Boys’ wedding outfits: babies, page boys, boys and teens

A boys’ wedding outfit has to look smart in photographs, suit the couple’s colours and dress code, and still be comfortable after a long ceremony, a meal and an evening on the dance floor. That’s a lot to ask of a four-year-old page boy or a baby who’ll sleep through the vows. The good news is that a well-chosen boys’ wedding outfit is simpler than it looks: a smart shirt, trousers in the right colour, one formal layer such as a waistcoat or jacket, and comfortable shoes he has already worn in. This guide covers wedding outfits for every age, from a baby boy wedding outfit and infant tuxedos to toddler page boys, older boys and teenage guests, with outfits by dress code and season, colour ideas, fitting and comfort tips, and how to dress boys who are guests rather than part of the wedding party.

Boys’ wedding outfits: the quick answer

• Babies: a soft romper with a collar and bow tie, or a baby boy suit with soft trousers and a waistcoat.
• Toddlers and page boys: a shirt, waistcoat, smart trousers and bow tie, often in the wedding colours.
• Boys aged 5 to 12: a suit or waistcoat and trousers, a shirt and tie, and leather shoes.
• Teenagers: a fitted suit, or smart separates for a less formal wedding.
• Formal or black-tie weddings: a dark suit or tuxedo-style outfit.
• Summer: linen, cotton and lighter colours.
• Winter: wool, tweed or velvet, with a coat.
• Comfort: a trial run at home, a clip-on tie and a change of clothes for the evening.

Page boys, ring bearers and guests

Before choosing an outfit, check the boy’s role.

• Page boy: in Britain, a young boy who walks in the procession, sometimes carrying the rings. The couple usually chooses or approves the outfit.
• Ring bearer: the American term for a boy who carries the rings. The outfit often echoes the groom’s.
• Guest: a boy attending with his family. He should be dressed to the wedding’s dress code, but doesn’t need to match anyone.

If he’s part of the wedding party, ask the couple what they’d like before buying anything.

Baby boy wedding outfits

A baby boy wedding outfit should be soft, simple and easy to change, because babies feed, nap and need nappy changes throughout the day.

• A collared romper with a bow tie: smart, comfortable and quick to change.
• A baby boy suit: soft trousers, a shirt-style bodysuit and a waistcoat, sometimes with a jacket.
• A knitted set: a cardigan and trousers in cream or grey for a relaxed country wedding.
• An infant tuxedo romper: printed or styled to look like a tuxedo, for a black-tie wedding.
• Soft shoes or booties: babies don’t need hard soles.

Infant suits for weddings: what to check

Infant suits for weddings are often made in stiffer fabrics than everyday baby clothes. Check before you buy.

• Poppers at the crotch or an elastic waist for nappy changes.
• Soft, lined fabrics that don’t scratch.
• No small buttons or loose decorations that could come off.
• A size up if the wedding is a few months away.
• A spare outfit, because milk and baby food are certain.

Infant tuxedos

An infant tuxedo is a fun option for a black-tie wedding. The most comfortable versions are rompers styled with a printed or attached jacket front and bow tie. Proper miniature tuxedos look smart but are best saved for the photographs and the ceremony. Change him into a soft outfit for the reception.

For newborns, see newborn baby boy outfits.

Toddler and page boy outfits

Toddlers and young page boys look their best in classic, simple outfits.

1. The waistcoat: a white shirt, a grey or navy waistcoat, matching trousers and a bow tie.
2. The braces: a white shirt, braces, smart shorts or trousers and long socks, for a summer wedding.
3. The mini suit: a matching jacket and trousers, worn for the ceremony and photographs.
4. The linen look: a linen shirt and trousers in ivory or beige for a beach or garden wedding.
5. The knit: a cable-knit jumper over a collared shirt for a relaxed winter wedding.

Toddler black suits

A toddler black suit suits formal evening weddings, especially when the groomsmen wear black. For daytime weddings, navy, grey and lighter tones usually look softer and more natural in photographs. If you choose black, add a white shirt and a bow tie in the wedding colour.

Wedding outfits for boys aged 5 to 12

Older boys can wear something closer to an adult outfit.

• A two-piece or three-piece suit in navy, grey or a wedding colour.
• A shirt and tie or a bow tie.
• A waistcoat and trousers without a jacket for summer.
• A blazer with chinos for a relaxed or garden wedding.
• Leather shoes, polished, and worn in beforehand.

For suit sizes and fit, see our boys’ suit guide.

Wedding outfits for teenage boys

Teenagers want to look grown-up and stylish, not like a smaller version of their dad.

• A slim-fitting suit in navy, grey or a deeper colour such as green.
• An open collar for a less formal wedding.
• A roll neck under a suit jacket for a winter evening wedding.
• Smart separates: a blazer, chinos and loafers.
• Leather shoes or clean leather trainers, if the couple are happy.

For older teens, see two-piece suits and dress codes explained.

Boys as wedding guests

If he’s a guest rather than part of the wedding party, the rules are simpler.

• Follow the dress code on the invitation.
• Don’t try to match the page boys or groomsmen.
• Avoid white and ivory, which may clash with the couple.
• Choose something he’ll wear again, such as a navy blazer or a smart knit.
• Keep it comfortable, because guests often stay late into the evening.

