The concept of matching outfits at a wedding is one that every year continues to cause controversy within the bridal world. Some couples – and stylists! – are staunchly opposed to the idea and say that it looks “tacky” (the one thing we’re all desperate to avoid), whereas other couples strongly support the practice, defending it with fervour. We at Zankyou recognise the issues with completely matching outfits, but do agree that it can be an incredibly romantic touch to have some similar motifs, colours and styles. After all, it’s a case of doing it subtlely, and tastefully – so check out our five top tips on just how to do so!
1. Agree on a theme
Before beginning the process of organising matching details for the bride and groom’s outfits, you must be completely aware that it is a practice that draws attention from everyone. And if this is something you’re both agreed on, then onwards! When you’re in agreement on proceeding with this idea, and you and your partner have similar tastes, you’re halfway there already.
However, for a couple that does not share a fashion sense, the process can become a little more complicated – and also for couples where one person thinks it’s a good idea, and the other isn’t in agreement! If this sounds like you and your partner, bear in mind that you don’t have to match in a blatant manner – small details, such as matching shoe colours, jewellery, and fabrics don’t look forced, but can still be a sweet, intimate touch. There is always a way for both people to be happy (and it’s a good exercise in compromise!)
2. Combine clothes
Clearly only same-sex couples can play around with and use each others’ clothes, or wear the same (or very similar) bridal outfit. For straight couples, it can be a bit more difficult to make it clear that you and your partner match. This normally stems from the fact that in 99% of cases, the wedding dress is always white, and so options are immediately limited.
However, in the 1% of cases where the dress has a pastel or plain colour, the groom can wear a tie with the same colour. This doesn’t grab too much attention, and also looks very elegant. For those who are renouncing the traditional white, the bride’s dress and the groom’s socks can also be the same colour – this is an also imperceptible act, but one that introduces a comedic touch for guests sharp enough to pick up on this detail!
For the brides who are going with the traditional white, there are still things you can do. When her dress is long and white, an eye-catching embellishment or splash of colour on the bride’s shoes can serve as the ideal complement to the colour of the groom’s suit, or one of his accessories.
3. Choose your flowers
Flowers can be one of the most important features of a wedding, and are used at various junctures during the day. They can also be used to great effect to unify the looks of the bride and groom, in a way that will make your guests swoon!
For a more romantic touch, the groom can wear in his lapel the same kind of flower that the bride has for her bouquet – so that when they are stood together at the end of the aisle, they will be even more symbolically united. And for grooms that are not afraid of a little colour, he could wear a tie, shirt, or even a blazer, that is the same colour as the bride’s flowers – which would look utterly fabulous in the photos.
On the bride’s part, you could incorporate the lapel flower into a flower crown or hair feature. This kind of style has become more popular in recent years, particularly with bohemian and vintage themed weddings.
4. Use accessories
Wedding accessories are very subtle, and resultantly one of our favourite ways of matching the bride and groom. The idea is to find jewellery and accessories with similar features – whether this is in colour or in the type of material used. For example, if the groom chooses to wear a watch with a navy strap, the bride could source a sapphire bracelet, or include other blue stones into her jewellery.
Another option is that the bride can match the metal used in her necklace with the metal used in the tie-pin of the groom, or the material of his watch. We at Zankyou think that one of the best pairings in this category has to be earrings and cufflinks. There is such a variety of options for these two accessories that you’ll have no problem finding ones with similar themes and motifs, or ones made from the same metals. With accessories, at the end of the day, it’s very much what you want to make of it.
5. Check over the small details
Many of the options we have already mentioned are more subtle ways of matching with your partner, but if even they feel a little too much for the two of you, there are smaller ways of complementing one another on your wedding day. For example, you could match the colour of the bride’s makeup – such as lipstick and nail polish – to accessories such as the groom’s socks or even his pocket square. As the majority of women have their makeup linked to the colour scheme, most guests will not pick up on this being deliberate – and will be something for just you and your other half to enjoy.
More relaxed weddings, such as those taking place on the beach, or for couples who are less interested in formalities, you could wear sunglasses from the same brand, or even the same kind of shoes – we know of several sporty couples who have worn matching Adidas trainers for their big day!
Whatever your level of commitment to matching with your partner on your wedding day, there is a way to make it happen – and we hope we have helped you decide how to move forward!
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