So you’ve got your big day planned! The location is booked, you’ve taste-tested so many dishes you will have to get your dress altered, and the groom is ready to go! Hopefully by now you know what you want the wedding party – and guests for that matter – to wear. If not, we’re here to help!

Have you opted for a formal wedding or an informal one? Typically, the invitation speaks for itself when dealing with formality. Words like “formal” or “black-tie” are often included on invitations to more formal shin-digs. Also, as a general rule, the later the ceremony the more formal it is. An outfit deemed appropriate for a 2 o’clock wedding would typically be considered underdressed for a 6 or 7 o’clock wedding.

As for your bridesmaids and groomsmen, decide what you and your soon-to-be-hubby both like, and figure out something that works. As much as we like to exclude the men from the planning, remember that it is your guy’s wedding as well. Talk to him and find out if he would rather his groomsmen wear cummerbunds (more formal), vests, or just tuxedo shirts with bow ties (least formal of the three). If he opts for cummerbunds or vests, tie your bridesmaids’ dress color into the tux by getting matching accessories for the guys. Dress your bridesmaids in a color that is both flattering and fashionable on all your pretty ladies. We definitely don’t want your bridesmaids to out-shine you, but a dress that looks awful on one of your otherwise gorgeous gals can draw attention away from you just as easily.

The guys’ tuxedoes are generally pretty run-of-the-mill. There are only so many different options to a tux, and once you’ve picked them out the guys just have to go in to be fitted. The style bridesmaid dress you pick should reflect the season, the formality, and your own personal style. Several “modern” brides are choosing a color and letting each bridesmaid pick out their own style (with guidelines of course), while others are picking a style and letting the women choose their own color (also, with guidelines). Either would work and look incredibly elegant and long as the styles and/or color compliment each other. For instance, if you are going to let your girls choose their own style, choose four or five different ones that coordinate together and let them pick from that group. If you are letting them pick a color, tell them a scheme to work with – pastels for instance.

Being the bride means that we saved your attire for last – you are the best, after all! It is my utmost recommendation that you listen to the advice of the dear, sweet ladies – or men – at the dress shop about what looks good on you. It is, obviously, their job. If you are determined to have a spaghetti strap dress – not a style that I would recommend for just anyone – but have broad shoulders, listen when the helpful associates hand you a halter dress and tell you to try it on. Most dress shops are going to train their associates on what dress types flatter each body type, and who are we to question their expertise?

Whatever “type” of wedding attire you choose, with whichever dresses and whichever tux options, your wedding will be beautiful—because at the end of the night, what you are wearing will pale in comparison to how you feel.