Life Events Life events pose a unique challenge because each is a new or infrequent occurrence for which many people have little or no prior experience. A wedding is no exception to this rule. When planning your wedding, a little dose of commonsense advice can help tremendously. Here is our advice on this topic.	/	Marriage / Wedding / Dressing the Wedding Party
		In addition to the marrying couple, the wedding party consists of the bridesmaids, the groomsmen or ushers, the parents, and sometimes junior bridesmaids, flower girls and ring bearers. The clothing they wear should be coordinated and reflect the style of the wedding. Female wedding attire can be purchased at a bridal salon or from a dressmaker, but it is increasingly popular to order dresses from online sites that have access to a wide range of designers. Male attire can be purchased or rented from shops that specialize in formal wear. If you are having a religious ceremony, check to make sure that outfits selected conform to established standards. Traditionally, the bride chooses the design, color and material for the bridesmaids' dresses. She should keep in mind what styles will best suit her attendants. It is not necessary for each outfit to match exactly, as it is quite fashionable for each bridesmaid to pick one of several tops and skirts. A maid or matron of honor can wear a dress that is a different color or shade. The bridesmaids can wear their own shoes as long as they are all the same color, or shoes can be dyed to match the dresses. Since bridesmaids usually pay for their outfits, it is considerate to select a style that is affordable and that may have some use after the wedding. Mothers of the bride and groom wear outfits that blend with those of the others in the wedding party. It is customary for the mother of the bride to choose her dress first and then tell the groom's mother what color and style she will be wearing. A junior bridesmaid should wear a dress similar to that of the other bridesmaids but modified to suit her age. Flower girls usually wear a dress with a sash or pinafore. A ring bearer can wear a traditional suit. Young boys often wear short pants with knee socks. Older boys can wear a blazer. Boys under the age of sixteen should not be dressed in formal attire. The parents of the children usually pay for their clothing. The groomsmen and/or ushers and the bridal couple's fathers should wear the same style clothing as the groom. The time of day and the formality of the wedding determines these outfits. At formal weddings, strollers or cutaways are worn before six o'clock in the evening; tuxedos or full dress white tie and tails are worn after six. In the summer tuxedos with white jackets are appropriate. Dark colored suits are worn at less formal weddings. Lighter colored suits or sports coats with white or khaki trousers are attractive in the summer or in tropical climates.

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