Not all weddings want to be black tie. Some call out for stripes or polka dots or comic book characters. Help your fella be himself on your wedding day with one of these fantastic neck ties or bow ties. With so many popular patterns, in so many different palettes, the groom can have his own style and still fit in seamlessly with the event's theme!

Florals

Ideal for a garden wedding and a groom with a definite romantic side, floral ties are definitely trending this spring. Go more subtle with a small-scale pattern like the option above, or a little bolder with a larger-scale flower print like the tie below. If you want your pattern to be really obvious, pair it with a solid button-up-the print will really stand out against a blank canvas. But if you live for coordinating prints, pair with a print in the same color palette for a lively statement (above).

Paisley

A classic pattern for menswear, paisley is totally on-trend right now, especially in sherbet shades. Keep the rest of your suit classic with this striking pattern-a little bit goes a long way. We love this juicy purple (above) and sweet peach (below, right) with traditional gray suits. If you are having an autumn wedding, go fall tones with a brown paisley tie like the professorial chic look below (although maybe skip the checked jacket for the ceremony).

Novelty

Sure, novelty ties can include things like Nintendo characters or even a piano keyboard. But they are also just fun, whimsical accessories that can express the groom's interests. For a nautical or preppy affair, nothing says, "Hello, sailor" like this navy and white anchor neck tie (above). And for the nerd you fell in love with, we think this equation bow tie is pretty darn fabulous (below).

Colorful Classics

If you've got a groom with a not-so-serious personality, why not show it off with a classic pattern in unexpected scale or colors? Above, this bubblegum pink and cherry houndstooth bow tie is completely awesome (and would pair well with any suit color). We also really like this hatch pattern below in bright citrus shades (below). Both of these would look terrific with a navy suit.

Neutrals

Just because the groom's tie has a pattern, doesn't mean it needs to be colorful. For the less-is-more groom, find a pattern he loves in a neutral that blends well with his suit for a monochromatic look. Above, a subtle gray and white plaid tie stands out just enough from the groom's gray vest. Below, a creamy beige in an oversized gingham print would be perfect with a linen suit at a Southern wedding.

Checks and Plaids

Nothing says rustic charm like a plaid tie. Update the look with modern colors, like this multicolored jewel tone (above) or yellow and charcoal (below). With one of these laidback bad boys, you don't even need a jacket.

Different Patterns

Of course, not all the men need to wear the same tie. Likewise, the groomsmen can also wear unique patterns. Much like a bridal party with coordinating dresses, allowing groomsmen to pick their own pattern adds an extra punch to your photos and makes them feel more confident about how they look. The classically patterned skinny ties (above) and myriad of bow ties (below) look super stylish in dark navy.

Credits: Stag Handmade | Holmes Ties | Casey Hendrickson Photography | The Urban Professor | Elaine Palladino Photography | Beautiful Idiot Clothing | Unique Chic Bowtique | Strangely Ever After | For the Mister | Jessica Williams Photography | Broties | April Look | Bow Tie and Cotton | Closer to Love | Bartlett Pair Photography