Planning a wedding involves a lot of moving pieces, and one of the most enjoyable yet challenging aspects is deciding how to style your wedding party. From your bridesmaids and groomsmen to your flower girl and ring bearer, choosing attire and accessories that both reflect your vision and make everyone feel great can be a bit of a balancing act.
In this article, we will explore style ideas that cater to all members of your wedding party. We will dive into a variety of looks and talk about how your wedding theme plays a role in the styling process. From attire and accessories to hair and makeup, this guide can help you create a cohesive, stylish look for your wedding party that reflects your vision while ensuring everyone is comfortable and looking their best.
Bridesmaids: Mix and Match for Modern Elegance
Gone are the days when every bridesmaid had to wear the exact same dress. A modern trend that’s taking over is the mix-and-match look, which allows your bridesmaids to wear dresses that suit their individual styles and body types while still coordinating with your overall wedding theme.
Attire
Consider giving your bridesmaids a color palette, such as soft blushes or deep jewel tones, and let them choose dresses in different styles—think one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, or strapless. This approach not only makes your photos look more dynamic but also ensures everyone feels comfortable.
Accessories
For accessories, minimalist gold or silver jewelry is a timeless choice, but if you’re going for a more bohemian or beachy vibe, floral hairpieces or dainty anklets add a unique touch.
Hair and Makeup
Opt for loose, natural waves or a classic updo paired with neutral makeup for an elegant but modern look. If you want to tie everything together, choose one statement makeup feature, like a bold lip color or dramatic eyeliner, that everyone can wear.
Groomsmen: Classic Meets Contemporary
While the traditional black tuxedo will never go out of style, modern groomsmen are experimenting with new colors, textures, and accessories. Mixing classic elements with contemporary touches can help your wedding party stand out.
Attire
Charcoal, navy, or even deep burgundy suits are popular alternatives to black. If your wedding is more casual or takes place outdoors, consider lighter shades like tan or gray. For a beach wedding, you can even dress down with linen suits or suspenders with no jackets.
Accessories
Bow ties, patterned socks, or even custom cufflinks can add personality to your groomsmen’s outfits. For an elegant touch, pocket squares that match the bridesmaids’ dresses can tie the entire look together.
Hair and Grooming
Neat and classic hairstyles, such as slicked-back looks or a well-groomed fade, work well for formal weddings. For a more laid-back vibe, textured and tousled hairstyles are trending and can be paired with a well-trimmed beard or clean-shaven look, depending on your style.
Flower Girls: Sweet and Simple
Your flower girl’s outfit doesn’t need to be over the top. In fact, simple and sweet styles tend to look best for little ones, ensuring they feel comfortable as they walk down the aisle.
Attire
Classic white or ivory dresses are a timeless choice, but you can also consider pastel shades that match your wedding palette. Tulle skirts, lace details, or satin sashes add a touch of elegance without overwhelming your flower girl.
Accessories
A floral crown made of seasonal blooms or a simple headband can add a touch of whimsy. For shoes, ballet flats or sparkly sandals are a comfortable option that still looks adorable.
Hairstyles
Keep it natural and simple. A cute updo with a bow or loose curls with a flower clip will make your flower girl feel special without being fussy.
Ring Bearers: Stylish and Adorable
Dressing up the ring bearer can be one of the most fun style choices. Whether you go traditional or playful, the key is to match his outfit to the overall tone of the wedding.
Attire
For a formal wedding, a tiny tux or a suit in a coordinating color with the groomsmen will look dashing. If your event is more casual, a button-down shirt with suspenders or a vest can be just as cute.
Accessories
Add a bow tie or necktie for a polished look. For outdoor weddings, consider a small sun hat or even mini sunglasses for some extra charm.
Hairstyles
A neat hairstyle, whether it’s a side part or a little pompadour, will have him looking sharp. Keep it simple and comfortable to ensure he enjoys his role in the big day.
Attire Based on Wedding Themes
Your wedding theme plays a significant role in determining the styles for your wedding party. Here are some popular themes and how you can tailor your wedding party’s look to match:
Rustic & Boho Weddings
Think flowy, earthy, and effortless. Bridesmaids in mix-and-match dresses with soft fabrics like chiffon or lace, and groomsmen in suspenders or tweed vests will suit a rustic theme. Flower girls with flower crowns and ring bearers in casual linen will tie it all together.
Beach Weddings
Lightweight fabrics are key for beach weddings. Bridesmaids can wear airy dresses in pastel or ocean-inspired colors, while groomsmen in light-colored suits (or even shorts!) paired with linen shirts will keep things breezy. For the kids, sandals and simple sun hats add a functional yet adorable touch.
Black-Tie/Formal Weddings
Stick to classic elegance for black-tie affairs. Bridesmaids in floor-length gowns, groomsmen in black tuxedos, and flower girls and ring bearers in formal attire will maintain a cohesive and refined look. Add glamorous jewelry or sleek bow ties to elevate the style.