Choosing the perfect bridal party getting ready outfits is about so much more than what you'll wear for hair and makeup. It's about setting the tone for your wedding day, creating your first memories together, and making your loved ones feel truly special. From elegant satin robes to chic pyjama sets, coordinated looks unite your bridal party and make for absolutely stunning photos.
Creating Unforgettable Wedding Morning Moments
The hours before you say "I do" are filled with a unique blend of excitement, happy nerves, and pure joy. You’re surrounded by your closest friends and family, and this precious time deserves to be styled just as thoughtfully as the ceremony itself. Having everyone in coordinated outfits fosters a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere and makes each person feel like a cherished part of your day.
These outfits are a key part of your wedding story, not just a practical choice. They bring your morning photos to life, adding a beautiful visual harmony that will look incredible in your wedding album. Picture the classic shot of your whole crew lined up, champagne flutes in hand, all dressed in gorgeous matching attire. It’s a timeless image that perfectly captures the spirit of your day.
This has become a meaningful tradition at modern Australian weddings. Couples today are focusing more on creating unique, personal experiences, and the getting-ready portion of the day is a huge piece of that puzzle. With Australian couples now expecting to spend around $34,715 on their big day, it's clear that every detail counts, including those special moments before the main event. You can explore more Australian wedding trends and insights.
A thoughtfully chosen getting-ready outfit serves two purposes: it’s a practical garment for pre-ceremony preparations, and it's a beautiful gift that shows your bridal party how much you appreciate their love and support.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently select the perfect style for your squad. We'll cover:
- The most popular styles, from classic robes to chic pyjamas.
- How personalisation and custom touches make all the difference.
- Tips for getting the sizing and group ordering right without any stress.
- How to style your photos for those picture-perfect shots.
By the end, you'll be ready to create a beautiful, cohesive, and completely memorable morning for you and your favourite people.
Finding Your Perfect Style: Robes vs Pyjamas
One of the first, and most fun, decisions for your wedding morning is choosing what everyone will wear while getting ready. Will you opt for classic robes or chic pyjamas? This choice sets the tone for those precious hours before the ceremony, blending comfort with camera-ready style.
It's all about the atmosphere you wish to create. Are you envisioning timeless elegance or a fun, modern slumber party vibe?
This isn't just about comfort; it's about the visual story your photographer will capture. Let’s explore the most popular options to help you find the perfect match for your bride tribe.
The Timeless Allure of Bridal Robes
There's a reason bridal robes are a go-to choice for so many. They exude classic sophistication and are incredibly practical while hair and makeup artists work their magic.
- Effortless Elegance: A silky satin or lace-trimmed robe drapes beautifully, creating a soft, romantic look that is stunning in photos and feels wonderfully luxurious.
- Practicality is Key: This is a major advantage. The open-front design allows you to slip it off easily without disturbing your hair or smudging your makeup, ensuring a seamless transition into your wedding gown.
- A Style for Every Vibe: You can find a robe to suit any wedding theme. Think delicate lace for a traditional feel, or vibrant floral prints for a spring garden celebration. The options are endless.
The Modern Comfort of Pyjama Sets
In recent years, matching pyjama sets have become a popular and stylish alternative. They are a fun, contemporary, and incredibly comfortable option that brings a relaxed, playful energy to the morning while still looking perfectly polished.
Pyjama sets are not only stylish for the wedding morning but also serve as a wonderful, reusable gift. Your bridesmaids will love having a beautiful set to wear long after the big day is over.
The reusability factor is a huge plus. While robes are gorgeous, a stylish pyjama set will likely get more use in your bridesmaids' regular wardrobe. To see why this trend has taken off, check out our guide on bridal pyjamas designed for ultimate comfort.
Other Chic Alternatives to Consider
While robes and pyjamas are the most popular choices, don't feel limited. A few other gorgeous options are worth considering.
A sophisticated slip dress, for instance, offers a minimalist and glamorous vibe that’s both comfortable and incredibly chic. You could also opt for oversized button-down shirts for a more casual, breezy aesthetic—perfect for a relaxed beach wedding. These alternatives provide even more freedom to tailor the getting-ready experience to your unique style.
Making It Personal with Custom Touches
Once you've chosen the perfect outfits for your bridal party, the real magic happens when you add a personal touch. This is what elevates a lovely gift into a treasured keepsake and makes the morning feel uniquely yours.
Customisation creates a beautiful sense of connection and shows each person just how much they mean to you.
These little details add a new layer of meaning and look incredible in your getting-ready photos. A simple monogram or a beautifully printed title elevates the whole experience, making everyone feel special and celebrated.
Popular Personalisation Ideas
When it comes to customising your outfits, you have several elegant options that add the perfect finishing touch. Each style brings a different feel—from subtle and classic to bold and celebratory—so you can find the perfect match for your wedding aesthetic.
