When it comes to planning your wedding, the spotlight naturally falls on the bride and groom. But behind every perfect wedding photo and unforgettable aisle moment is a beautifully styled bridal party that brings the couple’s vision to life. From the bridesmaids to the groomsmen, how you coordinate your wedding party’s attire can elevate your entire aesthetic—and ensure your big day feels as cohesive and magical as you imagined.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about groom and bridal party styling—from choosing complementary color palettes and styles to striking the right balance between individuality and harmony.
Why Coordinated Styling Matters
Your wedding is a story, and your bridal party is a huge part of that narrative. When their attire is thoughtfully styled to match your theme, location, and vibe, it enhances the visual flow and sets the tone for the day. Whether you’re going for romantic, rustic, modern, bohemian, or glamorous, your bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s suits should act as extensions of your theme—not distractions.
Beyond photos, styling your wedding party with intention makes everyone feel included, confident, and connected to your celebration(Party Styling). Plus, it’s just fun to see your closest friends and family looking their best alongside you!
Step 1: Set the Tone with a Theme
Before diving into dress and suit shopping, define your wedding theme and aesthetic. Ask yourselves:
- Is our wedding formal, semi-formal, or casual?
- What is the season and venue?
- Are we leaning toward a traditional or contemporary style?
- What colors feel most aligned with our vision?
This helps narrow down your choices early on(Party Styling). For example:
- A beach wedding might call for lighter fabrics, pastel tones, and casual cuts.
- A black-tie evening celebration might inspire floor-length gowns and tuxedos in deep, rich hues.
- A garden ceremony could lead to floral prints, soft textures, and earthy accessories.
Step 2: Choose a Cohesive Color Palette
Color is the heartbeat of coordination. When selecting your wedding color palette, consider:
- The season (e.g., blush and sage for spring, burgundy and gold for fall)
- The venue’s tones and surroundings
- Your personal preferences and skin tones of your party
Pro tip: Choose 2–4 complementary colors—one as the base, one or two accents, and a neutral. This allows flexibility without visual chaos(Party Styling). For example, navy and blush with champagne accents works beautifully for both dresses and suits.
Step 3: Styling the Bridesmaids
🎀 Dress Selection
Gone are the days of forcing bridesmaids into identical dresses. Today’s brides are embracing mix-and-match styles—different necklines, silhouettes, or even colors within the same palette(Party Styling). This gives your party the freedom to wear what flatters them most, while still maintaining a unified look.
Options to consider:
- Same color, different styles
- Ombre palette of the same color family
- Coordinated prints or textures (e.g., sequins, chiffon, satin)
👠 Accessories & Hairstyles
Accessories should be elegant yet understated. Think delicate jewelry, coordinated clutches, and matching shoes(Party Styling). Hairstyles can vary by individual, but sticking to a general theme (e.g., soft curls, braided updos, sleek buns) keeps the group looking cohesive.
Step 4: Styling the Groomsmen
🤵 Suit Selection
The groom’s suit or tuxedo is a major style anchor, so build around that. While the groom can wear a standout color or accessory, the groomsmen should complement his look without outshining him.
Popular choices:
- All-black tuxedos for a classic look
- Navy or charcoal grey suits for modern elegance
- Light beige or khaki for summer weddings
Want to add personality? Use coordinated ties, pocket squares, socks, or boutonnieres in your chosen wedding colors.
🥾 Shoes & Grooming
Ensure groomsmen shoes are clean, polished, and uniform—oxfords or loafers depending on the formality(Party Styling). Encourage professional grooming or barbershop visits a day or two before the wedding to keep the group looking sharp.
Step 5: The Groom & Bride – Stand Out Together
While the wedding party should be coordinated, the bride and groom should still stand out as the stars of the day.
Ideas to differentiate:
- The groom wears a vest or tie in a different tone
- The bride’s gown features embellishments or a longer train
- The couple’s florals are slightly larger or unique
Matching your styles—whether through small touches like lace motifs on the groom’s tie to match the bride’s gown or a flower crown to mirror the boutonniere—adds subtle charm.
Step 6: Don’t Forget the Flower Girls, Ring Bearers & Parents
If your wedding includes flower girls or ring bearers, dress them in mini versions of the bridal party or something sweet and playful within your palette.
Parents of the couple should also feel styled but not identical(Party Styling). Suggest colors or fabrics that complement your theme while allowing them to choose styles they’re comfortable in.
Coordination Tips & Tricksc- Party Styling
- Mood Boards: Create a Pinterest or Canva mood board to visualize how everything looks together.
- Group Shopping: Plan try-on days for bridesmaids or a suit-fitting day for groomsmen to build excitement and ensure good fits.
- Communicate Early: Provide style guides with clear do’s and don’ts so everyone feels confident.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Consider rental services or mid-range boutiques for budget-conscious members of your party.
Inspiration from Real Weddings
One of the best ways to get ideas is to browse real wedding galleries. Look at how other couples have blended textures, tones, and accessories(Party Styling). You’ll find everything from boho-chic looks with mismatched floral dresses to sleek, minimalist bridal parties in monochrome palettes.
Each wedding is different—but what they have in common is intention behind the style.
Final Thoughts
Coordinated styling isn’t about perfection—it’s about storytelling. When your bridal party’s attire flows with your theme, complements the couple, and allows each person to feel confident and comfortable, it shows. The photos pop, the memories sparkle, and your wedding vision comes full circle.
So whether you’re dreaming of sunset-toned bridesmaid gowns paired with earth-toned suits or elegant metallics with jet-black tuxedos, take your time, plan with heart, and enjoy the process(Party Styling). Because when your favorite people look and feel amazing, your day will be even more unforgettable.