Pre-Tied Bow Tie for Wedding: Pocket Square and Cufflinks

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

A pre-tied bow tie for a wedding takes one small worry off the morning. Nobody has to watch a video tutorial in the hotel mirror, and the bow sits the same way in the first photo as in the last. This GUSLESON set puts a pre-tied bow tie, a matching pocket square and a pair of cufflinks in one gift box, which makes it an easy choice for the groom, his groomsmen, or anyone shopping quietly on his behalf.

What it is and who it is for

The set includes three pieces in one solid colour:

• A pre-tied, adjustable bow tie in a double-fold butterfly shape, about 4.9 inches across and 2.6 inches tall.
• A pocket square about 9.8 inches square.
• A pair of cufflinks with a round face in the same colour, shown with a silver-tone rim in the listing photos.

Everything arrives in a black gift box with a lid. The listing describes the material as a silk blend, and the care instructions say dry clean only. The link on this page opens the black set, but the same listing offers a long run of other solid colours, including navy blue, dusty blue, sage green, burgundy, champagne, dusty rose, blush pink, silver gray, white and gold.

It suits you if:

• the groom or his groomsmen have never tied a bow tie and the morning is already full
• you want the groomsmen in the bridesmaids’ colour without hunting for three separate pieces
• you are looking for a small, practical gift to open while he gets ready

It is less suited to a groom who loves the slightly imperfect look of a hand-tied bow, or who wants a patterned or textured tie. This set is solid colour only. The listing says it suits most adults; for a young ring bearer, look for a children’s size instead.

How to wear it at your wedding

The bow tie

Fasten the adjustable strap around the neck under the shirt collar, then fold the collar down over the strap so only the bow shows. With a wing-collar tuxedo shirt, the wings sit behind the bow. The bow should sit centred and level. Have him put it on once before the wedding day, with the shirt he will actually wear, so the strap length is already set when the photographer arrives.

The cufflinks

Cufflinks need a shirt with French cuffs (also called double cuffs), or convertible cuffs, which have a button but also a buttonhole on each side so they can take a cufflink. A standard buttoned cuff has nowhere for a cufflink to go, so check his shirt before the day. Fastening cufflinks is fiddly with one hand, which makes it a lovely small moment for the best man, a parent or the bride to help with, and a sweet getting-ready photo.

The pocket square

At about 9.8 inches square, this pocket square is on the small side, so a neat flat fold works best. Fold it in half, fold the sides in to the width of his breast pocket, then fold the bottom up until about half an inch shows above the pocket when it is tucked in. Check it in the mirror with the jacket on; if it sinks out of sight, fold the bottom up a little more.

How many sets to order

One set per man. Count the groom, every groomsman and both fathers if they are joining in. The listing does not promise an exact colour match between separate orders, so once you have chosen the colour, buy all the sets in one order. If you are unsure of a shade, order one set to check it in daylight against a bridesmaid swatch, then place a single order for every set the party will wear, and keep the sample as a spare.

Groomsmen and family

When the sets arrive, lay them side by side to check they match. The groom often stands apart in one small way: black while his groomsmen wear the wedding colour, or a boutonniere that matches the bride’s bouquet. Fathers of the couple can wear a set too, so everyone in the photos feels part of the group.

Styling ideas by wedding style

Classic black tie. A black bow tie with a black tuxedo and a crisp white shirt is the traditional evening look. Strict traditionalists prefer a self-tie bow and a plain white pocket square. For that refined finish, buy a plain white linen or cotton pocket square separately and keep the black one from this set as a spare. The cufflinks suit a tuxedo shirt with French cuffs.

Modern formal. Navy or charcoal suits look sharp with a navy or black set. Wearing the matching pocket square gives a coordinated, modern look; a white square is the more classic alternative.

Garden, vineyard or rustic. Choose a softer colour such as sage green, dusty blue or champagne and repeat a shade from the bridesmaid dresses. Lighter suits in gray or tan suit these colours well. For more ideas by setting, see our groom style guide, which sorts ties, cufflinks, vests and suits by black tie, rustic and beach weddings.

Colour-matched wedding party. Burgundy, dusty rose and blush are popular for autumn and romantic palettes. Colours shift between fabrics and screens, so compare the listing photos with a swatch or a daylight photo of the bridesmaid dress before ordering for the whole group.

A note on cufflinks. Cufflinks come in the same colour as the bow tie. Black or silver gray read as the classic choice; pastel cufflinks feel more playful, so for a formal look the groom could wear black ones whatever colour his tie.

What to know before buying

• Check the colour you select. This page links to the black set. Pick his colour on the listing before adding it to your cart.
• Neck fit. The strap is adjustable and the listing says the set suits most adults, but it does not state the exact strap range. If he has a larger neck size, try it on as soon as it arrives so there is time to find an alternative.
• Shirt cuffs. The cufflinks need French or convertible cuffs, as above.
• Pocket square size. At about 9.8 inches square it suits a flat fold rather than a full puff.
• Care. The listing says dry clean only. On the day, blot any spill gently with a clean napkin rather than rubbing.
• Timing. Order a month or more before the wedding so there is time to compare colours, try everything on with the suit, and swap a colour if needed.

Planning the rest of the morning? Our getting-ready checklist covers the whole wedding party.

Quick FAQ

Is it OK for a groom to wear a pre-tied bow tie?

Yes. A well-made pre-tied bow tie looks neat and symmetrical in photos, and many guests will not notice the difference. A self-tie bow has a slightly looser, more individual look that some grooms and strict traditionalists prefer, but it takes practice. If he has not tied one before, pre-tied is the calmer choice.

What colour bow tie should the groomsmen wear?

Most couples take one colour from the bridesmaid dresses or the flowers and repeat it in the groomsmen’s bow ties and pocket squares. Navy blue, dusty blue, sage green and burgundy are all offered on this listing. Black is the safe choice for a formal evening wedding.

Do you wear a pocket square with a tuxedo?

You can. A white pocket square in a straight fold is the traditional black-tie choice, and a square matching the bow tie is a more modern one. Either looks polished.

Will the cufflinks work with any shirt?

No. They need French cuffs or convertible cuffs. Many tuxedo shirts have French cuffs, but check his; many everyday dress shirts have plain buttoned cuffs.

For the groom’s full look, from suits to socks, visit our Groom Style shop page.