It’s no secret that planning a wedding can be stressful. With a seemingly inexhaustible list of decisions to make, even the choice between tie and cravat can start to weigh on your mind in ways you never imagined before deciding to tie the knot. That’s understandable since there are strong points in favour of both cravat and tie, but here are just three signs you’ll be better off opting for a tie.

1. You’re in a Relaxed Venue

The first thing you’ll need to ask yourself is what kind of venues you’ve arranged for your wedding ceremony and reception. If you’re going for something more traditional, such as an old church followed by a stately home, a cravat is a nice idea since the old-school charm will fit with the venue. However, plenty of modern weddings eschew those vintage trappings. If your venues are more on the modern or relaxed side, a cravat can look a little incongruous, so pick ties instead.

2. You’re Going Formal with Your Suits

Next, ask yourself how formal the suits worn by your groom and groomsmen are going to be. Ties and cravats will work with any style, but a cravat will generally help elevate the look of a lounge jacket while a tie will relax the more formal appearance of a tail coat.

3. You’re on a Tight Budget

If you’re planning a wedding, you don’t need to be told that they can be expensive affairs. Costs can rise quickly, and differences in price that seem insignificant in isolation can become part of a much larger problem if allowed to go unchecked. If you’re on a tighter budget, ties simply work better than cravats. Remember, cravats are still considered a luxury item, and their price reflects that status. You’ll probably be buying for yourself and a few groomsmen – so, if you’re looking for an opportunity to reduce your costs, opting for a tie over a cravat is a good call.