Wedding Party Clothing

Once you decide on the style of your wedding (casual to formal) it's time to choose the clothing for your wedding party.  The key is to choose colors and styles you like - and that all members of your wedding party can look good wearing.

Your first choice is color.  Choose colors you like, because in many cases you'll extend those colors to the decorations, flowers, wedding favors, etc. at your ceremony and reception.  In general, if your wedding is in the summer choose cool pastel colors.  If you're getting married in the winter, warmer colors like darker greens, blues, or burgundy can be striking.  If you'll be married outdoors, red can be a great choice because it shows up well against the green background created by grass and trees.  If your ceremony is inside, make sure the colors you choose don't clash with the venue's decor and color scheme.

Let's take a look at attire for each group in your wedding party.

Bride's Attendants

Your bridesmaids will probably only wear the dress you choose once - pick a style and a color that all of your bridesmaids will enjoy wearing.  Your bridesmaids are special to you - make them feel special on your wedding day.  While it is your wedding and you can feel free to choose whatever you like, be considerate.

Many brides choose to have all bridesmaids wear the same style dress, but some add variety by choosing the same style of dress but in different colors.  Or you can let your bridesmaids to choose their own dress as long as it meets basic style and color requirements you set. If you choose black as your bridesmaids' color, this approach can work really well.  If you allow each person to pick their own color your wedding party may look like a rainbow gone bad.

If you choose a dress at a bridal shop, your bridesmaids can be fitted individually on their own schedule.  Make sure you know how long the process will take, though, and give your bridesmaids a deadline for when fittings and alteration appointments must be completed.

Groom's Attendants

Most men rent formal wear.  It's a simple approach, especially since all of your groomsmen are unlikely to own tuxes, much less similar tuxes.  Ties or cummerbunds can be chosen to match the bridesmaids' dresses.  While making choices for groomsman attire is relatively simple, plan ahead:   Many rental shops are fully booked during the prime wedding months of April through October.  The tuxedo shop may also need to alter a few garments for your groomsmen, too, so allow plenty of time.

Mothers

The mother of the bride typically has first choice of gown or dress style and color.  She then consults with the mother of the groom who can then pick a style and color that is complementary.  While it isn't necessary to put a lot of effort into making sure the brides' mothers choose complementary outfits, it is a little jarring when one mother wears a floor-length gown and the other wears a business suit.

Fathers

Fathers typically wear the same style and color suit or tux as the groomsmen.  If there are step-fathers involved, unless they will be a part of the wedding, they typically do not wear what the groomsmen are wearing.