Age	Guest outfit
Baby	Collared romper or knitted set, soft shoes
Toddler	Shirt, cardigan or waistcoat, chinos, strap shoes
Boy	Shirt, blazer or waistcoat, chinos or suit trousers, leather shoes
Teenager	Suit, or blazer and chinos, leather shoes or loafers

Outfits by dress code

Dress code	Baby	Toddler	Boy	Teenager
Black tie	Tuxedo romper	Black or navy suit, bow tie	Dark suit or tuxedo, bow tie	Tuxedo or dark suit
Formal	Baby boy suit	Shirt, waistcoat, trousers, bow tie	Suit, shirt and tie	Suit and tie
Semi-formal	Collared romper	Shirt, chinos, bow tie	Blazer, shirt, chinos	Suit without tie
Smart casual	Knitted set	Shirt, cardigan, chinos	Shirt, knit or blazer, chinos	Blazer, open shirt, chinos
Beach or garden	Linen romper	Linen shirt and shorts	Linen shirt and trousers	Linen suit or shirt

See dress codes explained for adult dress codes.

Wedding outfits by season

Spring

Light grey, sage, dusty blue and beige. Cotton and light wool. A cardigan for cool churches.

Summer

Ivory, beige, light blue and light grey linen or cotton. Shorts are fine for younger boys at relaxed weddings. Keep a sun hat for outdoor photographs.

Autumn

Navy, burgundy, green and brown. Tweed waistcoats look especially good in autumn.

Winter

Navy, charcoal, deep green and burgundy, in wool, tweed or velvet. Add a smart coat for outdoor photographs. See boys’ winter coats.

Colour ideas

• Match the wedding colours in a tie, bow tie or pocket square.
• Coordinate with the groomsmen for a page boy, without matching exactly.
• Avoid white or ivory suits for guests unless the couple asks for them.
• Keep patterns small, as large checks can look busy in photographs.

Matching page boys to the groomsmen

Many couples like the page boys to echo the groom and groomsmen. There are three simple ways to do it.

1. Mini-me: the same suit colour and tie as the groomsmen, in a child’s cut.
2. Partial match: the same waistcoat or tie colour, with a simpler outfit underneath.
3. Coordinate: the same colour family, but a different outfit, such as a linen shirt and shorts for a summer wedding.

For young toddlers, a partial match is often the most comfortable. A waistcoat, shirt and bow tie in the wedding colour looks smart without the weight of a full suit.

Accessories

• Bow ties and ties in the wedding colour.
• Braces for a vintage or summer look.
• Flat caps for a country or rustic wedding.
• Buttonholes: a simple flower pinned to the jacket or waistcoat. Use a magnetic or clip fastening for young children.
• Pocket squares for older boys.

Fitting and comfort

• Order early: six to eight weeks before the wedding allows for alterations and delivery.
• Measure close to the date for younger children, who grow quickly.
• Size up if he’s between sizes. Trousers can be hemmed.
• Do a trial run at home, so he gets used to wearing formal clothes.
• Choose clip-on ties and bow ties for young boys.
• Adjustable waists make trousers comfortable after a meal.
• Soft linings stop wool from scratching.

Shoes for weddings

• Babies: soft booties or pram shoes.
• Toddlers: soft leather shoes with a strap, worn in beforehand.
• Boys: leather derby or Oxford shoes, or loafers for summer.
• Teenagers: polished leather shoes or loafers.

Avoid brand-new shoes on the day. See boys’ dress shoes and how to match belt and shoes.

Getting through a long wedding day

Weddings are long days for children.

1. Dress him at the last moment before leaving.
2. Bring a change of clothes for the evening reception.
3. Pack snacks and a drink that won’t stain.
4. Plan a quiet break for younger children.
5. Take off jackets and ties after the photographs.
6. Bring comfortable shoes for the dancing.

Photographs with children

• Take the wedding party photos early, before children tire.
• Bring a small treat to keep young page boys smiling.
• Smooth hair and straighten ties just before the photos.
• Have a spare shirt ready in case of a spill before the photographs.

See family photo outfit ideas.

Buying, renting and borrowing

• Hire: some formalwear shops hire boys’ suits, often matching the groomsmen.
• Buy: choose a suit or blazer he’ll wear again at christenings, parties and family events.
• Borrow or buy second-hand: children’s formalwear is usually worn once or twice.
• Choose versatile pieces: a navy blazer and grey trousers can be worn separately afterwards.

A wedding-day checklist for parents

• The outfit, steamed and hung the night before.
• Shoes, polished and worn in.
• A clip-on tie or bow tie, plus a spare.
• A change of clothes for the reception.
• Comfortable shoes for dancing.
• Wet wipes, plasters and a stain pen.
• Snacks, a drink and a small toy or book.
• A cardigan or coat for the walk between church and reception.

Wedding traditions around Europe

• Britain: page boys often wear waistcoats and bow ties matching the groomsmen. See British fashion.
• Italy and Spain: children often dress very smartly, with tailored outfits and leather shoes. See Italian fashion.
• France: children in the wedding party often wear simple, matching outfits in white or pastel. See French fashion.
• Scandinavia: relaxed, nature-inspired weddings with linen, knitwear and soft colours. See Danish fashion.

Mistakes to avoid

Mistake	Why it’s a problem	Do this instead
New shoes on the day	Blisters and tears	Wear them in at home
Real ties on toddlers	Uncomfortable and unsafe	Clip-on ties and bow ties
Ordering too late	No time for fittings	Order six to eight weeks ahead
Buying too big	Looks untidy in photos	Size up only if between sizes
No spare outfit	Spills and accidents happen	Pack a change of clothes
Ignoring the couple’s wishes	Clashes with the wedding party	Ask before buying