One of the best parts of your wedding day is having friends and family around you. Your loved ones also play important roles in the ceremony and reception, from giving toasts to safeguarding the ring.
In some cases, such as for flower girls and page boys, their main job is to look absolutely adorable walking down the aisle in their smart little outfits. But what should a page boy wear? It’s all about finding the right balance between tradition and style, comfort and practicality.
The Role of a Page Boy in a Wedding
The first step to putting together a child and wedding-friendly outfit for a page boy is to understand what they’ll actually be doing in the wedding.
A page boy is typically between 3 to 10 years old who plays what can be described as a ceremonial role in the wedding. This may be to scatter flower petals, carry the rings, hold the bride’s train or escort the flower girls.
It’s a lovely way to include a younger relative in the wedding, whether it’s a nephew or even your own son.
Traditional Page Boy Outfits Explained
So, what will a page boy usually wear? Traditionally, page boys would wear something similar to a miniature version of either the groom’s wedding suit or the suits worn by the wedding party.
While it may depend on the formality of the wedding, the outfit usually includes:
- A shirt and waistcoat
- Tailcoat and morning suit (for formal or church weddings)
- A tie, cravat or bow tie
- Shorts and knee-high socks (for very young page boys).
Fabrics such as wool and tweed are popular choices, although it depends on the season and the venue. Typical colours are navy and charcoal, although pastels can also be a charming choice for spring and summer weddings.
Modern Outfit Ideas for a Page Boy
Just like how wedding suits, dresses and traditions have evolved over the years, so have the trends for page boy outfits.
There are now many more modern options available, some of which are much simpler and less formal. This will be a relief to many parents, especially those dreading wedding morning tantrums from young children who simply refuse to put on a waistcoat or tie.
Classic Suit Options
One of the most popular choices for page boys is a simple boy’s wedding suit. These can be a two or three-piece suit in contemporary colours such as light grey, soft blue, beige or sage green.
Slim-fit suits are also a common choice, although for practical and comfort reasons a more relaxed fit may work better. It all depends on the child and their age, and how long they’ll be wearing the suit for.
Waistcoats and Accessories
A waistcoat can be a great choice for page boys, but parents will need to make a decision on this depending on the child. They’re best for older children or for time-limited wear, such as simply walking down the aisle and a few wedding photos.
Patterned and textured waistcoats can look fantastic though, especially in miniature. You can even explore other accessories to add personality, such as pocket squares, braces and bow ties. As long as they coordinate with wedding colours, you can even involve the child in decisions about accessories.
You may also find that accessories can boost the confidence of your page boys, helping them feel part of the grown-up group.
Seasonal Styles for Summer and Winter Weddings
As with all the outfits for the wedding party, you’ll need to choose your page boy suits according to the season. Here are some ideas for both summer and winter weddings.
For summer, consider:
- Lightweight linen or cotton suits
- Shorts and short-sleeved shirts for very young page boys
- Neutral tones like beige, cream or pastel blues
For winter, explore:
- Heavier fabrics such as tweed or wool
- Layered looks with waistcoats and jackets.
- Rich, warm tones like burgundy, forest green or navy
Matching the Page Boy With the Groom and Groomsmen
The key to the perfect page boy outfit is coordination with the rest of the wedding party. The simplest option is to buy a miniature version of the groom or groomsmen’s suits. It can still have some individuality, but should coordinate in terms of colours, fabrics, accessories or overall style.
Think complementary, but not identical. This not only looks great in your wedding photos, but also helps your page boys to feel special and important but still part of the adult group.
Comfort and Practicality When Dressing Younger Page Boys
Practicality will always be a top priority when choosing any outfit for a child. Comfort and freedom of movement are crucial, as well as ensuring your little page boy stays warm or cool enough depending on the season and the weather.
Here are some tips to remember:
- Choose soft, breathable fabrics
- Avoid stiff collars or anything with a tight waistband
- Ensure easy bathroom breaks (especially for toddlers)
- Make sure you have a spare outfit ready for after the ceremony or for messy moments
Remember that a comfortable child is a happier child, which means less stress for parents, a smoother wedding day and better photos.
Bringing your child into your wedding occasion can be a bit of extra work, and takes some consideration, but it makes all the difference when it comes to bringing the whole family together. Just remember to keep their needs in mind.
