Wonderland is the easiest storybook to dress a whole family in, because Carroll gave us a cast big enough for any household and almost every character is defined by one colour and one object. Alice is blue and white with a black bow. The Hatter is a hat. The Queen is red hearts, the Rabbit is a clock, the Cheshire Cat is stripes and a grin. Below you'll find classic lineups, DIY and last-minute versions, baby, toddler and dog-friendly ideas, and groups from three people up to seven. Each one covers clothing, hair, makeup, props and the shoes I'd actually let a child walk in, and most of it can come from thrift racks or clothes you already own.
Casting Wonderland Around the People You Actually Have
I never start a family costume with the list of characters. I start with the people, because a role that suits the costume but not the child ends with a tantrum and a costume in a bag by eight o'clock.
Match the role to the temperament
- The child who hates anything on their head or face: the Dormouse or a playing card. Both work in a sweatsuit and need no makeup at all.
- The child who runs everywhere: the White Rabbit. Being late and in a hurry is the character, and sneakers are canon.
- The child who loves attention: Alice or the Queen of Hearts. Both stand in the middle of every photo.
- The adult who enjoys a project: the Mad Hatter. The hat is the one piece in Wonderland worth spending real time on.
Agree the blue before you buy anything
Alice's dress sets the palette for the whole group, so buy or pick it first and carry a swatch of it when you shop for everyone else. A baby-blue Alice next to a royal-blue Caterpillar reads as two different stories.
1. Classic Alice Mad Hatter Queen And White Rabbit Family Costume
These are the four characters strangers name first, so this is the lineup I'd start a first-timer family on. Alice gets a blue knee-length dress, white apron, pale tights, black flats and a black bow headband over soft blond curls. The Mad Hatter wears a bright tailcoat, patterned vest, cropped trousers, loud socks, lace-up boots and an oversized top hat, with orange hair and playful eye makeup. The Queen of Hearts is red, black and white with a heart crown, red lipstick and boots she can stand in for hours. The White Rabbit wears white pants, a red vest, ears, white sneakers and a pocket watch. One thing I always check before photos: put everyone side by side and make sure the two reds actually match, because a tomato-red vest next to a cherry-red gown looks like an accident on camera.
2. Alice Cheshire Cat And White Rabbit Family Costume
Three people is enough for Wonderland if each costume is simple and clear. Alice needs a blue dress, white apron, black headband, white tights and black Mary Janes, with soft curls and a little blush. The Cheshire Cat wears a pink-and-purple striped shirt with matching leggings, a detachable tail, cat ears and purple sneakers. Paint the wide grin on the cheeks rather than right on the lips; a child licks paint off the mouth within ten minutes, and the outer curve is what reads anyway. The White Rabbit goes white under a red vest or jacket with ears, a fluffy tail and proper walking shoes. Make the big cardboard clock light enough that the Rabbit is still willing to hold it at the end of the night.
3. Mad Tea Party Family Costume
The tea party is the scene I find most fun to dress, because mismatched pieces are the whole point. The Hatter mixes a green or plum jacket with a patterned vest, bow tie, striped socks, boots and an oversized decorated hat, orange hair teased outward and mismatched eye makeup. The March Hare is brown trousers, a rumpled blazer, rabbit ears, whiskers and loafers. The Dormouse can basically wear pyjamas: a soft brown sweatsuit, round ears, sneakers and sleepy neutral makeup, which makes it the ideal role for a child who hates costumes. Alice stays classic in blue with her apron, bow, tights and flats. Carry plastic cups and saucers, paper teapots and felt cookies, never real china, because someone will drop a cup on a driveway.
4. Queen Of Hearts Royal Court Family Costume
Here one parent leads a royal court while everyone else becomes the King of Hearts, the Knave and the card attendants. The Queen wears a full red-and-black dress with a tall white collar, heart crown, red lipstick and flat ankle boots. The King gets a red tunic, spotted cape, crown, black trousers and polished shoes. The Knave needs a black-and-red vest over a white shirt, fitted pants, a painted heart on the cheek and comfortable boots. Attendants are white foam-board card panels over black shirts and leggings, each marked with red hearts or black suits. White gloves and black sneakers on every attendant are what pull the court together; without the gloves, the cards look like sandwich boards.
