Wearing a watch at a wedding: the rules of etiquette

You wear your watch every day, including your wedding day. Should you though? What about the etiquette rules? And do the same rules apply to the wedding guests as to the bridal couple? We provide the answers to these and other questions about watches and your wedding in this blog.

Black tie etiquette: don't wear a watch at your wedding!

If you want to do your wedding completely according to the formal rules, then the dress code is Black Tie. According to the etiquette that goes with it, it is not desirable to wear a watch because it is not proper to watch the time during such a festive occasion. This applies to both the bride and groom. Even as a guest at a formal wedding, according to this dress code, it is not done to wear a watch. Although we can imagine that an exception will be made for the master of ceremonies!

More informal wedding: a modest watch is fine

You may of course wonder whether this etiquette - which dates back to the nineteenth century - still fits in with the current zeitgeist. All watches were pocket watches back then and if you wanted to know the time you had to take it conspicuously out of your pocket. Wristwatches are much more subtle and are seen more as a piece of jewelry in this age of smartphones. Wearing a modest watch at your wedding is now much more accepted. We do however not recommend wearing a smartwatch - especially if it makes noise.

Wedding watch as jewelry

Many weddings nowadays have a much more informal dress code, and because a watch is seen more as a piece of jewelry, the wedding guests mostly wear a watch. There are also bridal couples who choose to wear a wedding watch as jewelry that has been specially chosen for this day.

Incidentally, wearing eye-catching jewelry or rings at your wedding is not desirable either, because all attention should of course go to the wedding ring. That is why most women opt for subtle jewelry such as a bracelet or necklace that matches the wedding dress. Pearls are traditional and go well with a watch with a mother-of-pearl dial.

Wedding watch: which watch is suitable?

If you choose to wear a watch on the day, it must of course perfectly match you and your wedding suit or wedding dress. The main rule remains that your watch and jewelry should not attract attention, so keep it subtle!

Classic or minimalist watches go well with a suit

The bride and her outfit should be the center of attention. So as a groom, choose a simple watch. Classic watches are an excellent choice for a wedding. The design is timeless and exudes quality. This type of watch is also generally smaller and thinner and wears nicely under the cuffs of your shirt. Think of watches from, for example, classic Swiss brands such as Raymond Weil or a heritage model from brands such as Seiko or Bulova.

Or choose a one hand watch like Meistersinger; the purpose of this is to make time seem to slow down.

In any case, do not wear a watch with a striking design or colour. A modern minimalist watch such as those from Movado or Bering, for example, are stylish, thin and neutral and match perfectly with a suit.

And which watch suits my wedding dress?

For ladies, too, the watch must match the other jewelry and the dress. Go for simplicity, for example a watch in one colour like gold, rose gold or silver and opt for a smaller size. For example, the Cluse Gracieuse petit, Tissot Lovely or Balmain de Balmain.

Men: Choose a watch with a leather strap

A men's watch with a steel bracelet or a silicone strap has a more sporty look, so it is less suitable for a wedding. A NATO strap or a coarse resin link bracelet suits a casual environment better.

A leather strap is classic and available in many types of leather and colours. Moreover, you can match the strap with your shoes, which completes your outfit. Don't want to buy a new watch, but do you want a leather strap? Then take a look at our page with leather watch straps.

Ladies only: metal bracelet in the colour of your jewellery

In women's watches, a steel bracelet often suits other jewelry better than a leather strap. If you prefer to wear a watch with a leather strap, choose a white strap or a strap in a soft cream shade. Leather straps with a satin finish are especially suitable for wedding watches

Wedding watch as a keepsake

Something that bridal couples also do more and more often is to give each other an (engraved) watch as a memento of the wedding day. Or the groom wears a watch that has a special meaning to him, such as an heirloom. My own husband, for example, wore a watch from his birth year on our wedding day because he proposed on his birthday.

Need advice about your wedding watch? Contact us!

When choosing a watch for your wedding, you naturally do not take any chances. If you have any questions about watches or need advise, contact our Customer Service department.