Here are a few of the most popular choices:
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Classic Wedding Titles: You can't go wrong with printing roles like 'Bride', 'Bridesmaid', or 'Maid of Honour' on the back of robes or pyjamas. It’s a timeless choice that creates a cohesive look and makes for iconic group photos.
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Elegant Monogramming: For something more subtle and sophisticated, consider embroidered initials. A beautifully stitched monogram on the pocket, cuff, or lapel adds a refined, personal detail that feels incredibly luxe.
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First Names or Nicknames: For a warm and intimate feel, using first names is a lovely option. It’s a friendly way to personalise each gift and makes every member of your bridal party feel individually seen and appreciated.
These small details make a big impact. A great way to continue the theme is to pair the outfits with other customised items. Imagine presenting each robe on one of our personalised coat hangers—it creates a stunning visual for photos and gives them a practical keepsake they can use forever.
Personalisation is more than a trend; it's a way to tell the story of your relationships. It’s a quiet acknowledgement of the bond you share with each person standing by your side.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that reflects your style and the personalities of your favourite people. Whether you opt for traditional titles or delicate initials, these custom touches will ensure your getting-ready outfits are remembered long after the confetti has settled.
How to Get the Perfect Fit for Everyone
Ensuring everyone's getting-ready outfit fits perfectly is key to them feeling comfortable, confident, and truly part of the celebration. Coordinating different sizes and body shapes can seem tricky, but a little thoughtful planning makes the process smooth and stress-free. The goal is that beautiful, cohesive look where every person feels amazing.
Getting the sizing right is a small gesture that speaks volumes. It shows you've thought about each person individually and ensures no one feels awkward or overlooked on your big day.
Gathering Sizing Information
The easiest way to get accurate sizes is simply to ask. However, you can do it with a bit of finesse. Instead of just asking "what's your size?", which can vary between brands, direct them to the specific size chart for the outfits you've chosen. This gives them clear instructions to find their best fit based on actual measurements.
Pro Tip: Set up a simple group chat or a private email thread for your bridal party. Share the link to the size chart there, making it a discreet and easy way for everyone to find the information and send you their size.
When they’re choosing, give them a few pointers on what to consider for the specific style:
- For Robes: Suggest they consider their shoulder width and desired length. The wrap style offers great flexibility around the waist.
- For Pyjama Sets: Recommend they check the measurements for both the top and bottoms, especially if they wear a different size on their top half versus their bottom.
Choosing an Inclusive Supplier
This is perhaps the most important step: find a supplier who offers a comprehensive range of sizes. Look for brands that cater to everyone, from petite to plus-size, so that no one in your group is left out. Inclusive sizing isn't just a trend; it's the mark of a modern, thoughtful brand, and it makes your job so much easier.
There's a wonderful energy in the Australian bridal scene, with couples putting so much heart into creating unforgettable wedding experiences. This has put a focus on finding high-quality outfits and accessories for the entire wedding party, making inclusive sizing a priority. Find out more about the Australian bridal industry's trajectory.
Once you've gathered all the sizes, place your order! It's wise to do this three to four months before the wedding, especially for personalised items. This provides a comfortable buffer for production and shipping and leaves plenty of time for any exchanges if needed. No last-minute panic required.
Styling Your Getting-Ready Photos Like a Pro
The hours on your wedding morning are pure magic. The photos from this time are often the most candid and emotionally charged of the entire day, capturing the quiet anticipation, joyful chaos, and the incredible bond between you and your favourite people. A little thoughtful styling goes a long way, helping your photographer create those magazine-worthy images you’ll treasure forever.
It all starts with the space. If possible, choose a room with plenty of natural light. It creates a soft, flattering glow that photographers adore. Before the camera starts clicking, do a quick tidy-up to clear away any stray bags, clothes, or clutter. A clean space keeps the focus exactly where it should be: on the people and their emotions.
A simple and effective trick is to coordinate your bridal party getting ready outfits with your wedding's overall theme. It instantly creates a cohesive look that ties everything together beautifully. If you're having a soft, pastel-themed day, consider robes in dusty rose or sage green. For a bolder, more modern vibe, rich jewel tones like emerald or navy can make a stunning statement.
Curating the Perfect Shot List
Your photographer is a professional and will have plenty of brilliant ideas, but it never hurts to have a few ‘must-have’ shots in mind. This ensures you capture all those iconic moments that tell the story of your morning.
- The Robe Line-Up: A classic for a reason! Get a beautiful shot of everyone lined up, perhaps looking back over their shoulders at the camera or simply sharing a laugh.
- The Champagne Toast: Nothing says "celebration" like popping some bubbly. That clinking-glasses moment is a must-have, and using personalised champagne flutes adds an extra special touch.
- Candid Moments: These are the shots that are pure gold. Think hair and makeup artists at work, a bridesmaid helping with a necklace, or a quiet, heartfelt hug.
