09/03/2025
Wedding Blog Wednesday!
"Dressing Your Entourage: A Guide to Choosing Bridal Party Attire
Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, and one that often requires careful consideration is the attire for your bridal party. These are the special people who will stand by your side, and their look should complement your vision for the big day. Here's a guide to help you navigate the exciting world of bridal party fashion.
1. Start with Your Wedding's Style and Theme
Before you even think about colors or fabrics, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. Are you envisioning a rustic outdoor affair at a Cibolo ranch, a sophisticated ballroom gala, or a charming, intimate garden party?
Formal: Think long, elegant gowns for bridesmaids and classic tuxedos or dark suits for groomsmen.
Semi-Formal: Shorter dresses or dressy jumpsuits for bridesmaids, and suits (lighter colors for daytime, darker for evening) for groomsmen work well.
Casual/Boho: Flowy dresses, mix-and-match styles, and more relaxed fabrics are perfect for a laid-back vibe. Groomsmen might wear chinos and vests, or even suspenders without jackets.
2. Consider the Venue and Season
Your chosen venue and the time of year will significantly influence comfort and aesthetic.
Outdoor Cibolo Wedding in Summer: Opt for lighter fabrics like chiffon, cotton, or linen to combat the Texas heat. Shorter dresses or breathable suits would be ideal.
Indoor Winter Wedding: Heavier fabrics like satin, velvet, or brocade can add warmth and a touch of luxury.
Church Ceremony: Ensure attire is respectful and appropriate for the setting, often leaning towards more modest styles.
3. Color Palette Power
The color of your bridal party's attire is crucial for establishing the visual harmony of your wedding.
Complement, Don't Compete: Their colors should complement your wedding's main color scheme, not overpower it or clash with your gown.
Skin Tones: While you have a vision, consider what colors flatter your bridal party's diverse skin tones. Offering a range of shades within your chosen color family can be a thoughtful compromise.
Timeless vs. Trendy: Trendy colors can be fun, but if you're aiming for a classic look, consider more timeless hues that won't feel dated in photos years down the line.
4. To Match or Not to Match? The Bridesmaid Debate
The days of identical bridesmaid dresses are not necessarily over, but many couples now embrace more varied looks.
Uniform Look: Classic and cohesive. Choose one style, fabric, and color for all.
Mix-and-Match (Color): Select a color palette and let bridesmaids choose different dress styles within that range. This allows for individual comfort and body types.
Mix-and-Match (Style): Choose one color and fabric, but let bridesmaids select different necklines or silhouettes.
Completely Eclectic: Provide a general guideline (e.g., "earth tones, long dresses") and let them choose their own. This works best for very bohemian or casual weddings.
Here's an example of a harmonious mix-and-match color palette for bridesmaids:

5. Groomsmen Attire: Beyond the Basic Suit
Groomsmen have more options than just black tuxedos!
Tuxedos: Best for black-tie or very formal evening weddings.
Suits: Versatile for most wedding styles. Navy, charcoal, or even lighter grey/tan for daytime or rustic weddings.
Separates: For less formal affairs, consider dress pants with vests, suspenders, or just button-down shirts with ties.
Accessories: Pocket squares, ties/bow ties, and boutonnieres can tie their look into the overall color scheme.
6. Budget Talk
Be mindful of your bridal party's budgets. While it's traditional for them to pay for their attire, discussing price points beforehand can alleviate stress.
Rental Options: Tuxedo and suit rentals are common and can be cost-effective for groomsmen. Some bridesmaid dress companies also offer rentals.
Sales and Discounts: Keep an eye out for sales or group discounts.
Re-wearability: If possible, choose an outfit that your bridal party members might genuinely wear again.
7. Comfort is Key
Your bridal party will be spending a long day in their outfits – standing, dancing, and posing for photos. Ensure their attire is comfortable and allows for movement. Fabric choice, fit, and shoe comfort are all important.
8. Allow Plenty of Time
Ordering dresses and suits, especially for a large bridal party, takes time. Factor in shipping, alterations, and potential re-orders. Aim to have everything finalized and altered at least a month before the wedding.
By considering these factors, you can ensure your bridal party looks fantastic and feels great as they celebrate your special day with you. Happy planning!
