Who Wears What at a Wedding

Our quick guide to Who Wears What at a Wedding will give you an idea of what the wedding party, including the bride, groom, bridesmaids, family and wedding guests, should wear at a wedding.

Bride

Traditionally the bride wears white to signify purity and innocence. This also allows for variations including cream, ivory and even pale pastel colours. For second marriages where the bride is a widow the tradition was always to wear lilac or lavender. Modern brides, however, may choose to wear whatever they feel is appropriate. A church wedding is more likely to allow for more formal, traditional clothing while a registry office or civil ceremony may allow for variations or something completely different. It is sensible to avoid following the latest and more extreme fashions to avoid cringing at wedding photographs in the future. If the bride is formally dressed then the rest of the party and guests should follow suit.

Groom

Traditionally the groom and male members of the wedding party will wear morning dress. For evening weddings it is becoming more common to follow the American way and wear black tie. Suits are often worn for civil ceremonies or grooms might choose something different, remembering that it should be seen as a formal occasion.

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids wear whatever the bride chooses for them. It is acceptable for them to be dressed differently from each other, perhaps wearing the same colour but with different style dresses. This is particularly appropriate where bridesmaids are different ages, shapes and have different personal styles.

Male Attendants

Ushers and best man will dress the same as the groom. If he wears morning dress then so will they. The groom, in consultation with the bride, might choose the same ties or waistcoats for his attendants and these can co-ordinate with bridesmaids.

Immediate Family

Any close family who are not bridesmaids or ushers will dress formally. The mothers of bride and groom should ensure that they do not both wear the same colour. The fathers will wear whatever the groom chooses, i.e. black tie or morning dress.

Guests

Guests should take their cue from the invitations. The more formal the invite, the more formal the attire. However, modern weddings rarely demand a rigid dress code and male guests will often wear suits even when the wedding party is wearing morning dress. Female guests should wear a hat and dress or suit to a formal wedding. At a black tie wedding female guests might wear evening dress but they should ensure that arms and shoulders are covered up in church.