SELECTING A WEDDING PARTY ATTIRE FOR GUEST

The time of day and the degree of formality suggest the certain parameters within which you want to select your wedding party’s attire. Try to keep the costs within reason or consider paying a portion of the costs for your attendants as a gift to your party.

Bridesmaids:

The type of fabric and color of attendant’s dresses are determined by the bride’s wishes.

The dresses should compliment the bride’s gown and overall look of the wedding. Use the list “Bridesmaid Gowns Designers and Manufacturers” at the end of this section to contact designers of bridesmaid gowns.

You will want your attendants to feel and look comfortable so not only consider how each will look in the dresses you choose but you should ask for their opinions on the dresses you choose.

Normally the bridesmaids are dressed alike in similar style and color dresses but the newest trend is moving toward having different styles in one color or different shades in one style. Another trend that is growing is separate tops and long skirts instead of one complete dress or gown.

If the bridesmaids’ shoes will be dyed to match their dresses, they should get their shoes at the same shop to ensure the color is an exact match.

Maid of Honor/Matron of Honor:

The maid or matron of honor is normally dressed the same as the bridesmaids but just in a different color. If you choose to dress the maid or matron of honor in the same color as the bridesmaids, you will probably want her to carry a larger bouquet to set her apart from the others.

Use spreadsheet “Bridal Attendants’ Attire Estimates” at the end of this section to compare the costs and options when looking for your attendant’s attire. Once you have chosen the attire, use spreadsheet “ Attendants’ Sizes and Measurements” at the end of this section to record and keep track of the sizes and measurements for each attendant.

Mothers:

The bride and groom’s mothers dresses should compliment the overall look of the wedding in regards to style and color.

The bride and groom’s mothers should consult with the bride on what each will be wearing, the color, length of dresses as well as if gloves or hats should be worn.

The growing trend for mothers is gowns with matching shawls or sheer jackets as well as ¾ coats. Also, the latest colors are jewel tones, neutrals, and lots of muted colors.

Flower Girl:

The flower girl’s dress may match the bridesmaids’ dresses in color and length but it should be tied into other aspects of the wedding. The dresses can be knee-, tea-, or floor length but keep in mind the comfort and practicality of the dress.

Some wedding dresses have flower girl dresses that match or have similar elements such as beading or lace. If your flower girl’s dress is white, you can add a sash to match the color of the maid or matron of honor or bridesmaid dresses.

For Fall or Winter Weddings, rich fabrics such as velvet or taffeta are perfect. Silks and cottons are good for Spring and Summer and will help keep the flower girl cool.

For shoes, ballet slippers are normally worn in white or pastel matching the color of the dress. To dress up the slippers, you can add lace or baby pearls around the opening of the slippers.

If the flower girl is carrying a basket of rose petals, you could add a flowered wreath woven with colored ribbons to her hair to complement her overall appearance.

Men’s Wear:

The groom, best man, ushers, as well as the ring bearer and the fathers normally rent their attire from tuxedo shops and are normally all dressed alike.

Make sure their attire fits with the formality and season.

If possible, try to rent all their attire from the same shop to ensure they all get the same type of suit.

For evening or winter, the normally colors are navy, black or dark gray. If they will be wearing white or ivory for a summer wedding, make sure the color matches the white or ivory the bride is wearing.

Use spreadsheet “Groom Attendants’ Attire Estimates” at the end of this section to compare the costs and options when looking for your attendant’s attire. Once you have chosen the attire, use spreadsheet “ Attendants’ Sizes and Measurements” at the end of this section to record and keep track of the sizes and measurements for each attendant.

Ring bearer or Trainbearer:

Depending on the formality of the wedding, the ring bearer or trainbearer’s attire is the same or similar to the groom and his attendants (tuxedo). If its not identical, try to use the same color scheme.

For a less formal wedding, its okay to put the ring bearer or trainbearer in a suit. Traditional colors are navy or hunter green in satin or velvet or a dark blue jacket, white shorts, with blue/white knee socks. For summer, you could use a seersucker, sailor or linen suit.

Fittings and Itinerary:

Fill in the appropriate information for spreadsheets, “Bridal Attendant’s Information Sheet” and “Groom’s Attendant’s Information Sheet” at the end of this section. Copy the sheets and give the bridal sheets to your attendants and the groom will give his to his attendants. This way all members of your party will know when their attire fittings are and what the agenda will be for the rest of the affair.

Money Saving Ideas:

v  If you are having an informal wedding, consider have the bridesmaids dressed in white

v  For a less traditional look and for a less expensive option for the bridesmaids, maid/matron or honor or flower girl, you could check the formal dress section of a better department store or order the dress from a catalog. The selection could be something they could also wear in the future.

v  The flower girl could wear a short lacy party dress.

v  The men in the wedding party could wear suits and ties for a less formal and expensive look.

v  Order tuxedoes at a shop that provides the groom’s tuxedo free or at a discount.