Your wedding day is one of the most photographed moments of your life. Every detail matters, from the flowers to the décor to the way you and your partner look side by side. While the bride’s dress often takes center stage, creating a cohesive bride and groom outfit pairing is just as important.
When your looks complement each other, the result is effortless elegance. You’ll feel more confident walking down the aisle, and your photos will be that much more stunning. But how do you make sure your styles work together without looking overly matched or mismatched?
We’ve put together eight expert tips to help you choose the perfect bride and groom outfit pairing that reflects your personalities, honors your wedding vision, and looks absolutely breathtaking.
1. Start Your Bride and Groom Outfit Planning With Your Wedding Theme
Your wedding theme is the foundation for every style decision you make, and that includes your outfits. Whether you’re planning a rustic barn celebration, a sleek modern affair, or a timeless classic wedding, your bride and groom outfit choices should reflect that overall vibe.
For example:
- Rustic or bohemian weddings pair beautifully with flowing lace gowns and relaxed linen or tweed suits
- Modern or minimalist themes call for clean lines, structured silhouettes, and neutral tones
- Classic or formal celebrations shine with ball gowns, tuxedos, and polished details
When both outfits align with your theme, everything feels intentional and cohesive.
2. How to Coordinate Your Bride and Groom Outfit Colors (Without Over-Matching)
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is trying to match their outfits too perfectly. Instead, aim for coordination. Subtle color connections create visual harmony without feeling forced.
Here are a few ways to tie your looks together:
- Match the groom’s tie or pocket square to the bride’s bouquet
- Echo the bride’s dress color (like ivory or champagne) in the groom’s vest or boutonniere
- Use complementary tones, like soft blush and charcoal gray
The goal is balance. You want to look like a united pair, not like you’re wearing uniforms.
3. Make Sure Your Bride and Groom Outfit Matches in Formality
Your bride and groom outfit should match in terms of formality. A formal ball gown pairs best with a sharp tuxedo, while a relaxed boho dress fits beautifully with a tailored suit or even suspenders and a dress shirt.
Mismatched formality can throw off the overall aesthetic. If one of you is dressed to the nines and the other is more casual, it can feel disconnected in photos and in person.
Take a step back and ask: do these two looks belong at the same event? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
4. Consider the Setting and Season
Where and when you’re getting married plays a huge role in what you should wear. Fabrics, silhouettes, and details should all make sense for your venue and the weather.
For example:
- Beach or outdoor summer weddings call for lightweight fabrics like chiffon, linen, or cotton
- Fall or winter celebrations work well with heavier materials like satin, velvet, or wool
- Indoor ballroom receptions are perfect for more structured, formal styles
Choosing season-appropriate attire will keep you both comfortable and camera-ready all day long.
5. Complement Each Other’s Style
Think about how your individual looks will work together. You don’t need to wear matching outfits, but your styles should feel like they belong together.
If the bride is wearing a sleek, modern gown, the groom might opt for a fitted suit with clean lines. If the bride chooses a romantic, vintage-inspired dress, the groom could lean into classic tailoring with a bow tie or suspenders.
The key is balance. Your outfits should enhance each other, not compete for attention.
6. Pay Attention to Accessories
Accessories are where the magic happens. Small details can tie your entire bride and groom outfit pairing together in a way that feels effortless and intentional.
Consider coordinating:
- The bride’s jewelry with the groom’s cufflinks or watch
- The groom’s boutonniere with the bride’s bouquet
- Veil details (like lace trim) with the groom’s tie fabric or texture
- Shoe styles, especially if you’re going for a specific color palette
These little touches make a big difference in photos and help tell a complete visual story.
7. Plan for Fittings
Timing is everything when it comes to wedding attire. Both the bride and groom should schedule fittings and alterations well in advance to ensure everything fits perfectly.
Here’s a general timeline to follow:
- Bride: Start dress shopping 9–12 months before the wedding, with final fittings 4–6 weeks out
- Groom: Order or rent the suit or tuxedo 3–6 months in advance, with final fittings 2–4 weeks before the big day
This gives you plenty of time to make adjustments, swap styles if needed, and avoid last-minute stress.
8. Get Expert Styling Help
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Working with a bridal stylist can make the entire process smoother, more enjoyable, and way less stressful.
At Ashley Grace Bridal, our team specializes in helping couples create beautiful, cohesive looks that reflect their unique love story. We’ll guide you through fabric choices, color coordination, and styling details so you can feel confident and look incredible on your wedding day.
Whether you’re just starting your search or fine-tuning the final details, we’re here to help you find the perfect bride and groom outfit pairing.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Look?
Choosing the right bride and groom outfit pairing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning, thoughtful coordination, and expert guidance, you can create a look that’s stylish, cohesive, and completely you.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Visit us at Ashley Grace Bridal and let our team help you say yes to the dress (and the suit!) with confidence. We can’t wait to be part of your wedding journey!
