Matching Your Wedding Party: A Guide To Bridesmaids And Groomsmen Style

Matching bridesmaids and groomsmen is an essential part of wedding planning and can be super tricky and confusing. The bridal party will be standing next to the couple on their wedding day, so it's only natural that the couple wants to make sure their outfits coordinate perfectly. The good news is that bringing the two sides of a wedding party's outfits together is an easier task than most people think. The key is to select a colour palette with 3-6 colours that work well together and then assign one or two primary colours that will be used for the bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's accessories. The couple can then decide whether they want an exact match or a more dynamic look with mismatched dresses and ties.

Pick a colour palette

Picking a colour palette is the first step to coordinating bridesmaids and groomsmen. Your wedding colours will be used throughout your big day, from decorations to outfits, so it's worth spending some time on this decision.

There's no "correct" way to choose your wedding colours, but there are some things to consider. You could look at weddings with colours or aesthetics that you like, or search for trending wedding colours for inspiration. It's common to have primary wedding colours and secondary "accent" colours, giving you endless possibilities for creative touches. It's recommended that you choose 3-5 colours for your wedding palette.

Once you've chosen your palette, it's time to pick 1-2 primary colours. These are the colours that will be seen predominantly throughout your ceremony space and will be used for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Consider what these colours would look like as a suit or a dress, and whether you like them.

There are several ways to coordinate your bridesmaids and groomsmen using your chosen colours:

• Using your primary colour for the bridesmaid dresses and the groomsmen's accessories, such as ties, pocket squares, and socks.
• Mixing and matching dresses and suits in different shades of your primary colours.
• Choosing a common element, such as a colour, pattern, or print, that remains the same for both the bridesmaids and groomsmen. For example, the bridesmaids' dress colour could match the groomsmen's ties.
• Ordering fabric swatches can help you easily coordinate the colours and fabrics of the bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's suits.
• If you want the bridesmaids and groomsmen to match, but the groom to stand out, an easy option is to have the ties match the dresses exactly.
• If you're using the trend of mismatched bridesmaid dresses, you can do the same with the groomsmen's ties, or choose ties that are a shade or two off from the dresses.
• Alternatively, you can choose a secondary colour from your palette, or a colour that comes through in other elements like flowers, decor, and accessories.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose colours that you and your partner love and that reflect your style and personality as a couple.

Decide on bridesmaids' dress colours

Deciding on the bridesmaids' dress colours is a crucial step in wedding planning. Here are some tips to help you choose:

Choose Your Wedding Colour Palette

The first step is to select your wedding colours and overall theme. These colours will be used throughout your wedding, from decorations to outfits, so it's important to spend time on this decision. You're not limited to just two or three colours; it's common to have primary wedding colours and secondary "accent" colours. We recommend choosing 3-5 colours for your palette, ensuring there's something for both of you to love.

Finalise Your Primary Wedding Colours

Once you've chosen your palette, it's time to finalise 1-2 primary colours. These colours will be seen predominantly throughout your ceremony space and will help determine the colours for your bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's accessories. Consider how these colours will look as a suit or a dress to ensure you're happy with your choice.

Use Your Primary Colours

Use your chosen primary colours to determine the bridesmaids' dresses. Many couples choose to have their favourite wedding colour worn by the bridesmaids. Remember, the colour they wear will be featured in all your wedding photos! If you want a more dynamic look, consider using some secondary colours in the mix.

Mix and Match

Nowadays, it's becoming popular to mix and match bridesmaids' dresses. This can be a super stylish and unique way to make your bridesmaids feel special. It's also an excellent way to incorporate more of your wedding colours. You can have your bridesmaids wear different shades of the same colour to create an ombre effect or opt for a range of similar neutral colours. This option allows your bridesmaids to choose shades that complement their skin tones.

Draw Inspiration from Nature and Your Venue

If you're struggling to decide on colours, draw inspiration from nature and your wedding venue. For example, an outdoor autumn wedding could inspire rustic, textured fabrics and colours like tweed or textured wool. A beach wedding could call for light and airy colours, while a church wedding might incorporate the colours of its stained glass pieces.

Order Fabric Swatches

Ordering fabric swatches is a great way to see the colours and fabrics together. This will make it easier to coordinate the bridesmaids' dresses with the groomsmen's accessories. You can also use these swatches to colour match with other vendors, such as your florist or decorator.

