Matching Groomsmen And Bridesmaids: A Wedding Tradition?

Matching the groomsmen and bridesmaids at a wedding is a topic that has sparked many debates. While some people believe that it is essential for the wedding party to be colour-coordinated, others argue that it is unnecessary and can be a lot of extra work. Ultimately, the decision lies with the couple getting married and what their vision for their wedding day is. This article will explore the pros and cons of matching the groomsmen and bridesmaids and offer some tips for achieving a coordinated look.

Matching colours and accessories

Matching the colours and accessories of the bridesmaids and groomsmen can be a great way to create a unified aesthetic and set the tone and personality of your wedding. It can be a fun part of the wedding planning process and help reflect you as a couple.

• Pick your wedding colour palette: Choose 3-5 colours for your wedding palette, including primary and secondary "accent" colours. These colours will be used throughout your wedding, from decorations to outfits.
• Solidify your primary colours: Select 1-2 primary colours that will be used predominantly throughout your ceremony space. These colours will likely be used for the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen accessories.
• Coordinate the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen accessories: Use your primary colour for the bridesmaid dresses and match the groomsmen's accessories such as ties, pocket squares, and even socks.
• Mix and match: You don't have to match the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen accessories exactly. You can create a cohesive look by using different shades of the same colour or incorporating secondary colours.
• Choose a common element: Select one element, such as colour, pattern, or print, that remains the same between the bridesmaids and groomsmen. For example, the bridesmaid dress colour can match the design of the groomsmen's ties.
• Order swatches: Ordering fabric swatches can help you see the colours and fabrics together and make it easier to coordinate.
• Keep it simple: When choosing groomsmen outfits, stick to neutral colours and add pops of colour with accessories. This will create a cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy.
• Be creative: If you want to get creative, groomsmen suits come in various colours besides the traditional black, navy, and grey. Cream, white, red, and beige are unique options. You can also choose a pattern if the groomsmen want to make a bolder statement.
• Consider the time of year: The time of year and wedding venue can influence your colour choices. For example, darker, richer colours are typically chosen for winter weddings, while beachy pale or bright colours are popular for summer weddings.

Choosing a common element

Matching bridesmaids and groomsmen is a great way to set the tone and personality for your wedding and to reflect your style as a couple. It is a fantastic way to run an aesthetic and theme throughout your big day and creates a sense of unison for the wedding party.

However, it can be a lot of work to make sure that both groups match. It can also be difficult to please everyone, especially if you have chosen to have your group all wearing the same bridesmaid dress style.

If you are keen to match the bridesmaids and groomsmen, there are some simple ways to do this. Firstly, decide on your wedding colour palette. This is an important step as your wedding colours will be used everywhere throughout your big day, from the decoration to the outfits. It is common to have primary wedding colours and secondary 'accent' colours, and you can choose from around 3-5 colours for your palette.

Once you have decided on your palette, you can then decide on 1-2 primary colours. These are the colours that will be seen predominantly throughout your ceremony space and will help determine what colours you choose for your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Now, choose one element that will remain the same between the two sides of the wedding party. This could be colour, a colour pattern, or a particular print. For example, you could have the bridesmaids' dress colour match the groomsmen's ties, or vice versa. You could also match the bridesmaids' accessories to the groomsmen's pocket squares.

If you don't want to match exactly, you can simply coordinate your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Black, navy blue, and grey are the most popular colours for groomsmen to wear and are easy to coordinate with bridesmaid colours. You can also choose groomsmen ties that match the bridesmaids' dresses exactly.

Remember, it's your wedding, and you don't have to do anything you don't want to!

Coordinating bridesmaids' dresses with groomsmen's suits

The first step is to choose your wedding colour palette. Pick 3-5 colours that you and your partner love and that reflect your style as a couple. These colours will be used throughout your wedding, from the decorations to the outfits. Once you've chosen your palette, decide on 1-2 primary colours that will be used for the bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's accessories.

For the groomsmen, it's best to stick to neutral-coloured suits, such as grey, black, or navy blue. These colours are easy to coordinate with the bridesmaids' dresses and can be paired with colourful accessories like ties, pocket squares, or even socks. If you want to get creative, groomsmen's suits also come in other colours like cream, white, red, or beige. Tan suits are a great option for a beach wedding.

