Wedding Groom and Groomsmen Style

Some women (cough cough, definitely not me!) put all their thoughts into their own dress and their bridesmaids but then may realize as time ticks on that they haven't thought about the groom/groomsmen! Here are some thoughts I have on the matter.

1) Think about your overall picture - the venue, your dress, the flowers, your bridesmaids. Is it formal? a tux may be the only appropriate option. Is it just leaning on the formal side? Consider a dark grey or black suit instead. Are you hoping for a semi-casual feel? Light grey or navy would be crisp but different. And of course, if you're going for a completely casual feel think about a linen suit or skip the suit and go for slacks and a nice shirt.

2) The time of year will affect your choice too. "How?" you may ask. "It's just a tux or suit," you may say. But think about it, would you want to wear a 2 or 3 piece wool outfit in late spring or summer? Would you want to wear a light linen outfit in the fall or winter? Of course not. Put some thought and consideration into the groomsmen's style and comfort.

3) Try to add some personality! Will the groom have a different look? Can they each wear quirky socks? Patterned ties? Bow ties? The guys don't get to have as much fun as the girls do playing dress up so let them have something to play with!!

Now then - how about some eye-candy with boys this time?!?

(Groomsmen with Suspenders)

(Groomsmen in Grey with Bow Ties)

(Groomsmen in Black)

(Groomsmen in Tan and White)

(Groom in Black, Groomsmen in Grey)

Wedding Bridesmaid Dresses

So after wedding colors, wedding invitations and your wedding dress, the next logical thing to talk about is your bridesmaids!! Depending on your venue or how you've pictured them or your girls' suggestions, you might already know what style dress you want. Or, you could be like me and have absolutely no idea!!! So, here are some tips to help narrow down your choices to help you get decide what to put your best-gals in!

1) Color
Do you want every girl to be in the same exact shade? Do you want them to be in slightly random shades of the same color? Or how about an ombre look? Or even let each girl have a completely different color? Choosing your color palette first will help immensely!! Not every dress will be available in every color and every girl won't love/be flattered by every color. Some designers don't make every dress in every color so knowing that you want emerald green or rosy pink or midnight blue will help make sure that you don't find THE perfect dress only to find out it isn't available in your color.

2) Length
First consider your venue and time of year! Will you be outside in the summer or winter? Even a 'short' ceremony can be unbearable in a dress that isn't weather appropriate! Of course, if you are getting married in a more traditional church/venue you need to make sure to keep those rules in line while you shop.

3) Cut
Knowing if you want every girl's dress to be the same, have just the maid of honor's dress stand out or have every girl's dress be different will make the process a lot easier. Each girl will have her own opinion about what looks best on her body type but believe it or not there are some cuts that flatter multiple body types that hopefully your girls will be flexible. Of course this doesn't mean that you have the right to ignore their concerns - say a super self-conscious girl not wanting to wear a strapless or form fitting dress. They are there to be a part of your day, let them enjoy it too!

So without further ado - here are some of my favorite bridesmaid dresses!

(Long Flutter Sleeve Bridesmaid Dress)

(Short Layered Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress)

(Long V-neck Bridesmaid Dress)

(Short A-line Accented Waist Bridesmaid Dress)