- The Big Reveal: The moment your bridesmaids see you in your wedding dress for the first time. The looks on their faces are often priceless and filled with genuine emotion.
Adding Meaningful Props and Details
Props can add personality and elegance to your photos, and it's often the smallest details that make the biggest impact.
Think of your props as storytelling elements. A handwritten card, a shared piece of jewellery, or the custom embroidery on a robe each add a unique chapter to the narrative of your wedding morning.
Consider bringing in a few special items. Beautiful hangers for the dresses, heartfelt cards exchanged between you and your bridesmaids, or even a set of matching personalised slippers. These details don't just look amazing on camera; they become cherished keepsakes from the day.
The tradition of gifting personalised getting-ready robes has truly taken off in Australia, adding a beautiful, personal touch to the wedding morning. In fact, 2023 trend reports highlighted blue as a top colour choice for coordinated bridal party outfits, proving these thoughtful details are now a core part of the modern wedding experience. You can discover more about bridal party outfit trends and get inspired.
Creating the Ultimate Bridal Party Gift Box
A beautiful set of getting-ready outfits is a fantastic gift on its own, but why not take it a step further? Curating a thoughtful gift box for each member of your bridal party transforms a lovely present into a memorable experience. It’s a beautiful way to show your appreciation, pamper them a little, and give them keepsakes to remember the entire journey.
This gesture elevates the morning preparations from a simple routine into a cohesive, special event, making everyone feel truly cherished.
Assembling the Perfect Bridal Gift Bundle
The secret to a stunning gift box is pairing the main item—the robe or pyjama set—with smaller, thoughtful treasures that make the wedding morning even more special. Think about items that are both practical for the day and sentimental for the years to come. You're aiming to create a collection that feels personal and luxurious.
A few ideas to get you started:
- Personalised Slippers: Who doesn't love a pair of fluffy slippers? Adding their initials or wedding title makes them the perfect companion to their new PJs and adds a gorgeous touch of coordinated comfort.
- Elegant Makeup Bags: A custom makeup bag is incredibly useful on the day and is something they’ll definitely use long after the wedding.
- Custom Champagne Flutes: Toasting to the day with personalised flutes not only makes for a brilliant photo but also gives them a beautiful memento of the celebration.
These complementary items show an extra layer of thought and care. If you're looking for more inspiration, exploring unique Bridal Shower Gift Ideas can spark some great concepts that work just as well in a bridesmaid proposal or thank-you box.
A well-curated gift box isn't just a collection of items; it's a story. It tells your bridesmaids how much they mean to you, from the hen's party right through to the final toast.
For a truly seamless and stunning presentation, our pre-designed bridal boxes are a lifesaver. They can be personalised with each bridesmaid's name, creating an exciting "unboxing" moment and keeping all their special gifts beautifully contained. You can even add other fun touches like luxurious sashes for the hen's party or heartfelt proposal cards, making the gift relevant to the entire wedding journey. It’s a wonderful way to honour your friendship and kick off the celebrations in style.
Your Top Questions About Getting Ready Outfits Answered
Let's dive into some of the questions that pop up most often when you're planning your bridal party's getting-ready outfits. Getting these sorted early will help you feel organised and on top of your planning.
When Should I Order the Getting Ready Outfits?
The ideal time to order your getting-ready outfits is around three to four months before your wedding day. This might sound early, but it provides a fantastic buffer.
This timeframe easily covers production, especially if you're adding any beautiful personalisation, and allows for smooth shipping anywhere in Australia. Most importantly, it means you’ll have plenty of time to distribute them and sort out any size exchanges without a hint of last-minute stress.
Who Traditionally Pays for the Bridesmaid Outfits?
In Australia, it is a common and lovely gesture for the bride to purchase the getting-ready outfits as a gift for her bridesmaids. It's a beautiful thank you for all their support, friendship, and everything they're doing to celebrate with you.
Gifting the outfits is a win-win. You achieve that perfectly coordinated, picture-perfect look for your morning photos, and your bridesmaids receive a beautiful keepsake they can love and use long after the wedding. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes them feel truly appreciated.
It's a wonderful way to kick off the day and acknowledge just how much they mean to you. If you're looking for more inspiration, you can find some fantastic ideas for unique bridal party gifts to really spoil your crew.
How Do I Choose a Colour for Our Outfits?
When picking a colour palette, consider your overall wedding theme. You want the morning to feel like a beautiful prelude to the main event, so tying the colours together helps create a cohesive story.
A popular choice is to have the bride in classic white or ivory, with the bridesmaids in a complementary shade like a dreamy dusty rose, a soft sage green, or a sophisticated navy.
Also, think about the location where you'll be getting ready. What colours will stand out against the backdrop of your hotel room or family home? Ultimately, the best choice is a palette that you absolutely love and that will make everyone in your bridal party feel amazing.
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