Should I tell my parents what to wear?

No you let them pick what they want. I had suggest to FH adopted mom but that was it. She picked out what she wanted and same with my mom.

Both my mom and MIL specifically asked me for guidance on what I felt would be appropriate and compliment everyone for family photos (since all siblings and both dads were technically in the wedding party)...I ended up shopping with both of them to help pick something. if they wouldn't have asked, I would not have told them though, other than to request that they not wear white/ivory...or blush because my mother did really want to match my bridesmaids for some reason...

Hi Corinne! We both told our parents what the bridal party would be wearing (guys in black tuxes, girls in floor length burgundy dresses), and asked that they wear something at a similar formality level. I also requested that the moms *not* wear a floor-length burgundy dress, because I personally felt it would be too matchy-matchy!

My dad was easy as can be! Dad - "Ok, so I can wear my tux? Great!" My mom spent a lot of time looking at dresses, but just because she was excited!

My mom and FMIL have been asking what to wear but I'm really okay with them picking whatever they are comfortable in. They want to pick colors that "go with" the color scheme which I think is great. I'm pretty laid back about this stuff though because I just don't feel comfortable dressing people like they're my pawns...

I told my mother any color, dress, or style that she wanted was good for me. My dad just told me he was going to get a suit. FMIL has been excited so she's going off to get her dress soon. All in all, I think I would have more regrets if I did force them to wear something that I wanted than not. I want everyone to feel beautiful/handsome/confident on the big day.

Ugh. Both of my parents have repeatedly called me and asked what they should wear. I have said "whatever you're comfortable, it semi-formal". At this point they have forced me to basically tell them what to wear. It was exasperating and something i didn't plan on having to worry about. Besides giving general guidelines (black tie, casual, don't wear this color or youll match the table clothes) i really wouldn't put energy into it.

I don't feel strongly about what they wear to the wedding. My mom and my FH's mom has asked what they should wear and we agreed to go shopping together to pick out something.

Also... my FMIL and mom are super excited about dress shopping for themselves so they are going to go together and I'll probably go with. So for anyone that keeps getting asked what to wear, just go with them and make a day of it!

My parents are adults who can dress themselves.

Alicia, semi-formal can be confusing for people. It works to describe what the wedding party is wearing, as Lynnie suggested.

Our parents asked me advice. We're from different states and there is different etiquette for weddings in our hometowns.

I told each mom just not to wear all black or all white.

His mom wore white to his first wedding 15+ years ago, but so did flower girls and other family members. People in his hometown regularly wear white to weddings, but I didn't want that because my friends and family tend to follow the tradition that that is rude.

My mom wears a lot of black, and that's regionally seen as a disapproval of the wedding in my husband's area (only if a parent does it).

The moms ended up in a navy dress and a green dress. Our dads and my stepdad each wore a navy suit with different shirts/ties.

My future FIL told FH he was wearing shorts and I had FH tell him he had to wear at least slacks and a button up. I don't think you're really supposed to but I don't care I did in that case lol. My mom asked my advice and I love the dress she choose. Future MIL asked what my mom is wearing so I sent her a picture and assume she'll wear something similar.

I bought the shirts and ties for my father and FFIL and asked them to wear grey pants. They were fine with that, since neither of them dress up ever. I think they are happy I'm not asking anyone to wear suits. Plus I got them at a steal around the holidays last year.

My mother and FMIL both texted me pictures of their dresses before they bought them because we want to make sure it all matches for family pictures and they don't get the same dresses. They also asked me what colors, so I gave them my preferences but I'm not really particular about it..

In my case, I don't have a BP, just our parents standing in where it is necessary (holding the rings, walking down the aisle), so that is part of why I've had some say in what they wear.

Not really necessary to tell them what to wear. I gave my dad a tie for the wedding, but also told him he could wear a tie to match my moms dress if he wanted. It was never a concern, and didn't have an impact on my day at all.

I went shopping with my mom and made sure she felt comfortable in what she was wearing. She also needed some guidance and likes my opinion. I gave her a "no" color because I wanted her to be different than the bridal party. I told her BF what type of tux to rent to match the wedding party.

No, you do not tell adults how to dress. My mom wore a deep purple gown and my dad rented a charcoal tux- they looked incredible and felt super comfortable because they chose their outfits!

My parents and FMIL all asked me for guidance. I went shopping with mom just because that's what we do and she wanted a second opinion. I told FMIL whatever she comfortable in and will go shopping with her if she wants.

The awesome thing about most parents is during your wedding planning, they'll ask what you'd like them to wear. Then and only then could you advise them on what to wear, but you don't tell them. Just hint at a couple things.

If they don't ask? They're adults and can figure it out.

My parents are adults who have been dressing themselves long before I came along. They managed to not show up in a burlap sack for their son's wedding so I'm confident they can manage mine.

They should be able to choose what they'd like to wear. I'd prefer my FFIL not to wear khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt but it is what it is. By the time I'm walking down the aisle I don't think I'm going to give a hoot what anyone is wearing