Tracht for a wedding: what do the bridal couple and guests wear?

Which Tracht suits a wedding depends on the setting of the celebration and the wishes of the bridal couple. For the civil ceremony, Dirndl and Lederhose are particularly well suited. For a church wedding we at Gössl recommend a white dress for the bride and a dark Tracht suit for the groom. Guests may come in a colourful Dirndl or a festively combined Lederhose, provided the invitation calls for Tracht.

It is worth distinguishing between colourful Tracht and the special festive Tracht. Both have their place – and open up different possibilities for a personal wedding day.

What does Gössl mean by festive Tracht for a wedding?

At Gössl you can ask specifically for festive Tracht for the wedding. What is meant are special dresses for the bride and dark Tracht suits for the groom.

This form of Tracht is worn less often today. That is precisely why it is worth becoming acquainted with it. It lends the occasion a solemnity of its own and expresses the bond with Tracht in a particularly festive form.

Anyone wishing for such a combination will find, in a personal consultation, the opportunity to discover these special models and to match them to one another together.

Which Tracht suits the civil wedding?

For the civil ceremony we gladly recommend colourful Tracht: a Dirndl for the bride and a Lederhose for the groom. "Colourful" here means the coloured, versatile Tracht – the combination may well be quiet and restrained.

A carefully matched Dirndl with a suitable blouse and apron takes on its festive character through the choice of fabrics and details. The groom can complement the Lederhose with a fine shirt, a Gilet and a matching jacket.

These models can also be worn on many occasions after the wedding. A different apron, a new blouse or a differently combined Gilet later give the familiar wedding Gwand a further use.

What does the bride wear for the church ceremony?

For the church wedding we at Gössl recommend a white dress. Within festive Tracht there are special models for this, which take up the solemn setting.

Besides the effect of the dress, make sure that you can walk, sit and move comfortably in it. The fitting should take place, if possible, with the intended shoes and the appropriate underwear.

For the time in church we recommend covering the shoulders. A scarf matched to the dress or a suitable jacket completes the Gwand and can be taken off again after the ceremony.

What does the groom wear for the church ceremony?

With the bride's white dress we recommend a dark Tracht suit. For the church ceremony we prefer this closed, festive combination without a Lederhose for the groom.

A matching shirt and a carefully chosen tie complete the Gwand. Depending on the suit, a Gilet may be added. What matters is that cut, colours and proportions harmonise.

This recommendation describes the Gössl understanding of style. The concrete choice is made by the bridal couple within the setting of their celebration and the respective local requirements.

May wedding guests wear Dirndl and Lederhose?

Yes. If Tracht is desired, guests may come in colourful Dirndls and Lederhosen. This also applies when the bride wears a white dress and the groom a dark Tracht suit.

The wedding party may thus show the variety of Tracht. A festive blouse and apron give the Dirndl its fitting character. With the Lederhose, a shirt, Gilet and jacket are recommended, as well as Stutzen, the knitted calf warmers, and shoes matched to them.

The invitation remains decisive. If the bridal couple has expressed particular wishes about colours or clothing, these should be taken into account in the selection.

How long should a Dirndl be for church?

A Dirndl should on no account be chosen too short for the church ceremony. We recommend a length that covers the knee well when sitting too and corresponds to the solemn setting.

Gössl is particularly fond of a skirt length of 80 centimetres. How this works on the body, however, depends on your height and your proportions. The measurement in centimetres alone is therefore not enough for the selection.

Check the length standing and sitting, if possible with the intended shoes. Longer Dirndls, right up to the ankle-length form, can also be a beautiful choice for a wedding.

Should the shoulders be covered in church?

For the church ceremony we recommend covered shoulders. If they are not sufficiently covered by the dress or the Dirndl blouse, add a scarf or a suitable jacket.

A scarf can take up the colours of the Gwand and lie loosely over the shoulders. It should be large enough to stay there reliably when sitting as well.

With the Dirndl, a shorter jacket ending at about waist height is particularly suitable. It gives the skirt room and preserves the proportions. Try the combination on in full beforehand, so that you do not have to adjust anything during the ceremony.

How do you match the wedding Gwand as a couple?

The Gwand of bride and groom should match in its festiveness. Not all the colours need to correspond exactly for that.

With Dirndl and Lederhose, for example, a tone of the apron may return in the Gilet or in the tie. If the Dirndl is richly patterned, quieter companions for the gentleman can create a beautiful connection.

With a white dress and a dark Tracht suit, a clear common line already emerges. Complementary details should support it. Consider your selection together, therefore, and in daylight if possible.

Which Gwand suits which setting?

What should you pay attention to at the fitting?

A wedding Gwand usually accompanies you over many hours. Besides the first impression, what counts is therefore how it wears over the course of a whole day.

• Movement: walk and sit in your Gwand and check the freedom of movement.
• Length: assess the dress or Dirndl with the intended shoes.
• Shoulders: try the scarf or jacket on straight away as well.
• Overall impression: match blouse, apron, Gilet, tie and shoes together.
• Alterations: allow enough time for any necessary adjustments.

Frequent questions about Tracht at a wedding

Can the bride wear a coloured Dirndl at the registry office?

Yes. At Gössl we gladly recommend colourful Tracht with Dirndl and Lederhose for the civil wedding. The combination can be made particularly festive through the blouse, apron and matching companions.

Can the groom marry in church in a Lederhose?

Our style recommendation for the church ceremony is a dark Tracht suit without a Lederhose. For the registry office, by contrast, we gladly recommend the combination of Lederhose, shirt, Gilet and jacket. The decision ultimately rests with the bridal couple and the setting of the ceremony.

May guests wear a Lederhose if the groom wears a suit?

Yes, provided the bridal couple wishes Tracht for their guests. A dark Tracht suit for the groom and Lederhosen within the wedding party go together well.

Is a Dirndl with a skirt length of 80 centimetres suitable for church?

This length can suit very well. What is decisive, however, is where the skirt ends on your body and how far it rides up when sitting. Check the length at a fitting, therefore.

Does Gössl have special wedding Tracht?

Yes. Ask specifically in our stores for festive Tracht for the wedding. This includes special dresses for the bride and dark Tracht suits for the groom.

Find your wedding Gwand at Gössl

Whether colourful Tracht for the registry office or a white dress and dark Tracht suit for church: we gladly take time for your wedding Gwand.

Visit one of our Gössl stores and tell us how you would like to celebrate. Together we will find models and combinations that suit the occasion and suit you.

From those who can, for those who know.