Syncing Your Special Day: Tips For Matching Your Wedding To Your Personality And Style

Matching your date at a wedding is a fun way to show you're a couple for the night, and it's also a great way to look good in photos. But how do you find the perfect balance between coordinating and clashing? The key is to aim for coordination rather than exact matching. This means wearing colours that complement each other and create a pleasing contrast. For example, if your date is wearing a navy suit, you could opt for a light blue dress or a burgundy tie. It's also important to consider the dress code of the wedding and choose colours and styles that match the formality of the event. While it can be tricky to navigate, matching your date at a wedding is a fun way to enhance your outfit and your relationship.

Don't aim for exact matching

When it comes to matching your wedding date, the goal isn't to look like you're wearing matching costumes or that you're headed to prom. Instead, aim for coordination and a subtle signal that you're there together. Here are some tips to achieve this:

While it's tempting to match your partner's outfit exactly, this can make you look too "matchy-matchy" and boring. Instead, opt for complementary colours that go well together and create a pleasing contrast. For example, if your partner is wearing a navy suit, you could complement it with a light blue dress or a burgundy tie. Similarly, if your partner opts for a pink dress, you can choose a grey suit or a navy shirt.

Use the Colour Wheel

If you're unsure about which colours work well together, the colour wheel is an excellent resource. Analogous colours, such as red, orange, and yellow, create a warm and harmonious effect. Complementary colours, like blue and yellow, or cyan and red, create a vibrant and dynamic impact. Meanwhile, triadic colours, such as green, purple, and orange, result in a balanced and lively aesthetic.

Accessories are Key

Accessories are a great way to subtly coordinate with your partner. Choose accessories that match your style, theme, and colour scheme. For instance, if you're wearing a black suit and your partner is in a white dress, black and white accessories like a pocket square or a watch can tie your outfits together.

Don't Forget the Dress Code

While coordinating with your date is important, don't forget to consider the dress code of the wedding. For a black-tie wedding, stick to dark and neutral tones, while a semi-formal wedding allows for more colours but avoid anything too bright or flashy. If it's a casual wedding, feel free to experiment with lively shades and playful patterns.

Be Mindful of the Wedding Party

One important thing to avoid when coordinating outfits with your partner is copying the wedding party. You don't want to steal the spotlight from the bride, groom, or their attendants. Avoid wearing the same colour, style, or theme as the bridal party.

In conclusion, when matching your wedding date, aim for coordination and subtlety rather than exact matching. Use colours, accessories, and dress codes to your advantage to create a stylish and sophisticated look that complements your partner's outfit without being overly matchy.

Follow the dress code

When it comes to wedding attire, it's important to follow the specified dress code to ensure you're appropriately dressed for the occasion. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the dress code and choose the perfect outfit:

White-Tie/Full Evening Dress:

This is the most formal wedding dress code. Men typically wear long-tail tuxedos, while women don full-length ball gowns. Accessories like gloves, fine jewellery, and tiaras can complete the elegant look.

Black-Tie:

Black-tie dress codes usually indicate a formal, evening event. Men are expected to wear tuxedos, while women should opt for floor-length gowns or sophisticated cocktail dresses. For men, a black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes are recommended.

Black-Tie Optional:

This dress code encourages formal attire but offers guests more flexibility. Men can choose a dark suit with a shirt and tie instead of a tuxedo. Women can wear a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

Formal/Black-Tie Optional:

This dress code suggests a level of formality slightly below black-tie. Tuxedos are not required, but they can still be worn. Men can opt for a formal dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie. Women can choose from a floor-length gown, a cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

Semi-Formal/Dressy Casual:

Semi-formal attire is typically more casual than black-tie and is often chosen for daytime weddings. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, dressy skirts, or pantsuits. Men should opt for a dress shirt and slacks, with the option to wear a tie.

Cocktail Attire:

Cocktail attire strikes a balance between elegance and comfort. Women should choose a tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress, while men are expected to wear a suit and tie.

Creative Black-Tie:

This dress code is ideal for couples who want a formal celebration with a unique twist. Guests can experiment with bold patterns and materials, such as velvet suits or sequined cocktail dresses.

