When couples opt for a mixed-gender wedding party, it’s not uncommon to witness a collective beaming of smiles. This shift away from traditional norms is a testament to the value placed on friendship and unity. While perfectly aligned wedding photos can be lovely, they pale in comparison to the joy that comes from sharing the experience with your closest confidants.
As this trend continues to gain momentum, we’re seeing an influx of new terms emerge: best woman, groomsmaid, groomswoman, bridesman, man of honour – the list goes on. Ultimately, the goal is to surround yourself with people who look amazing and radiate happiness on your special day. To that end, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to styling a mixed-gender wedding party, drawing inspiration from real-life celebrations along the way.
Ideas for Styling a Mixed Gender Wedding Party
Suits for the Groomswomen
Ciaran, the groom, was thrilled to have his two groomswomen by his side on his special day, making it a unique all-female wedding party. The ladies looked stunning in bespoke tailored suits and shirts in soft lavender hues that perfectly complemented the bridesmaids’ attire. It’s no surprise that their striking appearance caught the eye of photographer Clayton Austin, whose work was featured on Style Me Pretty.
A Palette of Pastels
What’s refreshing about this wedding party is the lack of a uniform dress code. The bride opted for a unique and harmonious palette, pairing dusty shades of baby blue and cornflower blue with blush pink accents. While each member of her squad didn’t don identical attire, the overall aesthetic is effortlessly chic. Paul McGinty’s photograph, featured on One Fab Day, beautifully captures this stylish yet unconventional approach to wedding party fashion.
Mixed Dress Codes
For Jesika’s wedding, a stylish entourage of seven played a key role in bringing her special day to life. The five bridesmaids wore identical silky satin dresses that shone with elegance, while the remaining two members of the bridal party opted for more laid-back, earthy wool suits in a neutral hue, featuring buttonholes that harmonized beautifully with the bouquets.
This thoughtful touch allowed them to stand out against the groomsmen’s formal black-tie attire, creating a striking visual contrast that added to the overall aesthetic of the celebration.
Chinos and Blush
The wedding party of Jess and Shell was a stunning sight to behold, consisting of three bridesmaids and two dashing bridesmen. The bridesmaids made a fashion statement in their individual blush pink ensembles – think jumpsuits that exuded glamour! Meanwhile, the grooms’ attendants opted for classic beige chinos paired with crisp white shirts. What tied the whole look together were the matching bouquets and boutonnieres, adding a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic.
Fordtography Weddings via One Fab Day captured the moment perfectly.
Mix and Match Style
Ed’s groomsmen and groomswoman were given creative freedom to style themselves for the wedding, with the only guideline being a winter wonderland theme. They brought their own unique touch to their outfits while incorporating a unifying pop of color through burgundy or orange accents on their ties or shoes. This laid-back approach resulted in a cohesive yet eclectic look that perfectly captured the essence of the big day.
One Colour in Common
At Jane and Paul’s nine-person wedding party, a bold and unifying fashion choice was made: every single member wore pink! The groomsmen donned subtle pale pink bow ties, while the bridesmaids opted for blush pink multiway dresses. But the real showstopper was the bridesman, who rocked a textured candy pink suit paired with a floral tie – talk about making an entrance!
Timeless Black
Seán and Sandra’s all-female wedding party is giving us major inspiration! The couple celebrated with a trio of bridesmaids, three flower girls, and Seán’s stunning best woman, who slayed in her sleek black dress and heels. Her chic ensemble beautifully complements Seán’s dark suit and even matches the tone of the black ribbon adorning Sandra’s bouquet. It’s clear that attention to detail was key in this stylish celebration.
Stylish Separates
Kate and Brendan’s wedding party boasted an unconventional yet charming ensemble. The two bridesmaids and groomsmen, joined by a unique addition – the bridesman – presented a styling challenge. However, their approach to separates proved to be a clever solution. Kate’s entourage opted for pink skirts or shorts paired with crisp white tops, while Brendan’s group chose tweed slacks and suspenders, resulting in a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere.
A Foolproof Colour
While there may be only a handful of colours that resonate universally across cultures and personal styles, navy blue is undoubtedly one such hue. Its versatility allows it to be worn with ease in various forms – from flowing dresses to sleek jumpsuits or even stylish two-piece suits. The groomsmen in this stunning real wedding perfectly illustrate this point, effortlessly pulling off their navy attire as they celebrate the union of the happy couple.
With its timeless charm and adaptability, it’s little wonder why navy blue remains a crowd-pleaser in the world of fashion.
