Mid-Valley Voice

Little Tykes - Ringbearer Fashion

Little boys can be hard to keep up with, especially at a wedding. It is often said that no one has a better time at the reception than the ringbearer. With adorable antics, he could steal the show. And he should be wearing attire that is scene-stealing appropriate.

The ringbearer can wear the same style attire as the groomsmen if a tuxedo is available in children's sizes. They reflect a 'younger version' of the groom.

If you don't want to put the little guy in a tuxedo, for a fall or winter wedding, he can wear a satin or velvet suit in a color that complements the bridesmaids' gowns. In spring and summer, consider a seersucker or sailor suit.

Whatever your ringbearer wears, make sure that the outfit fits him and that he is comfortable. You don't want his tuxedo jacket to mysteriously disappear, never to be seen again. Or find he has decided to strip off the offending clothing article during the ceremony - now that's a scene stealer!

Parental Pride - Fashions for Mom and Dad

They raised you, they helped you. Now they're seeing you through to an important phase in your life - marriage.

Parents deserve to look as great as they feel. Parents' fashions have changed to reflect more modern styles.

Mothers: The mother of the bride and mother of the groom have all eyes on them as they walk down the aisle. And they'll be in more pictures than they've been in since their own wedding days. So why look matronly?

Bridal professionals agree that mothers of the bride and groom are looking modern and fashionable these days. They should begin their shopping once the bride has chosen her gown and the bridesmaids' dresses.

Traditionally, the mother of the bride sets the tone. The mothers shouldn't match each other, either. The mothers should consult with each other as to the style and color of their dresses.

The mothers' dresses should complement their personal style and coloring but shouldn't clash with - or exactly match - the wedding colors. The formality of their dresses should be in the same tone as the bridal party.

Fathers: Whether you're daddy's little girl or his big boy, the fathers want to look their best.

Fathers can purchase the same tuxedos as the groomsmen. However, if that look is too modern for them, they can wear a more traditional tuxedo. They can also tone down the color.

If colored vests are worn by the groomsmen, the fathers will best be suited in black or gray. And traditionally, the fathers' tuxedos match each other and the groomsmen in formality and style.

Pretty as a Petal - Flower Girl Fashion

When a little flower girl floats down the aisle at a wedding, she reminds the guests of what the bride must have been like as a child. And while you want her dress to match the overall scheme of the wedding, you don't want to choose anything that detracts from her girlish charm.

Pretty, feminine dresses continue to define the flower girl's image, as her dress traditionally is similar to the bridesmaids in color and style. Some brides prefer the flower girl's ensemble to resemble her own, using similar elements such as pearl beading or lace. It's not uncommon today to see flower girls mini veils to complement the bride's attire.

Another fashion trend is the inclusion of faux flower petals in the tulle overlay of the flower girls' skirt - as a subtle way to tie in the colors of the bride's floral bouquet.

The Dashing Gentlemen

On the wedding day, most of the attention is focused on the bride and her bridesmaids. After all, their attire sets the mood and tone for the entire wedding.

But the men are important as well. You want the groom and the groomsmen to get noticed too - and not because they're dressed poorly.

Types of Formal Wear:

- For a semiformal daytime wedding, suits are actually more appropriate than tuxedos. Men can wear a tie or go without one.

- For a semiformal evening wedding, a dark tuxedo and bow tie with cummerbund or vest is appropriate. Or men could wear a dark suit. Wear a white wing-tipped or turned-down collared shirt.

- At a formal daytime wedding, choose from tuxedos, tailcoats and gray strollers. Wear it with a white spread-collar shirt, a vest that matches the coat, and an ascot.

- Formal evening weddings call for black tie. Wear a classic black tuxedo with a white wing - or spread-collar shirt, black bow tie, and a matching vest or cummerbund.

Just because the men are wearing tuxes doesn't mean that they have to be boring. The latest trends in tuxedos are longer jackets with a narrow cut. And vests come in a variety of colors and textures.

Even though all the men are basically dressed the same, it is appropriate for the groom to stand out, especially since it's his big day. "The groom may wear a different vest color, jacket or tie in order to distinguish him from the groomsmen.

After all, the bride shouldn't get all of the attention as she and her Prince Charming exchange vows.