Wedding Party Attire Guide

The appropriate wedding attire will ultimately depend on how formal your wedding will be.

Use the breakdown below to make a checklist for your wedding party.

By far, you will ultimately place the most effort into planning the immediate wedding attire. This is normally the largest group of people for whom you have to make apparel decisions and fortunately, most of these people will be dressed in one of two ways, which will help cut down on the confusion.

The most important factor to consider when deciding on wedding party attire is definitely your gown chosen from the many wedding dress styles.

Whether you design your wedding dress or you buy one already made, it will ultimately help you decide whether your bridal party, attendants and guests will be in formal wear or whether they will be allowed to wear more casual attire.

If you are going for a formal wedding scenario, your bridal gown will typically be floor length and have a more intricate design and detailing.

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Once you have selected your wedding gown, it is then time to decide upon wedding party attire for your bridesmaids. While the style, cut and color are completely up to you, the length and formality of your bridesmaids’ dresses should reflect the same sentiment you chose for your own gown.

For example, if you chose a formal full-length gown for yourself, your ladies should also be dressed in long, formal gowns as well.

If your gown and ceremony are meant to be casual, it is then appropriate for the bridesmaids to wear tastefully shorter, flirtier dress styles.

When deciding on a dress, remember to try and choose a color that harmonizes with or that is within the wedding color pallet and a style that is flattering on several different body types, as your bridesmaids are not all likely to be shaped the same way.

You also have the option of selecting a different style for each girl that flatters her shape and have her ordered in the same color. This will ensure that you have uniformity in formality and color while also allowing each girl to look her best.

The two most adorable members of your wedding party should also be dressed to resemble the bride and groom. While planning wedding party attire, arrange for the flower girl to wear a simple white dress, with the length coordinating to the bride’s gown. The ring bearer on the other hand, can be fitted for a child’s tuxedo, if you like but a simple black Sunday suit will work fine.

When outfitting the groom in wedding party attire, he will most commonly be dressed in one of two ways. If your wedding is highly formal, have him fitted for a crisp traditional tuxedo complete with a cumber bun and white dress shirt.

If you have decided on a more casual tone, your groom has a few choices when it comes to his wedding day attire. During warm weather outdoor weddings, classy khaki slacks and a crisp white button down or linen shirt will do nicely.

If on the other hand you are planning a beach wedding ceremony, you may want to trade khaki pants for linen, which is a more lightweight and breathable fabric.

As the bridesmaid dresses correspond with the bride's attire, so do the groomsmen’s outfits to the groom.

Your groom will typically wear a white shirt under his jacket, however the groomsmen should be set apart by assigning them a different colored shirt to wear under their jackets so they can easily be identified.

If the affair is casual, mens beach wedding attire may be appropriate.

While traditionally parents of the bride and groom have a bit more freedom when it comes to their outfits, it is wise to remind them to try and stick with the theme and formality of the wedding.

If all the men are wearing tuxedos, Dad should be too. Also, remind the mothers of the dress length for which they should be looking and ask them to stay away from shades of cream, white and ivory to avoid overshadowing the bride.

In some larger weddings, attendants are needed to help with tasks and duties such as seating, passing out programs, etc. If this is the case with your wedding, you are going to have to tell them what their wedding party attire will be as well. While it is not required that you pick out the attire for your attendants, it can be a big help if look for uniformity.

If you have female attendants, dress them in a simpler version of the bridesmaid’s dress. You can also choose to have them wear a simple black gown with a sash in the color of the bridesmaid's dresses to help set them apart.

When choosing wedding party attire for male attendants, remember that you want their attire to mimic the theme and formality, so put them in an outfit similar to that of the groomsmen.

To make them more identifiable, you have the option of giving them a different colored shirt or even giving them a different type of boutonniere to help them stand out.

As it is, in most cases, up to each individual person to purchase the required attire, it is imperative that you make them aware of the dress items that will be required of them as far in advance as possible to avoid potential financial issues closer to the wedding.

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