Wildcard Style
When couples opt for non-traditional wedding party lineups, they often extend that creativity to their attire choices. Take Sarah’s wedding, where her bridesman made a bold statement with his floral romper – a daring yet harmonious choice that perfectly complemented the bridesmaid’s gown. The subtle coral tones in his print subtly echoed the colors found elsewhere in the overall aesthetic, resulting in a visually striking and memorable look.
Neutrals and Colour Pop Mix
Bride Pearl allowed her bridal party to take the reins when it came to choosing their attire, resulting in a stunning ensemble. A trio of attendants opted for neutral shades of peachy cream and stone, while another three made a statement with complementary orange hues. The bridesman’s shirt proved to be an excellent choice, seamlessly blending into the overall aesthetic. This thoughtful approach added a personal touch to the destination wedding, making it all the more memorable.
The Same, But Different
In a bold move that defied tradition, Simon, the groom, opted for his sister Liz as his Best Woman. And we’re loving her stylish, suited look! While her outfit shared similarities with the groomsmen’s suits, she added a personal touch by selecting a subtly different suit in a matching hue and pairing it with a high-collared shirt instead of the usual shirt and tie combination. Jenn Emerling’s photography (via Confetti) perfectly captures Liz’s sleek ensemble.
A Unifying Colour Palette
Aoife’s wedding party was a masterclass in creative expression, thanks to the bride’s bold choice of a unifying green colour palette. The bridesmaids were encouraged to let their individual styles shine through with dresses in various shades and styles, while Aoife’s best man stole the show in a dapper two-piece suit adorned with floral details that perfectly complemented her own green-centric aesthetic.
Jumpsuits for the Groomswomen
The wedding party, comprised of seven bridesmaids, four groomsmen, and two groomswomen, posed a unique styling challenge. Yet, Josie and Warren’s squad rose to the occasion with aplomb. The bridesmaids opted for a harmonious blend of orange and nude dresses across four distinct styles, while the groomsmen showcased their flair with mix-and-match suits. Meanwhile, the groomswomen brought their A-game in sleek black jumpsuits.
Photographer Cambria Grace captured this stylish ensemble perfectly, as featured in The New York Times.
Creative Use of Colour
This bold wedding shows that you can take risks with color as long as everyone is on board. The couple cleverly coordinated the groomswoman’s dress with the groomsmen’s ties, a feat made possible by their shared love of rich burgundy – a shade that effortlessly bridges the gap between menswear and womenswear. Natalie Bray Studios’ stunning photography, featured on Style Me Pretty, beautifully captures this creative choice.
A Pop of Colour
When planning wedding party styling, it’s often wise to simplify as the group size increases. For instance, Omar’s 15-person groom’s party opted for a cohesive look with black-tie attire – tuxedos for the gentlemen and a stunning black floor-length gown for the lady in attendance – while he made a bold statement with his electric blue ensemble that truly stood out amidst the sea of formal wear.
A Little Sparkle!
By combining sequin bridesmaid dresses with a thoughtfully chosen shimmering blazer for the best man, we envision a cohesive and dazzling overall aesthetic. The photo shoot inspiration, captured by Afiffa M via Larsen Jewellery, beautifully showcases this idea.
Rulebreaking Style
Embrace individuality on your special day by celebrating unique fashion expressions within your wedding party. Love knows no bounds, and that includes gender or style labels. So, don’t be afraid to let a groomswoman rock the same dapper attire as the groomsman, or encourage a non-binary guest to pair a flowing maxi skirt with a crisp shirt and tie. The more inclusive and authentic your wedding is, the more it will reflect the love and joy that brought everyone together.
Take inspiration from Anna G Photography’s stunning captures on One Fab Day.
Shades of Blue
Infusing a single hue into your wedding party attire can yield stunning results! Consider the versatility of the colour blue, which can be presented in five distinct ways. Leslie’s bridesman, for instance, could don a sleek suit in a range of blues – from powder soft to navy deep – and then cleverly tie in the subtle pink undertones found in the floral arrangements with his own tie, creating a harmonious visual thread throughout the celebration.
Going it Alone
When it comes to styling a mixed gender wedding party, there’s no need to get too formal. One way to do this is by having the groomswoman match the bridesmaids in terms of attire. This can be seen in the real wedding example mentioned earlier, where the groomswoman blended seamlessly into the group. However, it’s essential to remember that just because she’s dressed similarly doesn’t mean she should be left out of important ceremony moments or photoshoots.
On the contrary, make sure to include her in these special occasions to ensure she feels like a valued part of the celebration. Photo by Christine Lim via Snippet and Ink.