5. Tweedledee Tweedledum And Alice Family Costume
If you have twins or two siblings close in height, Tweedledee and Tweedledum should be the centre of the picture. Both get yellow shirts, red suspenders, blue shorts or skirts, white knee socks and red sneakers, with matching red caps topped by little flags and round white collars. Hair stays natural or tucked under the caps. Alice wears the familiar blue dress, white apron, black bow, pale tights and Mary Janes, and a fourth person can be the White Rabbit in white pants, a red jacket, ears and sneakers. I'd keep the twins' faces to rosy cheeks and nothing more. Primary colours carry from the far end of the street, so the pair is obvious long before anyone sees the details.
6. Family Of Three Alice White Rabbit And Mad Hatter Costume
With two parents and one child, give the child Alice and let the adults take the fussier costumes. Her version should be a cotton blue dress with a removable white apron, a black headband, white ankle socks and cushioned flats, because a polyester party dress gets sweaty and scratchy by the third house. One parent is the White Rabbit in a white shirt and pants, red vest, bow tie, ears and white sneakers, with the cardboard clock hung on a ribbon so both hands stay free for a small hand. The other parent takes the Hatter's patterned jacket, vest, cropped pants, striped socks, boots and big top hat, plus temporary orange hair spray or a short wig and colourful eye makeup. Blue, red and white repeat across all three, so it reads as one family from the porch.
7. Family Of Four Alice In Wonderland Costume
For a family of four I like Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and the Cheshire Cat, since that set spans the whole colour wheel. Alice wears her blue dress, apron, bow, tights and black flats. The Hatter combines a colourful jacket, printed vest, bow tie, top hat, orange wig and lace-up boots. The Queen goes red and black with heart details, a small crown, red lipstick and block heels or flats. The Cheshire Cat gets striped separates, ears, a bendy tail, purple sneakers and a painted grin. The real strength of this lineup is the spread of effort: the youngest can live in soft knits as the Cat while the adults take on the structured jackets and gowns.
8. Family Of Five Alice In Wonderland Costume
Five people fits the central cast exactly: Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and the Cheshire Cat. Keep Alice traditional in blue and white with a black bow and flats. The Rabbit wears white separates, a red vest, ears, sneakers and a large clock. The Hatter layers a bright coat over a vest and trousers, with orange hair, a decorated hat and boots. The Queen is red and black with a crown and heart makeup, and the Cat is pink-and-purple stripes, ears, tail, a painted grin and sneakers. Five is also the size where somebody always lags behind, so I insist on flat shoes and light fabrics for every single person, not just the kids.
9. Family Of Six Alice In Wonderland Costume
Six people means you can add matching Tweedle twins to Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit. Alice's blue dress and white apron sit calmly in the middle of all that colour. The Hatter wears a bright tailcoat, patterned vest, orange wig, top hat and boots. The Queen gets a heart-covered red-and-black gown, crown and red makeup, and the Rabbit wears white pants, a red jacket, ears, sneakers and a pocket watch. The two Tweedles go yellow, red and blue with suspenders, shorts, bow ties, caps and comfortable shoes, and they don't need to be real twins; any two cousins of similar height will do. I repeat one bow shape on several people, which ties six costumes together more than any colour rule.
10. Family Of Seven Wonderland Character Costume
Seven people can cover Alice, the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, Queen of Hearts, Cheshire Cat, March Hare and Dormouse. Alice's blue and white is the anchor everyone else orbits: the Hatter's colourful coat and top hat, the Queen's red-and-black gown, the Cat's pink-and-purple stripes. The White Rabbit wears white with a red vest and clock, the March Hare gets brown layers, tall ears, whiskers and loafers, and the Dormouse wears soft brown, round ears, sleepy makeup and sneakers. With a group this size, give each person exactly one prop. A teacup, a clock, a crown, a hat or a tail is enough; seven people each juggling three accessories is how things get left behind on a bench.
