Bridal Party Attire

When it comes to choosing your bridal party's attire, this may prove to be a challenging task.  It will be likely that, unless you only have a single bridesmaid, all will be of differing shapes and sizes. 

Finding a style that will suit all of your bridesmaids (and groomsmen, flower girl and pageboy), not to mention a style that they are happy to wear, can prove difficult, especially if you would like them to be dressed in the same style. 

It is possible, however that by following a few golden rules, you’ll have your attendants stepping out in style on your wedding day, looking ab-fab!

As mentioned, when it comes to choosing your bridesmaids wedding gowns, unless you have only a single bridesmaid, things may get a little challenging.  Finding a style that will suit all of your bridesmaids (and groomsmen, flower girl and pageboy), not to mention a style that they are happy to wear, can prove difficult, especially if you would like them to be dressed in the same style.

It may be best to 'think outside the square'.

Dare To Be Different

Although the thought of having identical styles worn by each of your bridesmaids may appeal, the reality is, that not every style suits every body shape.  It may be worth being a little more flexible when choosing the style of gown and allowing individuality between each bridesmaid. 

Gone are the days where bridesmaids where forced to wear gowns that just didn’t suit them, flinging them into their wardrobes after the wedding day never to be worn again.  Modern day brides are now choosing fashionable gowns that vary in style in order to suit the body shape of each individual bridesmaid. By choosing the same fabric, theme, colour or accessories, your bridesmaids may wear completely different styles of gowns without looking out of place.

If you do however have your heart set on identical gowns for all of your bridesmaids, ensure that you consider the following:

• Consider the size and shape of all bridesmaids.
• Keep the gown simple and accessorise with jewellery, belts, or wraps to ‘jazz it up’.  This way, everyone should feel comfortable.
• Choose a style that generally suits most body shapes.  A-line and empire styled gowns are your best choices.
• Ensure that your bridesmaids feel comfortable and can afford (if they are paying) your chosen style of gown.
• Purchase all fabric (or ready made gowns) at the same time to avoid different dye lots.  

Complementing the Bride

Another important aspect to consider is that the gowns worn by your bridesmaids compliment your personal wedding gown (and the overall theme of your wedding).

Ensure that prior to choosing your bridesmaids gown, you have chosen your own.  It is a good idea to model the overall style of their gown on the one that you will be personally wearing down the aisle.  Choose a similar fabric to your gown and ensure that the colour compliments the tones to both your dress fabric and the overall colour scheme of your wedding.

At the end of the day, ensure that your bridesmaids are comfortable in what they are wearing, and most importantly, that you all have fun!

No longer are weddings all about the girls.  Today’s modern groom and groomsmen are also interested in making a statement when it comes to walking down the aisle.  From tuxedos to tails and cufflinks to cravats, the groovy groom has an endless variety of options to choose from when deciding upon his wedding attire. 

To Purchase or to Hire? 

Possibly the first decision to make, when selecting your groomsmens wedding attire, is whether to buy or hire.  There are advantages and disadvantages with both options.  The majority of couples usually choose to hire their attendents wedding attire.  If purchasing suits for your bridal attendents, refer to our handy tips in the 'Bridal Attire - Groom' section of our website. 

Hiring Your Suits 

If purchasing suits is not your choice, then you’ll no doubt be considering hiring.  Take the time to visit various formalwear companies until you find one that has a good variety of styles, colours and fabrics to choose from.

Choose a reputable formalwear business who offer a personalised service and experienced staff who will be able to provide professional advice.  They should be able to assist your you in choosing a suit that matches the groom and reflects the style, theme, formality and colours of your wedding.

Ensure that you book your suit hire well in advance of your wedding.  You should allow between 4-6 months to avoid disappointment. Plan for a few fittings with all groomsmen present to provide for adjustments and alterations along the way. 

Ensure that your Groomsmen are 'Suitably Attired'! 

There are a few other considerations to take into account when choosing suits for your groomsmen.  Apart from the style, you should also consider the season, formality and time of day of your wedding. 
There are so many fashionable choices when it comes to men’s formalwear.  Gone are the days of traditional black ‘Sunday’ suits and formal tuxedos and tails.  Modern grooms are now choosing styles that make a real statement, and most importantly are comfortable to wear, no matter what the environment.

Consider the season and time of day that your ceremony is to be held.  If you are getting married in the heart of summer, then it’s best to avoid woollen suits, and perhaps consider linen or lighter fabrics that breathe.  You may also need to tone down the formality if this is case – the last thing you want is for your bridal party to pass out from heat exhaustion due to a black tuxedo!
Less formal options are great for spring or summer weddings, especially for those that are to be held outdoors.  Cool pastel coloured shirts are also a great choice.

If your wedding is to be held in the middle of winter, or late in the afternoon, then warmth is what you need.  A woollen blend is your best choice.  Evening dinner jackets are a smart alternative to the traditional formal tuxedo if you want to tone things down a little.

Whatever your choice is in your groomsmens formalwear, the most important factor is that the boys are comfortable and have a great day!

When it comes to the little ones, there is really only one very important rule….ensure that they are comfortable!  If any of your have had experience with children, you will know very well, that if a child is uncomfortable, everyone around them will know about it too!

When choosing the fabric and design for your little ones, consider the texture and flexibility of the fabric.  Ensure that the fabric is soft and smooth and that there is enough room for the child to move around freely.  Avoid rough ‘itchy’ fabrics, which may irritate the child.  A satin edge sewn around seams is a good way to avoid fabric rubbing against the child’s skin.  Undergarments, or slips should be either sewn into the attire or worn with it to ensure optimal comfort.

The overall style of the flower girl and pageboy’s outfits should once again compliment that of your gown and the style and theme of your wedding.  Coloured sashes worn by the flower girl are a gorgeous accessory, and usually complement the colour of the bridesmaid’s gowns.  Similarly, the pageboy may wear colours tying in with those of the groomsmen, such as a waistcoat or bow tie.

It is advisable that the flower girl and pageboy’s attire be left until last, to allow for any change in size, or a growth spurt.