If you are following a “typical” wedding timeline, you likely chose your wedding dress within the last few months. Ready or not, it’s time to begin the process again, only this time with your bridesmaids. We bet you have a vision of the perfect bridesmaid dress and a Pinterest board or folder of tear sheets to go with it. Translating that vision into a dress all your bridesmaids will love can sometimes be a challenge. But, good communication and an open mind is always a great place to start!
Wedding sites and magazines are full of articles suggesting whether the bride should choose the bridesmaids dresses or let them choose their own; and, if all the dresses should match. There is no wrong or right answer – those decisions have to be yours. Our advice is to be a considerate bride who encourages or chooses a style of dress that flatters the various body types within her bridal party. Btw, your future wedding photographer thanks you now for this awesome decision! Bada-bing baby – beautiful smiles radiate from bridal parties who are comfortable in what they are wearing. Who doesn’t want that?
Let’s get started!
Bridesmaids Ideas:
1. Traditional bridesmaid dresses - Select a style of dress or collection of dresses from a bridal salon.
- Pros: Easy to coordinate wedding party.
- Cons: Generally, the most expensive option and regardless how pretty, only worn one time.
- Alterations are usually required.
2. Off-the-rack dresses - Pick the same dress from a major retailer.
- Pros: These styles can typically be worn again and are more budget-friendly.
- Cons: Requires more searching and must be purchased quickly before they sell out.
3. Mixed-and-matched dresses - Bridesmaids choice!
- Pros: Everyone feels comfortable in their own choices and variety makes wedding photos more interesting.
- Cons: Different ideas of what is appropriate can pose challenges. Some bridesmaids will need extra guidance. This option gives the bride less control over the final look so guidelines are important. Plus, as great as it sounds, it can cause stress for bridesmaids to pick the perfect dress. They hate the thought of disappointing their friends.
Color Choices:
- One color
- One color in a variety of hues
- Multiple colors
Keep in Mind:
- Bridesmaids pay for their own dresses.
- Mixing hemlines and fabric is acceptable.
- Patterns or embellishments – go for it!
Bridesmaids will also need:
- Shoes
- Jewelry
- Shawl/wrap
- Purse
Consider letting them express their personality through their own accessories, or you can give them something matching as an attendant gift. Sometimes these accessories can be a great gift to include in a bridesmaid proposal! You can also have them wear these cute Personalized Black Floral Robes while getting ready before the wedding.
Now, let’s give it up for the groomsmen! We hesitate to say they are “easier” to dress but, in general, their look requires fewer decisions and less fittings and alterations. Opinions are few and far between.
Groomsmen Ideas:
1. Black tie/Formal - tuxedo, bow tie, patent leather shoes, vest or cummerbund
2. Semiformal - Dark (grey, black, blue) suit, light-colored shirts, patterned or plain ties.
3. Casual - Light-colored suit or no coat and tie, depending on time and venue (morning wedding vs outdoor wedding). Consider adding sneakers and other playful touches.
(TIP: Linen wrinkles. Every time. You heard it here first.)
Thoughts on Tuxedos:
- Like dresses, they don't have to match. If a groomsman has his own tux, let him wear it, especially if budget is an issue. You can always rent a matching tie or cummerbund from the tuxedo shop. Chances are no one will even notice. Likewise, if a groomsmen doesn't own or can’t rent a tux, ask him to wear a nice black suit with tuxedo shoes. (Isn’t it cute how easy their problems are to solve?)
Groomsmen Accessories:
- Tie or bow tie
- Cuff links
- Cummerbund or vest
- Suspenders
- Tie clip
- Shoes (patent leather lace-ups or oxfords)
- Pocket square
Accessories can also be a great gift to include in groomsmen proposals as well. These Men's Groomsmen Socks are a great example.
You are becoming a wedding planning pro! Up next is choosing a florist, researching wedding rentals and hiring entertainment. Just nine months to go until your big day!
Follow our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide for more tips for every phase of your planning process. Feeling crafty? We’ve handpicked our favorite DIY wedding projects too! Be sure to download and print these free Wedding Planning Worksheets for a smooth process planning your big day.
Article written by: Melissa Collier
Photography by: Christie Conyer
