Sweet celebrations: The ultimate guide to children’s wedding outfits
Make yours the best dressed little guests
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The best wedding outfits for children don’t just look good in photographs; they take little ones from the ceremony to the dance floor in comfort and style. Designed to look good all day (regardless of how active your little ones are) and ensure a joyful celebration for all (happy children = happy parents), they perfectly balance practicality with polish.
While a lot of modern weddings don’t have strict dress codes (couples will typically state any requirements on the invite if there are), dressing appropriately for the occasion is still essential – even for children. From traditional church ceremonies to beachside receptions and countryside celebrations, read on for our guide to how to dress children for a wedding.
What to look for when choosing children’s wedding outfits
Find an outfit they’ll actually want to keep on, and you’ve done very well. While I understand you want them to look cute in the wedding photos, itchy fabrics and scratchy labels are no one’s friend. Prioritise comfort and they’ll be the happiest little guests around.
- Movement: Look for outfits that will move with them, whether they’re running around, playing with others or non-stop dancing.
- Fabrics: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics to keep them cool and comfortable, also check they are soft and kind to the skin to avoid any itchiness or irritation.
- Footwear: Remember they’ve got to be in these all day, so comfortable, practical styles that are also smart and polished are key.
- Layers: Make sure to have a light cardigan or jacket to hand for when the evenings draw in and they need an extra layer (you want to minimise complaints!).
Black Tie wedding
The most formal of dress codes, if the happy couple opts for a black tie wedding, smart, elegant dress is mandatory for all guests. For boys, that means tuxedos or tailored suits with a crisp shirt, polished shoes and a bow tie, while girls should opt for long, graceful, floaty dresses with ballet flats or little heeled pumps.
Church wedding
If the couple chooses to have a traditional church ceremony on their big day, little ones should follow the same dress code as their parents, with formal outfits that are respectful and smart. Floral or pastel dresses and refined suits are good options, and remember to bring layers as churches tend to be a little on the cooler side, even in summertime.
City wedding
Urban weddings usually have a slightly more contemporary, modern feel to them, so guests, big and small, should err on the side of cool and chic. Look to suave tailoring and sophisticated dresses, paired with coordinating smart shoes – you’re likely to be walking between venues and the last thing you want is uncomfortable little moaners.
Countryside wedding
Garden and country house weddings call for more relaxed, slightly less formal outfits. For boys, lightweight tailoring in neutral hues and linens is always a good option, while girls will fit in perfectly in pretty floral dresses. Practical footwear is key here, as guests may spend a lot of time on the grass or outside in marquees.
Beach wedding
Seaside weddings inevitably mean warmer weather, whether abroad or on the (hopefully) sun-drenched UK coastline. Cool, breezy, breathable fabrics are key to keeping children cool and comfortable – think airy cottons and linens – while relaxed, floaty and shorter silhouettes will enable easy, effortless movement. Appropriate footwear, such as sandals and canvas shoes, are also a good idea in this environment.
