Wedding Party Outfit: How To Stand Out On Your Date

Deciding what to wear to a wedding isn't always easy, especially when your date is in the wedding party. The key is to coordinate with your date and the wedding party without looking like you're part of the wedding group. It's important to consider the dress code, the time of year, and the venue when choosing your outfit. You should also avoid wearing the same color or a similar style as the wedding party. For example, if your date is wearing a tangerine-colored dress, you could choose a pocket square or tie in a complementary color. It's also a good idea to avoid white or any color that could be mistaken for white to avoid upstaging the bride. Ultimately, the most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable so you can enjoy the celebration.

Coordinate with your date, but don't match

When your date is part of the wedding party, it can be tricky to decide what to wear. Your main goal is to coordinate with your date and the wedding party without looking like you're part of the wedding group. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect outfit:

Keep to the Wedding Dress Code

Firstly, consider the dress code. If it's a black-tie event, stick to a simple black tuxedo without additional accessories. For a more casual wedding, a navy blazer, a button-down shirt, or khaki pants are good options for men. Women can opt for a dress with a nice neckline and simple accessories.

Keep It in the Color Family

Think about the colours the wedding party will be wearing. Avoid choosing the same colour, but try to pick an outfit that falls into the same colour category, such as earthy, neutral, bright, jewel tones, light, or dark. This will help your look mesh with the wedding party without being too matchy-matchy.

Be Smart with Your Silhouette

Pay attention to the shape and length of your outfit. While you don't want to duplicate the exact details of the wedding party's outfits, it's a good idea to roughly match the silhouette to create a cohesive look in photos. For example, if the bridal party is wearing high necks, you might feel more comfortable avoiding a plunging neckline.

Match the Style and Cut

For menswear, be aware of the style and cut of the wedding party's outfits. Are they wearing tuxedos or suits? Are they going for a slim fit or something more standard? For womenswear, consider the length and style of the dresses and try to choose an outfit with similar features.

Remember, the most important thing is to wear what makes you feel your best. Have fun and enjoy the celebration!

Keep to the wedding dress code

When your date is part of the wedding party, it's important to strike a balance between coordinating with them and the wedding party, and standing out as a guest. Here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure you're adhering to the wedding dress code:

Keep it Simple with Menswear

If you're opting for menswear, sticking to the dress code can be more straightforward. For a black-tie event, a black tuxedo without additional accessories like boutonnieres is a safe choice. If you want to add a pocket square, consider choosing one in a different colour or pattern.

Understand the Dress Code

The wedding dress code is the most crucial factor in determining your outfit. The couple usually sets the dress code based on the style of the event and the time of year. For instance, a black-tie wedding in winter calls for a different outfit than a casual summer wedding. Pay attention to the suggested attire and adjust your outfit accordingly.

Don't Panic with Feminine Looks

If you're worried about blending in with the bridesmaids or outshining them, focus on choosing a dress or skirt style that aligns with what the wedding party is wearing. You can also refer to the wedding invitation or the couple's website for more clues about the expected attire.

Stay Within the Colour Family

Consider the colours worn by the wedding party and choose a different colour from the same family. For example, if the wedding party is wearing earthy tones, you could opt for a colour in the same family but steer clear of an exact match. This ensures you complement the wedding party without looking like a member.

Be Mindful of Silhouette and Length

While you don't need to match the wedding party's style exactly, being mindful of the silhouette and length of your outfit can help you look cohesive in photos. Avoid duplicating the exact details, like a high neck or a body-con dress, unless specified in the dress code.

Respect the Venue and Culture

The location and cultural traditions of the wedding can also guide your outfit choice. For an outdoor wedding, opt for practical shoes. If it's a religious ceremony, ensure your outfit is respectful and conservative. When in doubt, a dark suit or a knee-length cocktail dress are generally safe choices.

Wear a different colour, but in the same colour family

When your date is part of the wedding party, it can be tricky to decide what to wear. The key is to coordinate with your date and the wedding party without looking like you're part of the group. One way to do this is to wear a different colour but stay within the same colour family.

Firstly, find out the dress code for the wedding. This is the most important factor when choosing your outfit. The dress code will depend on the style of the event and the time of year. For example, a black-tie event in winter will require very different attire from a casual summer wedding. The invitation may include a suggested dress code, but if you're unsure, don't be afraid to reach out to the couple or other guests for guidance.

Once you know the dress code, you can start thinking about colours. Steer clear of the same colour as the wedding party, unless it's black, especially at a black-tie event. Instead, think about the type of colours the wedding party will be wearing. Are they earthy, neutral, bright, jewel-toned, light, or dark? Pick a colour for your outfit that fits into the same category. For example, if the wedding party is wearing jewel tones, you might opt for a rich emerald green or a vibrant royal blue.

