- Because there are four general types of weddings (daytime informal, daytime formal, nighttime informal, nighttime formal), choosing a wedding gown can get confusing. This is especially true when factoring in that bridal gowns come in a variety of colors--from the traditional white, ivory or light gold to the less traditional pink, yellow and even black. As a general rule, informal weddings in either daytime or nighttime call for simpler, less intricate gowns while their formal counterparts warrant more complex, detailed attire. Gowns either with or without trains are acceptable. If a bride is having a destination wedding, particularly on the beach, avoiding a train is best as it would get caught in the sand.
- Grooms often wear a tuxedo to their own wedding if it's a formal event or a suit if it's a relaxed affair. The accessories, such as tie or bow tie, cummerbund, vest and cuff links, traditionally match the color of the bridesmaids' dresses. The groom often wears a sharper, snappier version of the tuxedo / suit his groomsmen are wearing. He can add a bit of flair by changing the color of one of his accessories. In addition, he usually wears a flower pinned to his lapel which matches the flowers in his bride's bouquet.
- Couples can help ease confusion for their guests by indicating a dress style on the invitation. There are three main types of dress for a wedding. White tie is the most dressy (ball gowns and diamonds for women; dress coat, bow-tie and waist coat for men), followed by black tie (cocktail dresses for women, dinner jackets for men) and then informal (blouse and suit or pants for women, suit and tie for men). Letting guests know how they should dress will set the tone for the wedding and help ensure everyone feels comfortable in what he or she has chosen to wear.
