The couple getting married will want to look their best on their wedding day. However, your wedding party should be rocking their look as well. There are several things to consider when it comes to selecting your wedding party attire. Evaluating these prior to researching your options will help you find the attire that will work best for your wedding VIPs.
Please keep in mind, these are traditional options for wedding party attire. In the case of a wedding party for a lgbtq+ couple, they wouldn’t have the traditional titles of groomsmen or bridesmaids but instead “honored attendants”. However, these tips can still be used as a guide for the gender they associate with.
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Wedding Colors
Your wedding color palette will be front and center when it comes to your wedding party’s attire. You can go the route of selecting one color for all your bridesmaids or include multiple colors. Some couples even opt to add patterns. Keep in mind that if you opt to have your bridesmaids in one color but different dresses, you may get different hues of that color depending on the fabric of the dress and where they purchase it from.
While your groomsmen will wear a selected colored suit or tux, typically a black, blue tone, or beige, you can include pops of your wedding colors in their tie, bowtie, vest, or pocket square.
Attire Style
The formality and location of your wedding would be the next thing to consider. If you are having a beach wedding that is on the casual side, you won’t want to have your groomsmen wear a tux and your bridesmaids in evening gowns. Having attire that matches your wedding style and formality will bring cohesiveness to your celebration.
When looking at attire styles, you don’t have to have all your bridesmaids wear the exact same outfit. Along with your color selection, you will find that there are many options for lengths and necklines. Mix and matching styles can allow for a lovely contrast and give your bridesmaids the opportunity to find a style that they like. There are great websites for bridesmaids’ dresses that you can find a variety of styles and colors.
Your groomsmen’s attire will most likely be similar to the groom’s. However, you can change it up with details like having the groom wear a tie and the groomsmen wear bowties. Another option could be having the groom wear a jacket or vest and the groomsmen go without one. This allows for the groom to stand out but still have a cohesive look with the groomsmen.
We have also seen couples opted to go the non-traditional route. An example would be a “best woman” who may wear a tailored suit as she stands on the groom’s side.
Price Point
Whether you are opting to have your wedding party purchase or rent their attire, there is a wide price range you can select from. It’s important to be mindful and respectful of the amount that you want your wedding party to spend on their attire for your wedding.
Allow for Personalization
Having your bridesmaids select their shoes and accessories, with guidelines of course, is a great way to make them feel more comfortable with their wedding day look but still fit in with the style of your wedding. This is especially important for your bridesmaids’ shoes. Not all women feel comfortable walking in high heels. This can be especially nerve-wracking when they have to walk down the aisle for the wedding ceremony or when they are introduced at the wedding reception. Allowing your ladies to find shoes that they are comfortable in within the style of attire you want is a win-win for everyone.
Different Body Shapes
People come in all different beautiful shapes and sizes. With this, they may feel more comfortable in certain styles of attire than others. Just as you and your future spouse will want to be comfortable on the wedding day, so will your wedding party. If you have a diverse group of bridesmaids, providing them with guidelines, like color and length, and allowing them to select their own attire will ensure that each wears something they love and are comfortable in.
Time of Year
Lastly, take note of the time of year you’ll be having your wedding. Asking your ladies to wear knee-length, strapless dresses for a January wedding, wouldn’t be the right choice. This also goes for your fabric choice. If you are having a summer wedding in Central Florida, selecting a heavy satin dress will probably be too hot for your bridesmaids. Instead, a lightweight material, like chiffon, would be a better option.