Choose groomsmen's suits

Matching the groomsmen's suits to the wedding

Before choosing the groomsmen's suits, it is important to consider the wedding's theme, formality, and colour scheme. If you're having a formal black-tie wedding, opt for tuxedos. For a casual wedding, you can choose less formal suits, such as khakis. If your wedding colours are navy and silver, for example, you could choose navy suits for your groomsmen.

Suit colours

Navy blue suits are a timeless and classic choice, exuding an air of stability, reliability, and sophistication. Grey suits are also a versatile option, complementing any wedding palette. Black suits are a stylish and unique choice, perfect for a formal affair. Green suits offer a bold and stylish statement, with a range of shades to complement your wedding theme and season. Tan suits are a popular choice for beach or rustic-themed weddings, blending effortlessly with any season.

Suit types

Tuxedos are formal suits, typically consisting of a black jacket and pants, a white dress shirt, a bow tie, and black formal shoes. A three-piece suit includes a jacket, pants, and a waistcoat, offering more versatility than a tuxedo. A traditional suit is a more casual option, simply consisting of a jacket and trousers made from the same fabric.

Accessories

To coordinate the groomsmen's accessories, select a colour that matches or complements the bridesmaids' dresses. Ties, pocket squares, and socks can be used to add pops of colour. Cufflinks can also add a personalised touch.

Rental vs buying

When deciding between renting or buying suits, consider cost, fit, style, and convenience. Renting is generally more affordable upfront, while buying provides a more personalised and long-lasting option. Rental suits may offer a good enough fit, but a purchased suit can be made-to-measure for a perfect fit.

Ordering timeline

It is recommended to order suits a few months in advance to allow time for fittings, alterations, and exchanges. This also gives groomsmen the opportunity to try on their suits and ensure comfort. Ideally, suits should be ordered at least 4-6 months before the wedding to address any issues.

Order fabric swatches

Ordering fabric swatches is an important step in the process of matching bridesmaids and groomsmen. It can be challenging to achieve precise colour matching when relying solely on screen images or photographs. Fabric swatches allow you to compare colours and fabrics directly, ensuring a seamless match between the bridal party's attire.

• Take advantage of free swatch programmes: Companies like Generation Tux offer free fabric swatch programmes, allowing you to select and order multiple fabric swatches to be delivered to your doorstep at no cost. This is a great way to ensure you have the exact colour and fabric match for your bridal party.
• Order swatches early: Start the process early to avoid last-minute stress. Ordering fabric swatches well in advance gives you ample time to compare colours and make informed decisions.
• Compare swatches to your wedding palette: If you have already chosen a wedding palette, compare the fabric swatches to the colours in your palette. This will help you determine if the colours complement each other and fit within your chosen theme.
• Consider lighting conditions: Colours can appear different under various lighting conditions. Recreate the lighting of your wedding venue when comparing colours to ensure an accurate match. Natural daylight, indoor lighting, and photography lighting can all impact the appearance of colours.
• Order swatches for both bridesmaids and groomsmen: Don't forget to order fabric swatches for both the bridesmaids' dresses and the groomsmen's attire. This will ensure that you can achieve a cohesive look for the entire bridal party.
• Keep swatches organised: As you order fabric swatches, create a system to organise and label them. This will make it easier to refer back to specific colours and fabrics when making decisions or discussing options with your bridal party.

Ordering fabric swatches is a simple yet crucial step in matching your bridesmaids and groomsmen. It ensures that you have an exact colour and fabric match, creating a visually appealing and unified bridal party on your special day.

Pick a common element

Picking a common element is a simple way to create a cohesive look for your wedding party without being too matchy-matchy. This could be related to colour, a colour pattern, or a particular print. For instance, the bridesmaids' dress colour could match the groomsmen's ties or vice versa.

One way to achieve a coordinated look is by choosing different shades of the same colour. For example, if your bridesmaids are wearing a pale seafoam, your groomsmen could wear darker teal accessories. You could also match the bridesmaids' accessories to the groomsmen's pocket squares. As these are smaller elements, pulling the same shades of colour will tie the two together without looking forced.

Another option is to use a secondary colour in the palette for the bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's accessories. This could be a colour that comes through in other elements like flowers, decor, and other accessories. For instance, if your palette is teal and coral, the groomsmen could wear whatever colour the bridesmaids aren't, or another colour like gold or blush that might be used in flowers and other decor.

Ordering fabric swatches is a great way to compare colours and ensure they complement each other.

Frequently asked questions