11. Walrus Carpenter And Oyster Family Costume
The Walrus and the Carpenter is a lovely choice for a family that likes being the one costume nobody else thought of. The Walrus wears grey trousers, a mustard vest, long jacket, bow tie, soft belly padding, whiskers and black shoes, plus a grey cap or smooth wig and a soft faux moustache. The Carpenter needs brown work pants, a checked shirt, suspenders, a folded paper cap and sturdy boots; carry a rolled paper blueprint rather than anything resembling a real tool. The children are oysters in pale grey sweatshirts and leggings under light shell-shaped foam panels, with pearl headbands, silver cheek shimmer and white sneakers. Cut the shell panels no wider than the child's shoulders, or they'll catch in every doorway.
12. Caterpillar Butterfly And Alice Family Costume
This one shows a transformation: a Caterpillar and a butterfly alongside Alice and a red mushroom. The Caterpillar wears a blue hooded jumpsuit with soft fabric circles stitched down the back, blue face makeup, antennae and matching sneakers, and a long blue scarf gives movement without any bulky body structure. The butterfly wears a fitted blue or turquoise outfit with sheer wings, delicate antennae, shimmer makeup and ballet flats. Alice keeps her blue dress, apron, bow, tights and Mary Janes, and the last person becomes a mushroom in cream separates with a red spotted cape, a rounded foam hat and rosy cheeks. Sew the fabric circles on rather than gluing them; glued felt on a stretchy jumpsuit pops off the moment the wearer sits down.
13. Playing Card Soldiers And Queen Family Costume
Card soldiers around the Queen of Hearts is the cheapest big group in this list, since the soldiers are mostly foam board. The Queen wears a red, black and white dress with a high collar, heart crown, strong red lips and comfortable black boots. Each soldier gets two lightweight white foam-board rectangles joined at the shoulders with red ribbon, painted with a different card value and suit, over black shirts, leggings and sneakers. Add white gloves and small red or black symbols on the cheeks. A parent can be the King of Hearts in a red tunic, cape, crown, black pants and loafers. I score a shallow line across the back panel at the waist so a child can bend and sit without snapping the board in half.
14. White Queen Red Queen And Alice Family Costume
Put Alice between the White Queen and the Red Queen and you get a strong royal line that photographs as light, then blue, then dark. Alice wears a blue dress, white apron, black bow headband, pale tights and flats. The White Queen goes ivory: a maxi dress with silver trim, a light cape, pale wig, crystal-style crown, pearly makeup and silver shoes. The Red Queen needs a red-and-black gown, heart-shaped collar, small crown, curled red wig, red lipstick and black boots. A fourth person can join as the White Rabbit in white, ears, red vest and sneakers. The White Queen's ivory will look dingy next to a bright-white Rabbit, so I keep those two apart in the line-up or put the Rabbit in cream.
15. Rose Garden Painters Family Costume
The painted-rose garden is a whole scene in one group: the Queen of Hearts, three card painters and a child as a rose. The Queen wears a red-and-black dress, high white collar, heart crown, red makeup and flat boots. Painters wear white foam card panels marked with different numbers over black shirts, trousers, white gloves and sneakers. Give each one a clean foam brush tipped with red felt instead of real paint; wet red paint and white gloves are a combination I wouldn't let near any child. The rose wears a green dress or sweatsuit, leafy wrist cuffs, green shoes and a light red-petal headpiece, with soft red cheeks and a little fabric flower basket. Everything here is craft-store foam and felt, and the props tell the story without a word.
16. Dodo Caucus Race Family Costume
The caucus race suits a family that wants to run around, and nearly everything is soft, so it copes with cold weather too. One adult is the Dodo in a blue jacket, yellow vest, white pants, colourful feather collar, bird cap and comfortable brown shoes. Others become the Mouse, Duck, Lory and Eaglet in solid-colour sweatshirts and leggings, with felt ears or beaks, small tails or wings and matching sneakers. Alice runs in her blue dress over warm tights, with the white apron and black bow. Keep face paint to whiskers or a feathery flick at the eyes. Pinning numbered race bibs on everyone is the cheapest way to make a loose group look planned, and it's my favourite detail in this list.
