Family photo, what to wear?

I'm going to be doing a quick family group shot next weekend, nothing too formal but they have everyone in the same place and asked if I could take their picture. It's about 12 people total.

They are looking for suggestions on what to wear. My first thoughts are nothing too distracting, stay away from crazy patterns, but outside of that I'm not sure what else to tell them. Any other thoughts on this? Any other tips and suggestions?

I tell groups the same thing-- wear solid colors - something nothing too bright -- simple patterns if they have to - and nothing too busy.

I had one family - when I showed up to the shoot I burst into laughter - thinking they were joking with me - everyone had wild 80's funky patterned sweaters on -- I then realized when no one else was laughing -- that they were not joking......... talk about photos that I will never post on my website! ouch!

Tell them to wear clothes they're comfortable in, nothing too scruffy or loose, and either everyone wears bright colors or no-one does. White is a bright color, it'd stand out if post people wore black.

Also, nothing too contrasty. The shouldn't wear black pants and white shirts. For casual portraits, I typically recommend either jeans and a black shirt or khakis and a white shirt.

Thanks for the tips, everyone!

I almost pee-d my pants imagining the funky 80's sweater shots... please post them so was can see???