When foreign visitors are asked to describe the overall demeanour of the Australian populace you will invariably hear terms like “laid back”, “easy-going”, and “friendly”. Australia’s culture is vibrant and unique, embodying many of the best qualities of the various peoples that came together to form it. It’s not unusual to walk down a street in Australia and have a complete stranger say “Good morning!” to you, it’s just their nature to be nice and a bit informal!

And so it is with many of their customs, including the traditions that accompany their weddings. In most countries, wedding attire is a very serious affair with stringent rules surrounding who wears what, and how! Not so much Down Under, where the main thing is to enjoy the day, not pose for the cover of a fashion magazine! Still, everyone likes to look nice, so let’s go over the basics of what to wear to an Australian wedding!

The Groom

Being one of the stars of the show, it is important for the groom to look his best, and not show up in jeans and a T-shirt! Like most Western based societies, well-tailored, bespoke wedding suits are the norm for the groom and his loyal groomsmen.

Whereas black would be the expected colour for the groom’s suit in many nations, Australians are a lot more relaxed and lighter colours like tan, grey, blue, or even green composed of lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are perfectly fine, striking a good balance between the balmy weather and formality.

The antipodean spring and autumn are the favoured months for weddings and unseasonably hot days are fairly common! A nicely tailored suit is the main thing, but a waistcoat can add a formal touch without appearing ostentatious.

Ties or bow ties are optional but are considered the norm, they can come off when it’s time to dance! The shoes are usually leather dress shoes or boots in a colur that matches the suit well. The object is to look sharp, but still relaxed!

The Bride

Some things are constants wherever you travel, so yes, Australian brides do mostly still wear white, although the expectation is less stringent Down Under. Australian brides aim for a kind of mellow elegance with light touches of sophistication. Her dress is usually fashioned from lighter fabrics such as chiffon, crepe, or lace that are well suited to Australia’s warmer overall climate.

Long dresses are out, with midi or tea dresses being the most popular, especially if the ceremony will be held outdoors, as the majority of Australian weddings are. Lately, a number of modern brides are wearing separates, like a skirt and top to make a comfortable and contemporary statement.  There’s also the option of boho wedding dresses, which are considered very fashionable at the moment.

As for the accessories, floral crowns are a favourite, along with understated, but stylish jewellery. The shoes should be nice, but comfortable above all, and easy to kick off when it’s time to dance! 

The Guests

Well, we did say laid back and easy=going, but please don’t wear a pair of jeans and a T-shirt to a wedding in Australia, be you male or female! A smart casual look is the way to go, light, airy, and easy to dance in!

In the context of Australian wedding attire, the inclusion of appropriate accessories can serve to enhance the overall aesthetic, creating a more striking and cohesive look. 

However, in addition to traditional accessories, custom pins are also a fashion element worth considering. Custom enamel pins can be tailored in design to correspond with the theme of the wedding, the specific preferences of the newlyweds, or the individual personal styles of the guests. 

It can be a delicate embellishment on the bride’s crown or a fashionable decoration on the groom’s neckline, adding a different charm to the wedding look. In addition, custom pins can also be the finishing touch of guests’ smart casual wear, enhancing the overall layering of the look.