Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Day Attire

Your wedding day should be all about doing exactly what you want to do – so, disclaimer, your wedding attire should be no different. You should feel comfortable, beautiful, and happy in whatever you choose to wear. For some couples that means traditional wedding attire, such as a white dress and suit, and for others it means something more unique, like a jumpsuit or a bold-colored suit. Only wear something that speaks to you; don’t feel pressured to choose a certain style or look just because it's currently trendy.

shot of bride and groom from the waist down. Groom is wearing brown dress pants and shoes. Bride is wearing white heel boots and a white fringe wedding dress. They are standing on a deck decorated with floral arrangements and a vintage wool rug

Photography: LaLaYeags Photography I Florals: The Twisted Rose Co.

While we don’t want you to feel pressured to wear something that is not you, we do recommend keeping an open mind when you are shopping for wedding attire, as you may fall in love with something unexpected.  Asking yourself these questions can help you decide where to begin your search:

  • What will the weather be like?

  • Do we want to stick with something traditional or something unconventional?

  • Am I going to do my own hair and makeup, or will I hire someone?

  • What activities do we have planned?

  • What shoes will we wear?

  • Will we add any accessories?

  • Unless you plan on a mid-wedding outfit change (which we fully support), you will likely be wearing your wedding outfit all day. So, when choosing your attire, take into consideration how comfortable and easy to move around in the clothes are, and what activities you plan to do in them (dancing, hiking, etc.). At the end of the day, feeling comfortable will give you radiance and confidence.

If you’re still struggling with where to start, consider the following tips:

Tips for selecting wedding dresses, skirts, or jumpsuits:

  • How lightweight is the outfit? Can you envision yourself wearing it all day? We recommend staying in the outfit as long as possible (or until the store kicks you out – only kidding) to make sure it remains comfortable. Outfits with corsets tulle, or puffy skirts tend to be heavier.

  • If you are considering any big movements on your wedding day (hiking, dancing, bouncing), make sure the outfit has movement that you will love. When you’re trying on the outfit, mimic any moves you think you’ll be doing.  For example, if you plan on dancing the night away, raise your arms, swish your skirt, and groove around the dressing room. If you plan on hiking, take big steps. Make sure the outfit not only allows you to move the way you want to but also comes back to its original shape without many adjustments.

  • Sit down. Yes, find the nearest chair and pop a squat. It’s inevitable that you will have to sit down on your wedding day, and you want to make sure that you can do this comfortably.

  • Are you planning an outdoor wedding? A windblown dress can look epic in wedding pictures. Pick up your dress or skirt and mimic the wind to see how flowy the it is!

  • Wedding dresses don’t have to be white!

  • Accessories can be more than just veils. Sleeves, capes, fur coats, shoulder shawls, and hats can add tons of drama to your look and photos.

  • If having an outdoor wedding or ceremony, consider laying options such as jackets or shawls. A cold bride does not make a happy bride.

  • Keep in mind that wedding dresses, skirts, or jumpsuits can take up to 4+ months to arrive, and you’ll likely still need time for alterations. If you need a wedding outfit quickly, consider purchasing off the rack.

  • If your dress budget is tight, look for a secondhand dress shop or check to see if any bridal shops near you are running sales. Some bridal shops run sales around Black Friday or certain holidays.

Photography: WhatMiaSaw Photography I Dress: Blanc de Blanc Bridal I Florals: The Twisted Rose Co.

Tips for selecting wedding suits:

  • Mix and match! Your suit top does not have to match the bottom.

  • Don’t be afraid of colors. Black, navy, and grey suits are standard at weddings, but daring and bold colors can be a fun way to add personality to your attire.

  • Adding patterns or unique textiles (velvet, leather, corduroy anyone?) to your wedding outfit can help you break free of the traditional linen and black tux options seen at most weddings.

  • Make sure you can move easily. As with our wedding dress tips, take big strides, squat, jump to see how easy it is to move in your suit!

  • Accessories aren’t just for the ladies. Suspenders, vests, hats, bolo ties, bow ties, belt-buckles, pocket squares, cuff links, watches/pocket watches, scarves, jackets add some extra personality to your outfit choice.

  • Bring friends along to help make the decision process a little bit easier.

Camera looking through a circular door to a groom sitting on a bench putting on his cuff links. He is dressed in a brown tweed vest, white button down shirt, brown pants, and hiking boots.

Need a little help getting started? We provided a list of our favorite local and online wedding clothes vendors!

Dress Options:

  • Blanc de Blanc Bridal – in store purchase located in Pittsburgh, PA

  • Sorelle Bridal Salon – in store purchase located in Washington, PA

  • Daci Gowns – online store with options to purchase or rent

  • Dreamers and Lovers - online store with options to purchase or rent

  • The Kindered Soul - online sore with options to purchase or rent

  • Daughters of Simone – online store selection of unique wedding dresses for purchase

  • Lulus – online store

Suit Options:

  • The Black Tux – online store with options to purchase or rent

  • Asos – online store

Suits for Women:

  • Madewell – online store

  • Wild Fang – online store

Photography: WhatMiaSaw Photography

In the end, your wedding day is all about you and your partner, so make sure your wedding attire reflects your unique style and personality. Don't feel pressured to conform to traditional or trendy looks and keep an open mind when searching for your perfect outfit. Remember to consider the practicality of your attire, especially if you plan on dancing or hiking. And finally, don't be afraid to add some extra personality to your outfit with accessories or unique textiles. With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to find the perfect wedding attire that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful on your special day.

Are you ready to start the wedding planning adventure? We provide the dream setting for your wedding experience in the Laurel Highlands and can accommodate all wedding sizes and styles. Let’s chat! 

Lanie Greenbaum