Bridesmaid & Groomsmen Outfits: Budget-Friendly Attire & More!
A well-dressed bridal party cheers on the bride and groom. Photo Credit: Joeyy Lee.
Why Do I Need to Coordinate My Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Outfits?
Your wedding party is an important party for your big day. If you make sure their outfits complement each other, it will create a cohesive look that instantly enhances your wedding theme.
It’s also a good way to show your guests what you and your future spouse's style is.
Matching makes the event feel more elegant and sophisticated, even if you are having a casual event. In photos, it will be clear who your special people are. Not only will they match, they will stand out from the crowd!
Here’s everything you need to coordinate bridesmaid and groomsmen outfits!
Coordinating Colors and Themes
This wedding party embodies a blue wedding color palette. Photo Credit: Carson Vara.
Choosing a Color Palette
Your wedding colors are an important part of creating the day of your dreams. So whichever palette you decide on will guide your decision for bridesmaid and groomsmen apparel.
Remember that you’re not just choosing one color: you’re putting together a series of 3-5 colors that complement each other. You’ll need some neutrals, an accent color, and one or two more complementary shades to enhance your main choices.
This is important because your grooms ties should match the bridesmaids’ dresses, but also compliment the suit color. There’s a lot to think about, so give yourself time to settle on the palette of your dreams!
Matching with the Wedding Theme
Match your colors to your wedding theme. Boho weddings are great platforms for mismatched dresses and fun prints.
Elegant weddings will have more muted tones. Picking the right colors will amplify your theme and make your event even more
Seasonal Color Trends
Your color palette should reflect your unique style and coordinate with the season. For instance, you may work in bolder colors for an autumn or winter wedding, brights for summer, and pastels for spring.
Of course, there’s no rule- you do what makes you happy!
Bridesmaid Dresses
A beautiful collection of pink and gold bridesmaids dresses. Photo Credit: Christina Victoria Craft
Styles and Silhouettes: A-Line, Mermaid, Ball Gown
Dress silhouettes should match your theme. They should also coordinate with your wedding dress style while allowing you to stand out.
You may want to consider your bridesmaid’s body types and how comfortable they are in certain styles. While it is your day, you want your girls to feel their best! Here’s a run-down of the different styles you can choose from.
A-Line -This dress is tight on the bodice and flares out at the waist line. It’s universally flattering because it highlights the smallest part of every girl’s body while skimming over areas that she may want to conceal. This style goes well with any wedding theme.
Mermaid - Also known as fit and flare, this style is fitted to the wearer’s body until the knee area, where it flares out. It’s great for bold, trendy, or vintage wedding weddings.
Ball Gown - Perfect for elegant affairs, ball gowns resemble princess dresses. They work well if your wedding dress is larger than life.
Length Options: Long, Tea-Length, Short
The length of your bridesmaids dresses depends on when and where your wedding takes place, as well as the level of formality.
Formal and semi-formal events call for longer hemlines. Shorter dresses are perfect for more casual or beach weddings. Tea length, or midi-length, is super trendy and works well for a variety of events.
Fabric Choices: Chiffon, Satin, Lace
The fabric should match the formality and season of your wedding. It also will determine how costly the dress is. Here are the top three fabric choices for bridesmaids dresses.
Chiffon - This floaty, ethereal fabric is durable and packs well for destination weddings. However, it does snag easily, so if your ceremony is outdoors, you may want to opt for a more durable fabric.
Satin - This soft fabric is perfect for draping. Its lux look makes it a good choice for formal dresses and evening looks. Depending on the fabric makeup, it can read a little shiny, so take the time to look at samples to ensure you get the look you want.
Lace - Delicate and romantic, lace elements are beautiful on bridesmaid dresses. It drapes well and also looks great on a structured garment. Since it’s timeless, lace works well for many wedding themes.
Groomsmen Attire
The groom stands out in a white jacket, but the gray plaid suits make the groomsmen still pop! Photo Credit: Christophe Dusabe.
Suit Vs. Tuxedo: Choosing the Right Look
While there are decidedly less options for groomsmen outfits, it’s still important to choose the best look for the vibe of your wedding.
Tuxedos are formal. There are small things you can do to personalize each look, like colored, folded pocket squares, cumberbunds, and bow ties. Suits are a whole lot more customizable and can read formal or casual, depending on the type of fabric you choose.
You can also choose different cuts to match your wedding theme. For instance, flowy cuts work well for beach weddings while more structured cuts are great for vintage romance weddings.
Coordinating With the Groom’s Outfit
It’s important for the groomsmen to complement the groom while allowing him to stand out. You can do this with accessories or by having them wear suits in a specific color that enhances the groom’s outfit.
