How to Dress Kids for a Wedding

Some couples are more than happy to have children be a part of their wedding—even if they aren’t serving an official role on the big day. But just as adult guests can have questions figuring out how to dress, it can be difficult to decide what your son or daughter should wear for this special event. Should you go with a kid’s tuxedo, a boys' dress suit, or casual and comfortable?

So we’ve rounded up some expert tips to help you put together the perfect ensemble for your little one.

Comfort is Key

No matter how adorable your child might look in a certain outfit, if he’s uncomfortable, both of you will be miserable the entire day. With that in mind, choose clothing in comfortable fabric (like cotton) that isn’t too tight, or high-quality Merino wool that is lightweight and easy to move in. View our collection of boy's suits & tuxedos and contact our customer experience team to learn if we carry children’s sizes in your preferred style.

Avoid Multi-Layering

This will make trips to the bathroom much more difficult. You also don’t want to risk them getting too warm. It’s easier to bring a sweater if you’re worried about the venue being too chilly.

Make Sure The Fit is Right

Putting your child in a dress or a pair of boy’s dress pants that are too long can pose a dangerous situation, especially if the venue has stairs.

Choose Age-Appropriate Outfits

Little girls trying to wear heels are never a good idea. Also, children, like all guests, should “blend in and not stand out” at a wedding with their wardrobe choice, notes JoAnn Moore of JoAnn Moore Wedding, Design, and Event Planning.

Forgo Wedding Colors

Don’t dress your kids in anything white or any colors conflicting with the wedding party’s color palette, explains Kylie Carlson of The Wedding Academy.

“While it’s something that adult guests should follow, it’s also something to keep in mind when picking out your family’s outfits. You don’t want to step on anyone’s toes if your child shows up in a white dress that matches the ring bearer or flower girl!” Opting for a children’s navy suit for boys or a kid’s tuxedo can be a good option.

Skip The New Shoes

Jennifer Borgh of Borghinvilla Wedding Venue suggests not putting your child in new shoes. Yes, new shoes might look nicer but when the blisters start, so does the complaining, whining, and crying. Polish the old ones instead!

Make Sure Underwear Isn’t Showing

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen little girls, especially those who aren’t used to wearing formal attire in inappropriate positions,” says Laura Maddox of Magnolia Celebrates. “I suggest some bloomers or bike shorts underneath that beautiful frock!”

Don’t Stress About The Dress Code

Unless the dress code denotes a black-tie formality, going all out isn’t necessary—especially if the weather will play a role in how comfortable your children will be, says Carlson. Aim for something simple yet polished, whether that’s a light dress or a clean button-up or khakis.

Bring Extra Clothes

Kids get dirty. You may have one dressed in a nice boys dress suit and another in a formal children’s dress, only to have them splash mud on it right before the reception. It’s always helpful to have an extra outfit on hand, says Borgh.

Of course, if you’re still not sure how your child should dress, you can always ask the bride or groom for some guidance. And once you have their look all sorted out, it’s time to figure out what you should wear. Take look at our collection of boys suits, tuxes, and accessories.

Contributors

• JoAnn Moore of JoAnn Moore Wedding, Design and Event Planning
• Kylie Carlson of The Wedding Academy
• Laura Maddox of Magnolia Celebrates
• Jennifer Borgh of Borghinvilla Wedding Venue
• Photos by Kienow Photography
• Photos by Generation Tux