To achieve a cohesive look, choose one element that will be the same for both the bridesmaids and groomsmen. This could be a colour, a colour pattern, or a particular print. For example, the bridesmaids' dress colour could match the groomsmen's ties, pocket squares, or boutonnieres. Ordering fabric swatches can be helpful to ensure the colours complement each other and create a seamless pair.

If you want to mix and match, consider using secondary colours from your palette for the bridesmaids' dresses or groomsmen's accessories. This adds a dynamic look and is a great way to incorporate more of your wedding colours. You can also play with different textures and styles to create a unique and stylish bridal party.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to coordinate your bridesmaids and groomsmen. The most important thing is to choose what you and your partner love and what reflects your vision for your special day.

History of matching bridesmaids and groomsmen

The tradition of matching bridesmaids and groomsmen dates back to ancient Rome. According to Roman law, ten witnesses were required to be present at a wedding while the couple recited sacred verses. These witnesses, who were usually friends of the couple, became the bridal party, with the bridesmaids and groomsmen dressing identically to the bride and groom. This was believed to confuse evil spirits or jealous suitors who might wish to harm the newlyweds, thus providing protection and safeguarding the couple from ill intent or bad luck.

Over time, the tradition of matching bridesmaids and groomsmen evolved. Bridesmaids were no longer required to dress exactly like the bride, and the focus shifted to coordinating colours, textures, and themes between the bridal party and the groomsmen. This evolution was likely influenced by the impracticality of matching large bridal parties and the desire to showcase the bride's unique style.

Today, matching the bridal party to the groomsmen is not a requirement but rather a choice made by the couple. Some couples opt for a cohesive and unified aesthetic by matching colours, accessories, or themes. Others choose to coordinate through complementary colours or unique suit colours. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one, allowing couples to showcase their personality and style while celebrating their special day surrounded by their loved ones.

Tips for matching bridesmaids and groomsmen

Matching bridesmaids and groomsmen is a great way to set the tone and personality of your wedding, and to help reflect your style as a couple. It is a fantastic way to run an aesthetic and theme throughout your big day and creates a sense of unison for the wedding party.

Choose a Colour Scheme

First, pick out your wedding colours and overall theme. Your wedding colours will be used throughout your big day, from decorations to outfits, so it is essential to spend time on this decision. You are not limited to two or three colours. It is common to have primary wedding colours and secondary 'accent' colours, giving you endless possibilities to get creative. We recommend choosing 3-5 colours for your wedding palette, ensuring that you and your partner love them all.

Pick Your Primary Colours

After identifying your wedding palette, it is time to choose 1-2 primary colours. These are the colours that will be seen predominantly throughout your ceremony space and will help determine the colours for your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Consider what these colours would look like as a suit or a dress to ensure you are happy with your choice.

Decide on Bridesmaids' Dress Colours

Use your chosen primary colours to determine what your bridesmaids will wear. You may choose to have them wear your favourite wedding colour or mix and match with some secondary colours. Many brides opt for the same colour dresses, while others are choosing the mismatched look, which is a stylish and unique way to make your bridesmaids feel extra special.

Choose What the Groomsmen Will Wear

When it comes to the groomsmen's outfits, it is best to keep it simple. Stick to neutral colours like grey or black suits and add pops of colour with their accessories. This will make your wedding party look cohesive without being too matchy-matchy.

Match Your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

To achieve a coordinated look, choose one element that remains the same for both the bridesmaids and groomsmen. This could be colour, a colour pattern, or a particular print. For example, the bridesmaids' dress colour could match the groomsmen's ties or vice versa. Ordering samples of the elements for your bridesmaids and groomsmen is a great way to see the colours together and make coordinating super easy.

Keep Communication Open

The main challenge with matching bridesmaids and groomsmen is that it is something extra to consider, and each person may have their own preferences. Keep communication open between all the bridesmaids and groomsmen to help make adjustments and keep everyone happy.

Remember, it is your wedding, and you don't have to match everything if you don't want to. You can choose to match on a single angle, such as colour, texture, or accessories, to create a coordinated look without being too strict.

Frequently asked questions