Or have the groom wear a patterned outfit with his groomsmen wearing solids. Finally, less formal weddings have groomsmen forego the suit jacket while the groom wears one.
Seasonal Fabrics
Suiting fabrics coordinate with the season of the event. This is because heavy fabrics can be quite warm during the summer, while lighter ones won’t hold warmth like their winter counterparts. Here’s how to choose the right fabric for each season.
Wool - Believe it or not, wool is great for every season. Thicker wool suits will trap heat and keep the wearer warm, while thinner weaves will wick away moisture, keeping them cool.
Linen - This fabric screams summer wedding! They are great for both casual and semi formal events and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Cotton - Since it’s a natural fiber, cotton is great for warmer weather and works during the chilly autumn months. That being said, this fabric doesn’t hold its shape as well as wool, so you may end up with a slouchy appearance by the end of the evening.
Mixing and Matching Outfits
A mismatched but cohesive bridal party gets a first look at the blushing bride. Photo Credit: Kari Bjorn Photography.
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses: Tips for a Cohesive Look
Gone are the days where bridesmaids have to be identical. Many modern brides are opting to have their gals choose their own dress within a specific color palette.
This means the bridesmaids can pick a dress that complements their body type, coloring, and matches their personal style.
It’s important that your ladies coordinate so that they look cohesive and support your wedding vision. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Pick out one color and ask your bridesmaids to choose a dress in this palette. For example, ask each girl to wear a blue dress and let them decide how bold they want the color to be.
You can also choose specific colors and assign one to each girl. For example, pick 3-6 colors that create a beautiful seasonal palette and then let your bridesmaids choose which one suits them best. That way, when they stand together, they will enhance your wedding theme.
Ask that dresses are all a specific length or neckline. That way, no matter what color they get, everyone’s style matches. .
Designate a specific hairstyle. If all the bridesmaids have their hair half up, it will instantly look more cohesive.
Coordinating Different Suit Styles for Groomsmen
Much like bridesmaid dresses, you can have your groomsmen wear suits that fit their style and personality. There are several ways to achieve mismatched coordination with suits.
Ask them to wear the same cut or fabric.
Have them wear coordinating bow ties or accessories.
Designate a specific color palette and give the guys free rein to choose their looks.
Ask your groomsmen to wear a black suit and then get creative with mismatched ties.
Balancing Uniformity and Individuality
Mismatching your bridal party can get out of hand very quickly. It’s important that you preview each outfit ahead of time and compare them to ensure everyone is cohesive.
Once you set the vision, have each member send you a full-body photograph. That way, you can compare outfits and see how well they flow together.
Remember that there are other ways to add uniformity while allowing your wedding party to customize their outfits. Hairstyles, accessories, and other details will tie everything together.
Accessories and Details
A great way to keep your bridal party cohesive is to have them wear matching accessories. Decide what type of shoes you want your girls to wear. They can be matching heels or even Converse.
As a gift, buy each a special set of jewelry or a stunning headpiece to wear during your wedding. This will help tie all the girls together if you decide to do a mismatched look or keep them polished if they are all wearing the same dress.
For the groomsmen, ties, pocket squares, and cufflinks should coordinate. This will keep the look consistent. You can offer them as gifts to thank them for participating in your wedding.
Make sure each groomsmen ties their tie the same way and knows how to fold a pocket square.
Whichever accessories you choose, you can personalize them by adding monograms or having custom pieces made. For instance, use the same fabric as the bridesmaids dresses to create pocket squares to instantly tie everyone together.
Traditional vs. Modern Styles
Traditional dresses are timeless, elegant and classic. A-line dresses with flowy fabrics bring romance and class to your event. Contemporary trends offer bold, in-your-face colors and more unique cuts.
Mermaid, body con, and boho styles will give your wedding a modern look. Of course, you can balance tradition and modernity by blending the two aesthetics. Pair classic jewelry with modern dresses.
Choose traditional fabrics in a modern cut. Or choose accessories and shoes that breathe new life into vintage styles. The ratio is up to you!
Budget-Friendly Options
Bridesmaid dresses should be affordable, whether you or your girls are footing the bill. Since alterations add to the cost, go for budget-friendly brands that won’t break the bank, such as:
Azazie
Birdy Gray
Amazon
ASTR the Label
ASOS
Zara
Renting suits is definitely cheaper up front. Expect to pay about $100 per suit, especially if they need alterations. Buying suits is more affordable in the long run, especially if the groomsmen are going to wear them multiple times.
It really depends on the budget and what look you are going for. If you’re going for a mismatched look, it will likely be cheaper for each groomsman to buy their own outfit.
The most budget-friendly way to outfit your bridal party is to go thrifting! Collect their sizes and start the hunt. You can even make it a fun wedding event.