17. Duchess Cook And Cheshire Cat Family Costume
The Duchess's kitchen is an odd, funny scene: the Duchess, the Cook, the Cheshire Cat and Alice. The Duchess wears a richly coloured vintage-style dress with an oversized collar, a tall wig, rosy makeup and low-heeled boots, carrying a doll wrapped in a cloth (the original baby does turn into a pig, if anyone wants a second prop). The Cook wears a white blouse, long skirt, apron, soft chef cap, neutral makeup and nonslip shoes, and waves a big painted cardboard spoon. The Cheshire Cat gets pink-and-purple stripes, ears, tail, sneakers and a painted grin, and Alice balances the group in blue with her apron, headband, tights and flats. Tall wigs slide back over the evening, so I pin the Duchess's wig at the crown and nape before she leaves the house.
18. Knave King And Queen Of Hearts Family Costume
Build this court around the King, Queen and Knave of Hearts, with the younger kids as heart cards. The Queen wears a red-and-black gown, white collar, heart crown, red lipstick and black ankle boots. The King gets a red velvet-look tunic, spotted cape, short crown, dark trousers and loafers. The Knave wears a white shirt under a red-and-black vest, fitted pants, boots and one small heart on the cheek. The children wear white card panels with big red hearts over black or red clothing and sneakers, and white gloves on everyone unify the group. The Knave's tray of felt tarts is the joke of the whole costume, since he's the one who stole them. Sew the tarts down to a stiff felt tray so a bump doesn't scatter them across the pavement.
19. March Hare Dormouse And Mad Hatter Family Costume
This lineup is the tea table's three oddballs, with Alice as the bewildered guest. The Mad Hatter wears a green or purple coat, patterned vest, cropped trousers, striped socks, lace-up boots, orange hair and a big top hat. The March Hare gets brown clothing, a rumpled jacket, bow tie, tall ears, whiskers and loafers. The Dormouse stays cosy in a brown hooded onesie with round ears, neutral sneakers and softly shaded sleepy eyes, which is my pick for the child who's going to fall asleep in the car anyway. Alice wears a blue dress, white apron, black bow, tights and flats. Each person carries one unbreakable tea item, like a plastic cup, felt teapot or fabric sandwich. Clashing patterns are the point here; don't let anyone talk you into matching them.
20. Baby White Rabbit Family Costume
Here the baby is the White Rabbit and everyone else plays around them. I'd use a soft white footed romper with a red vest panel and a plush rabbit-ear hood, and fasten the fabric clock to the stroller or carrier, never to the baby. Nothing loose goes near a baby's neck or hands: no ribbons, no cords, no small buttons they can pull off and mouth. One parent wears Alice's blue dress, white apron, black bow, tights and flats, and the other is the Mad Hatter in a bright jacket, vest, trousers, top hat, orange wig and comfortable boots. An older sibling can be the Cheshire Cat in striped pyjamas, ears, a fabric tail, sneakers and a light painted face. The baby can be bundled in blankets and the group still reads, because the rest of the cast is so clear.
21. Toddler Cheshire Cat Family Costume
A toddler Cheshire Cat can be built entirely from real clothes, which is exactly what a toddler needs. Start with a pink-and-purple striped hoodie and leggings, then add soft ears, a short fabric tail, purple sneakers and washable whiskers. If they fight face paint, skip the mouth and draw the grin on a felt circle pinned to the hoodie instead. One parent goes as Alice in a blue dress, white apron, bow headband, tights and black flats, and the other as the White Rabbit with white pants, a red jacket, ears, sneakers and a light clock. An older sibling can be the Mad Hatter in a bright coat, patterned vest, top hat, orange hair and boots. Stretchy knits let the littlest one climb, snack and nap in the costume, and a short tail is one they won't trip over.
22. Alice Family Costume With Dog
The family dog makes a good White Rabbit while the people go as Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts. Start with a comfortable white harness and a red vest-style panel, and only add soft ears if your dog will actually tolerate something on its head; many won't. A small fabric clock can sit on the harness without restricting the legs. Alice wears a blue dress, apron, bow, tights and flats, the Hatter combines a bright jacket, vest, trousers, orange wig, decorated top hat and boots, and the Queen goes red and black with a heart crown, red makeup and stable shoes. Keep the dog's pieces featherweight, watch it the whole time, and take everything off at the first sign of scratching or freezing in place.
