What Should Siblings Wear If They Aren't in the Wedding Party?

Now that the details of your wedding are confirmed and finalized, it's time to figure out what you'd like your wedding guests to wear. Not only that, but it's also time to thoughtfully consider what you'd like your siblings to wear if they aren't in your wedding party. This can get tricky, though, as tensions are often high when an individual's sister or brother hasn't been asked to play a key role on the big day.

Nevertheless, there are ways to help mitigate the stress of this particular scenario and ensure that everyone looks and feels special regardless of their day-of status. How? For starters, couples should establish a clear dress code for all guests to follow, as this will create a cohesive aesthetic and make it easier for family and friends to shop for an outfit. From there, you can then decide whether or not you'd like to select a special dress code for your family member to follow (for example, designating your partner's sibling to wear a sister-of-the-groom dress that complements the hues of your color palette). “If my sisters aren’t in my wedding, I would love for them to be an extension of me, so I would want them beautifully clad in somewhat coordinated outfits that compliment my wedding colors," designer Nneka C. Alexander explains.

But that's not all: There are plenty of fashion options to consider, no matter if you're having a black-tie affair or keeping your day relaxed and casual. To help you figure it all out, we consulted with two experts to break down what your siblings should wear if they aren't members of your wedding party. Read on for more.

Here's What Your Sister or Sister-in-Law Should Wear If She Isn't a Bridesmaid

According to etiquette expert Lisa Grotts, designating a special style guide for your sister (or future sister-in-law) to follow—like asking her to wear a particular color, print, or silhouette—is a lovely way to make her feel special if she isn't in your wedding party. Grotts further advises, “Make her feel comfortable: take her on a shopping trip to ensure her color fits your overall theme, not to mention your photographs!” What's more, the final outfit should also align with the overall dress code.

For example, if the dress code is black-tie or formal, siblings should wear a floor-length gown or suit in a muted hue (or, as mentioned, in a color that complements the color palette). Hosting a semi-formal or cocktail event? Advise your sibling to wear something comfortable but still dressy, like a one-shoulder or tea-length dress. On the other hand, if the dress code is casual, your sibling can sport their favorite mini dress or play around with color and prints (if you haven't asked them to wear a specific shade, of course).

Here's What Your Brother or Brother-in-Law Should Wear If He Isn't a Groomsman

Although men’s wedding attire typically requires interchanging trousers and a jacket, couples should still find ways to make male siblings feel special if they aren't a part of the wedding. “Don’t get so involved in your wedding that you ignore family members, especially male siblings,” Grotts adds. With that in mind, the same rules apply for men as they do women—“stay within the color theme so everyone blends in,” Grotts explains.

More specifically, if you're planning a black-tie and formal fête, Alexander recommends that you ask your sibling to wear an "immaculately tailored" tuxedo and suit. "I would want there to be an obvious distinguishing factor between my brothers and the groomsmen, so I would, of course, have my brothers in a different suit color from the groom and groomsmen," she adds.

Is your dress code cocktail or semi-formal? You can simply advise your brother or brother-in-law to select a pair of dress pants and a nice blazer. (You can even ask your sibling to wear a tie that matches or complements to groomsmen). Lastly, for casual events, a pair of khaki pants and a button-down shirt would be appropriate for him to wear. Even a polo shirt could work, too!