Casual Attire:

Casual attire is often chosen for outdoor or beach weddings. Women can wear summer sundresses or floral minis, while men can opt for dress pants or khakis with a collared shirt. Jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are typically not appropriate for this dress code.

Remember, the key to following the dress code is paying attention to the details specified by the couple and choosing an outfit that aligns with the level of formality requested.

Don't be afraid to shine

When attending a wedding, it's natural to want to look good as a couple without going overboard and looking like you're wearing matching costumes. So, how do you achieve the perfect balance between coordinating and clashing?

When it comes to wedding attire, don't hold back. This is your chance to add some flair to your look. That "out-there" pocket square you never get to wear? The bright socks that are a little too much for the office? Now is the time to bring them out!

However, it's important to remember that you don't want to end up looking like you're trying to steal the spotlight from the wedding party. So, while you can add some shine and sparkle, avoid wearing the same colour or style as the bridal party.

In addition, you don't want to overdoo it and end up looking like you're wearing a costume. Avoid too many matching accessories or elements—you don't want to look like you're trying too hard.

When it comes to shining, it's about finding the right balance. You want to stand out, but not at the expense of the happy couple. It's also essential to feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. If you're not usually a flashy dresser, you don't have to go overboard with sparkles and bright colours. You can add a subtle touch of shine with a pocket square, a colourful tie, or some statement jewellery.

Remember, the most important thing is to feel happy and comfortable in what you're wearing. If you feel good, you'll look good, and that confidence will shine through.

So, go ahead and add a bit of shine to your wedding attire. As Timi Nadela says, "Don't be afraid to shine. The world needs your light."

Wear complementary colours

Wearing complementary colours is a great way to match your date to a wedding without looking too "matchy-matchy". The goal is to coordinate, not to match exactly. So, if your date is wearing a tangerine dress, you might want to pick up on that colour with a peach-coloured tie or citrus-hued patterned socks.

You can also use a colour wheel to help you out. Analogous colours sit side by side on the wheel, like red, orange, and yellow, and create a harmonious and warm effect. Complementary colours sit opposite each other on the wheel, like blue and yellow, and create a vibrant and dynamic effect. Triadic colours are equidistant on the wheel, such as green, purple, and orange, and they create a balanced and lively effect.

If you're wearing a blue suit, your date could wear an orange dress or a yellow tie. Or, if your date is wearing a pink dress, you could wear a grey suit or a navy shirt. You can also use accessories to complement your date's outfit. For example, if you're wearing a black suit and your date is wearing a white dress, you could wear black and white accessories like a black belt and a white pocket square.

It's important to remember not to copy the wedding party. You don't want to look like you're trying to steal the spotlight from the happy couple or their attendants. So, avoid wearing the same colour or style as the bridal party.

Finally, don't overdo it. You don't want to look like you're wearing a costume or trying too hard. Keep it subtle and elegant, and make sure you feel good in what you're wearing.

Don't copy the wedding party

Matching your outfit with your date's for a wedding can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, it is important to remember that you don't want to look like you are part of the wedding party. Here are some tips to avoid doing that:

Avoid the wedding party colours

The first thing to keep in mind is to avoid wearing the same colours as the wedding party. If the bridesmaids have chosen purple dresses, steer clear of purple. The same goes for the groomsmen's suits. You don't want to look like you are trying to steal the spotlight from the wedding party or confuse the guests and photographer.

Don't go for a full match

Rather than aiming for an exact match, think coordination. For example, if your date is wearing a tangerine dress, you could pick up on that colour with a peach tie or citrus-hued socks. This creates a pleasing contrast and shows you are a couple without being too matchy-matchy.

Don't forget the dress code

Make sure you follow the dress code of the wedding. If it's black tie, stick to dark and neutral tones. For a semi-formal wedding, you can wear more colours but avoid anything too bright or flashy. A casual wedding means you can wear any colours, as long as they are not too loud or offensive.

Don't overdo it

Avoid wearing too many matching elements or accessories. You don't want to look like you are wearing a uniform or trying too hard. Keep it subtle and sophisticated.

Remember, the most important thing is that you and your partner are happy and comfortable with your outfits. It's a special occasion, so make sure you look and feel amazing!

Frequently asked questions