well-designed floral tie or bow tie introduces softness and personality while remaining quietly sophisticated.

Florals in 2026 are about balance — expressive without excess, confident without noise.

Ladybower Warm Beige and Green Wildflower Self-tie Bow Tie

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Mixing Ties and Bow Ties: A Modern Approach

One of the most common questions I’m asked is whether it’s acceptable to mix ties and bow ties within a wedding party.

Not only is it acceptable — it’s one of the most elegant styling choices you can make.

The key is cohesion, not uniformity.

At Arsenic and Old Lace, our bow ties and pocket squares are cut from the same fabric as our ties. This allows the groom to wear a bow tie, the groomsmen to wear ties, and the entire party to feel visually connected without looking identical.

A thoughtful structure often looks like this:

• Groom: Bow tie as the focal point

• Groomsmen: Coordinating ties in the same fabric

• Pocket squares: Cut from the same cloth, styled individually

• Cufflinks: Subtle metals that ground the look

It’s harmony without rigidity — modern, confident, and timeless.

Season Matters More Than You Think

Colour behaves differently in different light.

• Spring & Summer: lighter cottons, softer palettes, botanical tones

• Autumn & Winter: richer hues, deeper textures, warmer undertones

Florals work year-round when their colour depth reflects the season. It’s not about brightness — it’s about balance.

A Final Word from Me

Style, at its best, feels considered rather than curated. When colour, fabric, and form work together, the result is something quietly confident — never forced.

At Arsenic and Old Lace, everything we create is designed to belong together. Our ties, bow ties, and pocket squares aren’t just coordinated; they’re crafted from the same story, the same cloth, the same intent.

If you’re planning a wedding in 2026 and want accessories that feel timeless, personal, and beautifully made, you’ll find them here: https://www.arsenicandoldlace.co.uk

Because real style doesn’t shout. It simply knows who it is.

— Emma Founder, Arsenic and Old Lace

Frequently Asked Questions: Wedding Ties & Bow Ties for 2026

What colour ties are best for a 2026 wedding?

Sage green, moss, navy, warm neutrals, and muted florals are leading choices for 2026. These shades feel refined, photograph beautifully, and suit a wide range of wedding styles.

Can you mix bow ties and ties in a wedding party?

Yes — and it’s encouraged when done thoughtfully. Using the same fabric across ties and bow ties creates cohesion while allowing individuality.

Should pocket squares match the tie exactly?

Not exactly. Pocket squares should coordinate rather than replicate. When cut from the same fabric, they feel harmonious without appearing overly styled.

Are floral ties appropriate for formal weddings?

Absolutely. Modern floral designs are subtle and elegant, making them ideal for formal weddings when crafted with quality materials and thoughtful colour palettes.

Should the groom wear a tie or a bow tie?

Both are appropriate. Bow ties feel slightly more ceremonial, while ties offer classic ease. Many couples use both to create visual hierarchy within the wedding party.

Can I wear my wedding tie again after the day?

You should be able to. Well-made ties in timeless colours transition beautifully into future events and everyday tailoring.