Your Wedding Wing-People and What They Wear, By Lisa.
Hannah and Chris and their timeless tux and champagne theme. Photo by The In Love Photographers.
Planning your wedding is a beautiful journey filled with excitement and love, and a fair bit of decision making along the way too! Among the most heartfelt though, is who to choose to stand beside you. Equally important is ensuring that they feel comfortable, confident and fabulous in what they wear. Here’s my go-to guide for picking your wedding party and their attire.
Rhys and his boys went with the classic three piece matching suits, but in a light fabric and colour to beat the heat! Photo by Stephanie Shenton.
Who?
Your wedding party will be your support system, confidantes and cheerleaders during your wedding planning and the big day so it’s important to choose them with care. Think about your closest relationships - bridesmaids and boys, men and women of honour and groomspeople don’t have to be limited to family or life-long friends.
Choose the people who make you feel loved and supported even if they are newer friendships. Planning a wedding comes with its fair share of tasks and responsibilities so choosing individuals who are dependable and ready to pitch in when needed will definitely make your wedding planning less stressful!
Jillian and her pastel pink boho chic bridesmaids. Photo by Molly of Gypsy Westwood Photography.
How Many?
Your wedding size, venue and style can dictate the numbers in your wedding party. A small, intimate ceremony might mean two or three attendants whereas a bigger celebration can call for more people by your side. It’s also important to consider the financial implications when deciding on numbers!
Expectations
It is vitally important that you ensure everyone you ask to be a key player in your big day understands exactly what is involved from the word go; the financial commitment to time for planning activities and fittings, roles on the day and anything else you expect from them.
This clarity will help avoid stress further down the road and enable everyone to organise their time (and bank balance!) accordingly.
Sean in classic cream with his groomsmen in olive and beige linen blends, photo by The In Love Photographers. .
What to wear?
Selecting outfits can be one of the most creative and fun parts of the wedding planning process. It’s your chance to bring your vision to life while making sure your whole wedding squad look and feel fabulous.
The fashion should always compliment your wedding theme and colours. For an Ibizan boho-chic wedding, think pastels, long and flowing dresses and neutral linens and cottons. If you are going old school formal, think black and white, sharp tailoring and bejewelled gowns!
Embrace Mix and Match!
Long gone are the days of identical dresses and suits . Mixing colours, styles and even fabrics adds visual interest and allows your favourite people to choose a silhouette and shade that suits them best. Just ensure a unifying element such as the colour palette or fabric. And, don’t forget a soft, floral fabric can look stunning too...
Bridesmaids in shades of pink in various styles and fabrics for Hannah & Jack’s wedding. Photo by Jeremy Christopher.
Comfort is key!
Your wedding party will be wearing their outfits for hours so comfort is key. Lightweight fabrics for summer weddings are a must (see our previous blog for more inspiration on keeping cool at your summer wedding) and a little shrug, jacket or wrap for the cooler evenings can make all the difference.
Top Tip: Wear wedding day footwear around the house before the big day for extra comfort and ease (particularly if you will be in heels!)
Taskin and Tim’s wedding party were united by matching silk kimonos and fresh floral head garlands. Photo by Stephanie Shenton.
Accesory Synchronicity!
From shoes, to ties, to pocket squares, to jewellery, wraps, headresses and more the accessories you choose can really complete the whole look. Discuss as a group whether you will coordinate these elements or leave them up to individual preference. Offering guidelines can help maintain a cohesive aesthetic.
Consult your Crew!
Your wedding wingpeople will appreciate being included in the decision making process. It will ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident in what they are wearing. Share your vision and communicate your style preferences - think Pinterest boards or mood boards - but be open to feedback, especially about comfort and fit.
Eden and her squad in their glam bronze sequin gowns to tie in with the Autumnal theme. Photo by The In Love Photographers.
Final Thoughts…
Who your wedding party are and what they wear is more than just a part of the aesthetic; it’s a symbol of the bond you share. Whether you opt for traditional co-ords or modern mix-and-match, the goal is to create a look that celebrates your relationship and the joy of your wedding day.
Choosing your team and what they’ll wear is a lovely journey. It’s about blending your wedding vision with their unique personalities and creating a day that everyone will remember. The most important thing isn’t the dress or the colour palette - it’s the love, laughter, and memories you’ll share that will last a lifetime!
Nancy’s squad were ahead of the trends in their powder blue gowns - each with a distinct neckline. Photo by The In Love Photographers.
Trends for 2025
Popular colours for this season are buttercup yellow, lilac, powder blue and black.
There is also a big move away from solid colours to a dramatic rise in patterns, particularly florals and botanical prints. I personally love a combination of both!
Lisa Corden, Jan 2025.
Ross and Hannah’s ‘Beer boys’ kept it simple in beige chinos and crisp white shirts as they danced in handing out cold cans of refreshments! Photo by The In Love Photographers.