23. Easy DIY Alice Family Costume
The DIY version uses closet basics and a few cheap craft supplies. Alice needs a blue dress, a white kitchen apron, a black ribbon headband, white socks and black flats. Any adult in a blazer becomes the Mad Hatter with a thrifted vest, colourful scarf, cropped trousers, mismatched socks, boots and a cardboard top hat. The White Rabbit wears white jeans, a white shirt, red vest, handmade felt ears and sneakers. The Queen of Hearts is a black dress, red cape, paper heart crown, red lipstick and boots, and the kids become playing cards with printed suit symbols taped to white poster board. For the felt ears, I glue a pipe cleaner along the inside edge of each ear so they stand up instead of flopping by the second street.
24. Last-Minute Alice Family Costume
When you have one evening, lean on colour and give each character a single signature object. Alice can be a blue skirt with a white blouse, apron, black headband, ankle socks and flats. The Mad Hatter is a bright blazer, printed shirt, bow tie, colourful socks, boots and any large top hat wrapped with ribbon. The White Rabbit is white sweatpants and hoodie, felt ears, a red scarf, sneakers and a cardboard clock. The Queen of Hearts wears a red top, black skirt, paper crown, a heart sticker on the cheek and comfortable shoes, and a child becomes the Cheshire Cat in striped pyjamas, ears, a pinned fabric tail and whiskers. None of it needs sewing. Safety pins hold the tail, and a strip of double-sided tape keeps the apron from swivelling round to the back.
25. Vintage Storybook Alice Family Costume
For a family that loves the old illustrated editions, go muted and old-fashioned. Alice wears a dusty blue tea-length dress, a cream pinafore, ribbon headband, ivory stockings and black button shoes. The White Rabbit wears a cream shirt, burgundy waistcoat, checked trousers, rabbit ears, brown lace-ups and an antique-style clock. The Hatter has an olive tailcoat, patterned vest, oversized bow, weathered top hat, wavy hair and boots. The Queen of Hearts goes for a long burgundy gown with black trim, white ruff collar, gold paper crown and dark flats. Makeup stays soft: rosy cheeks, defined brows. I age paper props by rubbing a cold tea bag over them and letting them dry flat, and matte fabrics sell the period look far better than shiny costume satin.
26. Glam Alice In Wonderland Family Costume
This is the dressier version for an evening party, polished without tipping into theatre. Alice wears a satin blue midi dress with a crisp white apron belt, velvet bow headband, sheer tights and low block heels. The Mad Hatter gets a fitted jewel-tone jacket, brocade vest, tailored trousers, statement top hat, neatly styled orange wig and polished boots. The Queen of Hearts wears a structured red-and-black maxi with heart appliqués, a metallic crown, precise red lipstick and heeled boots she can still walk in. The White Rabbit is a white suit, red waistcoat, gold clock, ear headband and loafers. Satin shows every crease, so steam Alice's dress after you arrive rather than before the car ride. A touch of shimmer at the eyes and the same gold metal on every accessory keeps it grown-up.
27. Cute Pastel Wonderland Family Costume
A pastel version is softer and gentler, and it's the one I'd suggest for little ones at a daytime event. Alice wears a powder-blue dress, white apron, pale pink bow, white tights and light blue flats. The Mad Hatter gets a mint jacket, lavender vest, blush bow tie, pastel top hat, peach wig and cream boots. The Queen of Hearts wears a rose-pink dress with burgundy hearts, a small gold crown, pink lipstick and ballet flats. The Cheshire Cat turns lavender-and-pink stripes with plush ears, a soft tail, sneakers and a delicate painted smile, and the White Rabbit is cream with a coral vest, white ears and neutral shoes. Pastels wash out in bright sun, so keep the Queen's burgundy hearts and the Hatter's hat band strong; they're what keep the characters recognisable.