Cultural and Religious Considerations
The groomsmen channel the groom’s Scottish heritage in their outfits. Photo Credit: Lauren Campbell Photography.
If you or your future spouse have unique cultural ties, you can easily incorporate them into your bridal party attire. This can be as easy as choosing accessories with a meaningful fabric or print.
You can also have your bridesmaids and groomsmen wear cultural garments that are symbolic of your heritage, even if they are from a different background.
The key to blending cultural elements is to do it in a meaningful, respectful way. Choose a few elements that reflect your culture. Shawls, pocket squares, jewelry, and hair pieces work well with any attire and still give a nod to your heritage.
Seasonal Considerations
As you decide on your bridal party’s wedding attire, consider the seasons. Here are some rules to follow to make sure everyone looks the part and is comfy!
Summer - Look for light, breathable fabrics. Colors are typically richer for summer. If you’re using floral accents, large prints read more summer.
Winter - Layer warm fabrics like wool, velvet, and satin. Your groomsmen will likely have long sleeves and jackets, so make sure your bridesmaids are just as warm by styling shawls, stoles, and hand mufflers.
Spring & Fall - Since these are seasons of transition, you have more flexibility in style and fabrics. Your wedding day will determine whether your bridal party will need warmth or cooling effects. For instance, fall bridesmaids dresses may need light shawls or sweaters, while late spring weddings will need breathable fabrics like summer.
Footwear Choices
The bride and her squad show off their footwear. Photo Credit: Samantha Gades.
Bridesmaid Shoes
Footwear can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to balance comfort with style. Match the style of the shoe with the style of the dress.
Colors can match exactly if you like that look. You can also use neutrals and let the girls choose the style that’s more comfortable for them.
Delicate styles and fabrics should get delicate footwear. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, avoid stilettos and thin heels- they tend to sink into the grass if there aren’t paved pathways.
Groomsmen Footwear
Men’s footwear tends to be a little more straightforward. Loafers are great for casual weddings. Streamlined boots and classic oxfords are very classy and elevate a more formal look.
The color should complement their suit. Use classic color rules, like brown shoes with navy suits, to create the best look.
Hair and Makeup for Bridesmaids
Styling is just as important as the dress! Your bridesmaids’ hair and makeup should be coordinated to maintain a cohesive look. Matching is one way to go, but you can also allow them to wear their preferred hairstyle within your parameters.
For example, ask them to wear their hair half up, but then allow them to express themselves with braids, curls, and twists that work with their hair texture.
Same goes for makeup looks. Identical will give you that uniform look, but may not complement every gal. You can ask for red lipstick, but have each bridesmaid choose a shade that works for them.
If you have a professional makeup artist, communicate your vision clearly. She or he can work with you to find the best approach. DIYing hair and makeup?
Turn to online tutorials and inspo boards and consult with your squad to see how comfortable they are with doing their own hair and make-up. It may also help to have a get-together to test out the look so there are no surprises on the big day!
Personalizing Outfits
Coordination doesn’t have to mean cookie cutter. You can personalize elements of each person’s outfit to help their personality shine through. Add custom embroidery or monograms to clothing for a subtle touch of personalization.
Boutonnieres and corsages are another way to tie in your wedding theme and add personality to each outfit. Make sure they are made from the same flowers so they connect.
You can also give wearable, personalized gifts to the bridal party. Cufflinks, bridesmaid jewelry sets, and other accessories are affordable and meaningful.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Options
A bride and groom walking through a field with their bridesmaids and groomsmen. Image by Kennedy Blue.
If you’re environmentally savvy, there are lots of sustainable options you can incorporate to make your wedding more “green.”
Second hand and rented attire are definitely eco friendly. If you’re buying new, look for fabrics like organic cotton, linen, viscose and deadstock textiles.
There are even affordable brands you can look out for that boast sustainable styles:
Reformation
Christy Dawn
Bastet Noir
Whimsey & Row
For accessories, choose natural materials or thrifted pieces to keep your wedding environmentally friendly. Avoid acrylics and plastics that take years to break down.
Planning and Timing
Once you know what your wedding vision is, give your bridal party ample time to get their outfits. Everyone should start getting their wedding attire together about six months out from the event.
This will give time for shopping, measuring, and ordering the right garments. When communicating dress and suit guidelines, be specific and clear.
The more samples and examples you have, the better. Provide each person with color swatches they can use to compare when shopping.
Be available for questions and clarifications. You can even share links or offer to make a day out of shopping for the outfit!
Conclusion
Your wedding should be the event of your dreams. So choose the bridesmaids and groomsmens outfits that reflect your style, personality, and unique vision.
The big day is all about you, but don’t forget to consider the feelings and preferences of your bridal party. Do your best to balance your vision with each individual so everyone has the best day possible!