How to Style a Mixed-Gender Wedding Party to Create a Cohesive Look

Though many couples still choose to follow certain traditions when planning their weddings, there has been a steady increase in individuals opting to embrace practices that are more aligned with today's inclusive culture. Case in point: Mixed-gender wedding parties. These days, instead of a bride or groom choosing their best gal or guy to stand by their side, it's become popular for people to forgo the concept of bridesmaids and groomsmen in favor of roles like bridesman (or bridespeople) and groomswoman (or groomspeople).

“Mixed-gender wedding parties have been growing in popularity because they allow you to have people that are close in your life be with you throughout the entire day, no matter the gender," explains Greta Louise Tomé, a bridal trends expert and social media personality. “A mixed-gender [wedding] party is great if you are a bride and want your brother to be by your side for the whole wedding day. This concept has also benefited brides with non-binary friends who may not want to identify as a bridesmaid or other typically feminine terms. A mixed-gender [wedding] party presents a solution for couples that want to include an array of friends and meaningful people in their lives of different genders.”

That said, while you might be excited to include all your friends in your wedding party, you may also be confused about how to style them to create one cohesive look. Lucky for you, we have a few tips and tricks to help you figure it out.

5 Mixed-Gender Wedding Party Styling Tips

Ahead, read on for our top five mixed-gender wedding party styling tips.

Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette

“Choosing a cohesive color palette is the perfect way to unify your mixed-gender [wedding] party,” shares Tomé. “In photos, colors that coordinate will make the imagery pop and look put together.” This is especially true if everyone will be in mismatched looks (which is typically the case). Meaning, if your desired wedding color palette is peach, individuals wearing a dress should wear one that is peach, while individuals wearing a suit or tuxedo should wear an ensemble that is black with a peach accessory—like a tie or pocket square—or a peach-hued jacket.

Incorporate Accessories That Tie Everyone Together

Accessories are a great way to keep everyone looking cohesive if you plan to have a mixed-gender wedding party, as it allows the group to wear one similar piece that ties them together. “Accessories can help unify a [wedding] party's outfit, even if they are wearing different silhouettes,” shares Tomé. “For example, a variety of vintage accessories can make for a more eclectic look. You could also put all of your [wedding] party in different chunky silver jewelry and accessories for a more modern, streamlined look.”

Consider Separates

If you truly want to break with tradition, consider having everyone wear separates. This will allow your wedding party to choose their own pieces, further giving them permission to look and feel comfortable on your very special day, says Tomé “Separates, in regards to styling, can help make outfits more flexible and flattering for different body types," she adds. "Using separates can also help highlight individuals’ style because you can mix and match different pieces.”

Play Around With Prints and Patterns

Incorporating prints and patterns into your friend's outfits—whether via a pocket square, a dress, a scarf, or a ribbon—is another great way to tie everyone's looks together. “Prints and patterns can draw the eye and add interest to your [wedding] party,” shares Tomé. “Prints and patterns can also highlight personal style amongst individuals of your [wedding] party.” No matter if you consider yourself to be a minimalist, maximalist, or something in between, there are tons of patterns to consider to suit your big day.

Follow Your Instincts

While there are a variety of ways to style a mixed-gender wedding party, at the end of the day, do what works best for you and your friends—and follow your instincts when deciding what may or may not work for your wedding. “Making sure your [wedding] party is comfortable and confident in what they are wearing is so important,” adds Tomé. Ultimately, there's no "one size fits all" tip when it comes to weddings, so use your best judgment when making decisions that will impact your group.