28. Black And White Wonderland Family Costume
Black, white and grey turns the family into a page from an old printed book. Alice wears a grey dress, white apron, black headband, white tights and black Mary Janes. The Mad Hatter needs a black tailcoat, grey patterned vest, oversized bow tie, black top hat, silver-grey hair and lace-up boots. The Queen of Hearts wears a black maxi dress with white heart appliqués, a silver crown, greyscale makeup and black flats. The White Rabbit gets white pants, a grey vest, ears, a silver clock and white sneakers, and card attendants wear white foam panels with black symbols. Without colour, shape does all the identifying, so I make the hat, the crown and the ears bigger than I normally would. Keep face makeup softly shaded; stark white with black lines can frighten small children.
29. Plus Size Alice In Wonderland Family Costume
This version uses comfortable, adjustable pieces so every adult and child gets a good fit. Alice wears a stretch-cotton blue fit-and-flare dress with a tie-back white apron, wide headband, opaque tights and cushioned flats. The Mad Hatter layers an open jewel-tone coat over a soft vest and shirt with pull-on trousers, a roomy top hat, orange curls and supportive boots. The Queen of Hearts gets an elastic-waist red maxi, a detachable black capelet, soft collar, crown headband, red lipstick and wide-fit shoes. The White Rabbit wears stretch white pants, a button-free red vest, ears and sneakers. Tie-back aprons and capelets are my go-to for any size, because they adjust on the night instead of needing alterations, and a wider headband stays put without pinching behind the ears.
30. Warm Weather Wonderland Family Costume
For a hot Halloween or an outdoor festival, cut the layers down and choose fabrics that breathe. Alice wears a sleeveless blue cotton dress, a light white apron, bow headband, ankle socks and flats. The Mad Hatter switches to a bright vest over a short-sleeve patterned shirt, knee-length trousers, colourful socks, canvas shoes and a top hat with a few small holes punched near the band for air. The Queen of Hearts wears a red-and-black cotton midi with a soft collar, lightweight crown, red lipstick and sandals with secure straps. The White Rabbit goes white shorts, a breathable shirt, red vest, ears and sneakers, and the Cheshire Cat wears striped shorts, a light top, ears, tail, washable whiskers and athletic shoes. Leave the heavy wigs and thick face paint at home; they melt and itch within an hour in the heat.
The Two Pieces Worth Making by Hand
Most of these costumes are assembled, not sewn. The two exceptions I'd make myself are Alice's apron and the Hatter's hat, because shop versions of both are flimsy and they're the first things people look at.
An apron that stays white
Cut a rectangle of white cotton for the skirt and a smaller one for the bib, hem the edges and gather the skirt onto a long waistband that ties at the back. Cotton presses crisp and survives the washing machine after someone spills juice down it, which thin costume polyester never does. Pin the bib to the dress at the shoulders with safety pins on the inside so it can't sag forward.
A top hat that keeps its shape
Make the crown from a tube of thin card or craft foam, add a stiff brim, and cover the whole thing in fabric or paint. Glue a strip of foam or felt inside the headband so it grips, and add an elastic under the chin for a child's version. Tuck the 10/6 price card into the band; it's the detail people recognise even when the hat isn't orange.
Getting Seven Characters Into One Photo
Put Alice in the centre and the tallest hats at the back corners so nobody's face is hidden. Kneel the small cards and animals at the front. Shoot before the trick-or-treating starts, while aprons are clean and wigs are still where you pinned them, and ask everyone to hold their one prop up near the chest so it's in frame.
Start With Alice and Let the Rest Gather Round
Every family here, from three people to seven, babies and dogs included, works the same way: decide who plays Alice, then build outward. Match each role to the person rather than the other way round. The child who wants to run is the Rabbit or a Dodo, the one who hates costumes is the Dormouse, the parent who loves a project takes the Hatter's hat. Repeat a few signature pieces across the group so it reads at a glance: blue dresses, red hearts, striped cat pieces, big hats, ears, clocks and card panels. Choose breathable clothes, light props, nothing loose on the little ones and shoes made for walking. A classic lineup or an odd storybook scene, the families that look best in photos are the ones that are still comfortable when the pictures get taken.
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