When choosing your outfit, it's also important to consider the silhouette and length. You don't want to match the wedding party exactly, but you should aim to roughly coordinate. For menswear, this might mean wearing a similar style of suit or tuxedo, while for women, it could mean choosing a dress with a similar length or style. Remember, the most important thing is to wear what makes you feel your best. As long as you're respectful of the dress code and the couple's wishes, you'll look great and feel confident.

Lastly, don't stress too much about matching your date perfectly. The goal isn't to look like you're matching but to coordinate subtly. A little bit of colour coordination will look good in pictures, and it will signal to other guests that you're together. So, whether you're wearing complementary colours or patterns, as long as you're both following the dress code and feeling confident, you'll look great together.

Match the silhouette

Matching your silhouette to your date's is a great way to coordinate your outfits without being overly matchy-matchy. It's a subtle way to signal that you're a couple, and it will look good in the photos too.

If you're wearing menswear, the style and cut of a formal outfit are often fairly prescribed, so it's helpful to be aware of whether the wedding party is wearing tuxedos or suits, and whether they're slim-fit or more standard. You don't need to wear exactly the same style, but being conscious of the style of the wedding party will help your outfit fit in.

For dresses and skirts, it's a good idea to choose an outfit with similar features to those worn by the wedding party. You can consider the length and style, but it's best not to duplicate the exact details. For example, if none of the dresses in the wedding party are tight, you might feel more comfortable avoiding a body-con dress.

The most important thing is to wear what makes you feel your best. The best celebration will have much less to do with the style of your outfit than with the confidence you feel and exude.

• A-line: Fitted bodice that flares out to create an "A" shape, universally flattering
• Empire: Waistline sits below the chest, creating an elongated skirt
• Dropped waist: The waistline is lowered several inches down from the natural waist
• Ball gown: Fitted bodice that trails into a voluminous skirt
• Mermaid: Body-hugging to the waist, hips, and thighs, then flares out at the knees
• Trumpet: Straight bodice to the hips, then flares out starting mid-thigh
• Fit-and-flare: Fitted bodice, waist, and hips, then gradually flares out towards the hem
• Slip dress: Loose and airy fit for a pared-back look
• Sheath: Snug fit that contours the body
• Column: Structured, column silhouette, often made with taffeta, brocade, or corded lace
• Tea-length: Hemlines fall between the knee and mid-calf, with a full skirt
• Midi: Hemlines fall between the knee and ankle
• High-low: The front hemline is raised above the ground, and the back hemline is floor-length or has a train
• Mini: Skirt ends above the knee

Be respectful, but wear what makes you feel your best

When your date is part of the wedding party, it can feel tricky to decide what to wear. The key is to coordinate with your date and the wedding party without looking like you're part of the wedding group yourself. As a plus-one, you want to choose an outfit that stands out just enough without clashing. Here are some tips to help you feel your best while being respectful:

Keep to the Dress Code

Adhering to the specified dress code is essential. If it's a black-tie event, a black tuxedo or a floor-length evening gown is usually expected. For a casual daytime wedding, a navy blazer, a button-down shirt, or khaki pants for men, and a dress with a nice neckline and simple accessories for women, are appropriate choices. Understanding the dress code, time of year, and season will help guide your outfit selection.

Colour Coordination

Consider the colours the wedding party will be wearing and choose a different colour that complements their palette. For example, if they're wearing earthy tones, you could opt for a colour in the same family, like a rich brown or forest green. Avoid wearing the exact same colour as the wedding party to prevent looking like you're part of it.

Silhouette and Style

While you want to coordinate, avoid being too matchy-matchy with the wedding party. You can do this by paying attention to the silhouette and style of your outfit. For instance, if the wedding party is wearing slim-fit suits, you might opt for a standard cut. If the bridesmaids are wearing high-neck dresses, you might feel more comfortable avoiding a similar style.

Accessorise

Accessories can elevate your outfit and make it unique. A colourful pocket square, a printed tie, or a sleek belt can add a touch of personality to a tux or suit. For women, jewellery can complete the outfit. A statement necklace or earrings can complement the neckline of your dress and pull everything together.

Alter and Reuse

If you're on a budget, consider altering pieces you already own to create a new look. You can also invest in timeless, classic pieces that you can re-wear and style differently for future weddings.

Remember, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in what you're wearing. Have fun with your outfit and enjoy the celebration!

Frequently asked questions