With the cost of weddings going through the roof, it’s not surprising that there has been a similar increase in the stress on wearing the right outfit. It used to be just the bride, groom and best man who had a virtual uniform, but nowadays brides are equally concerned that all the principals in the photos are dressed to perfection too.

Avoid disaster by careful planning

Often bridesmaids have to buy their own outfit and the pressure of cost can cause friction – let’s face it, how many of us can afford to buy a dress to wear once only?

The bride and groom set the tone of the wedding first of all – traditional, period, themed even casual. The rest of the principals must follow suit or fall foul of the happy couple before they have even got to the ‘I do’. Help is at hand – a wedding organiser can advise you, but equally you can avoid disaster by careful planning.

Setting the tone has to be the starting point. Then let your guests know exactly what you are hoping to achieve to give them maximum opportunity to ‘get it right’. Tell everyone on the ‘save the date’ invitation whether you are planning a traditional wedding, a themed wedding based on ‘xyz’ or if you would like all guests dressed to attend a ball (I have attended one of the latter and it was truly amazing). If a colour scheme is important then get that information out there as soon as possible.

It is only natural that the bride and groom want the wedding photographs to be amazing. The bride also needs to be the focal point and so it is really not appropriate for the groom’s mother to have a parrot on her head unless the theme is ‘Treasure Island’! Being the mother of the bride or groom is such an important role and it is a fact that, when these lovely ladies arrive at the ceremony, the guests will be casting a critical eye over their choice of outfit.

If you have not had Colour Analysis then this may be exactly the right time to do so. We talked about the importance of wearing a good colour next to your face in my previous article. The right colour will make you look younger, fresher and radiant on the big day. Your Image Consultant will also be able to advise you whether the colours you are considering will work well with the bride and bridesmaids and so ensure you won’t clash. They will also show you a style that works for your body shape and give you advice on the hat that is right for you personally.

Make sure your outfit fits well and is comfortable

Some of us find weddings a clothing nightmare because we would normally live in jeans. You can of course get really smart dark indigo jeans these days but if you are a principal then a trouser suit is a great alternative. Whatever you choose, be happy in it.

For everyone involved, make sure your outfit fits you well and is comfortable. Think about what the day involves – how much standing and sitting – and whether your shoes and your fabric choice will survive the day. And lastly – have a wonderful time!