Franklin Dean
When it comes to wedding attire, there are a few unspoken rules that guests should follow to avoid upstaging the couple on their special day. One of the most well-known and long-standing traditions is that guests should avoid wearing white to a wedding. This is because white is traditionally the colour of the bride's dress, and wearing the same shade might be seen as an attempt to steal the spotlight. However, this rule has been known to be broken in certain situations, such as when the couple specifically requests that their guests wear white or when the wedding has a beach setting. But what about cream-coloured flowers on a white dress? Is that combination acceptable for a guest to wear to a wedding?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it acceptable for guests to wear cream-colored flowers with a white wedding dress? | It is generally discouraged for guests to wear cream-colored flowers with a white wedding dress as it may be considered disrespectful to the bride and could be seen as an attempt to steal attention. |
| Exceptions | In certain cases, such as destination weddings or themed events, guests may be explicitly invited to wear white or light-colored clothing, including cream hues. It is also acceptable if the couple has a non-traditional color request, such as all guests wearing white. |
| Recommendations | To avoid any potential issues, guests are advised to opt for colorful and noticeable patterns when incorporating white or cream colors in their attire. Adding colorful accessories, such as shoes and bags, can also help distinguish the guest's outfit from the bridal gown. |
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What You'll Learn
The tradition of the white wedding dress
While it is now customary for brides to wear white, this has not always been the case. The tradition of the white wedding dress is commonly credited to Queen Victoria, who wore a white court dress at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. Victoria selected a white satin gown lavishly embellished with lace that was handcrafted in England. After the photographs of the wedding were widely published, brides began copying Victoria's style by wearing white gowns to their own nuptials.
Before Queen Victoria, royal brides wore wedding dresses in a variety of colours, with red being one of the most popular. White dresses were reserved for women who were being presented at court. Debutantes had long been required to wear white court dresses and long white gloves for their first presentation at court. Royal brides before Victoria did not typically wear white, instead choosing heavy brocaded gowns embroidered with white and silver thread.
As accounts of Victoria's wedding spread across the Atlantic and throughout Europe, fashionable people followed her lead. White dresses provided an opportunity for conspicuous consumption, favoured primarily as a way to show that the bride's family was wealthy and firmly part of the leisure class. The dress could be ruined by any sort of work or spill, so choosing a white dress was a symbol of status. Over time, the colour also gained new symbolism, coming to signify purity and innocence, in addition to wealth. White also looked good in early black-and-white or sepia-toned photography.
In the 20th century, as society became more prosperous, the tradition also grew to include the practice of wearing the dress only once. With increased prosperity, the white, single-use wedding dress—and lavish party to show it off—became a distinctive part of weddings. The portrayal of weddings in Hollywood, as well as the speed and ease with which people could see images of celebrity weddings, helped cement the notion that marriage demanded a white dress.
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How to tell if a floral dress is too white
It is widely considered a breach of wedding guest etiquette to wear a white dress or a dress that is predominantly white. However, there is some debate about whether it is acceptable to wear a floral dress that incorporates white.
If you are unsure whether your floral dress is too white, a good rule of thumb is to look at the ratio of colour to white. Bridal stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz recommends a 75% colour to 25% white ratio for floral dresses. If your dress has a white base with a floral print, it is probably best avoided. A large floral print on a coloured base is more likely to be deemed acceptable.
It is also important to consider the scale of the dress' print. Small floral prints are best avoided as they can be common in wedding dress designs and may be harder to distinguish from a white background. Larger prints are preferable as they make it obvious that you are a guest and not the bride.
If you are still unsure, it may be helpful to take photos of your dress in different lighting setups to see how the colour reads on camera. You could also consider adding a pop of colour with accessories or choosing a more casual silhouette to make your outfit less bridal.
Ultimately, if you are questioning your dress choice, it may be best to choose another option to avoid any potential faux pas. If you have a close relationship with the couple, you could also consider having a conversation with them about your outfit choice.
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What to wear to an outdoor wedding
When deciding what to wear to an outdoor wedding, it's important to consider the venue, the weather, and the dress code.
The venue and location of the outdoor wedding will give you an idea of how formal the event will be. For example, a wedding on the beach is likely to be more casual than a wedding at a vineyard or outdoor resort. If you'll be walking on sand or grass, flat shoes or block heels are a good option. The weather will also impact your choice of outfit and footwear. For warmer days, opt for breathable materials like linen or cotton, and for chillier climates, bring a jacket, shawl, or suit that can be easily added or removed throughout the day and night.
When it comes to the dress code, it's best to avoid wearing white or colours that are similar to white, such as ivory, cream, silver, champagne, blush, and pale blue. These colours can be seen as too close to the traditional bridal colour palette and may cause confusion or offence. However, if the couple specifically requests that guests wear white or light colours, it is appropriate to honour their request.
For spring and summer weddings, you can experiment with fun floral prints, flowy fabrics, and bright colours. Lighter-weight and brighter-coloured outfits are perfect for the season, and you can get away with shorter hemlines, cool cutouts, and asymmetrical styles. For fall weddings, lean into the hues of the season, such as gold, orange, rust, sapphire, and dusty blue. As the temperatures drop in the evenings, bring a lightweight jacket, pashmina, or blazer to layer over your outfit.
Regardless of the season, it's important to choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and respectful of the couple's special day.
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What to do if the couple requests guests wear white
It is generally advised against for guests to wear white to a wedding, as it is a colour traditionally reserved for the bride. However, there are some circumstances in which a couple may request that their guests wear white. This is more common at destination weddings, where light-coloured clothing is encouraged, or at spring and summer weddings, where an all-white dress code may be requested. In these cases, it is important to pay attention to the details of the request. For example, wearing a white button-down shirt is typically acceptable for men, but a white suit jacket or pants are not. Similarly, women should opt for breezy, casual silhouettes rather than anything overly formal or bridal-inspired.
If a couple specifically requests that guests wear white, it is important to respect their wishes. This request will typically be specified in the invitation, on the wedding website, or through direct communication. It is generally considered rude to dictate the dress code on an invitation, so the couple may rely on word-of-mouth or other forms of communication to convey their request. As a guest, it is important to be mindful of the couple's wishes and choose an appropriate outfit that aligns with their request.
If you are unsure about wearing white, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose a different colour. You can also consider adding a pop of colour to your outfit, such as with a bright belt, earrings, or statement jewellery. If you have a close relationship with the couple, it is appropriate to have a conversation with them about your outfit choice. This can help clarify their request and ensure that your outfit aligns with their vision for the wedding.
If you are the bride and a guest wears white to your wedding, it is important to remember that all eyes will be on you, not the guest. While it may be challenging, try to exercise discretion and distance yourself from the guest. Avoid creating a scene, as it will only make a public spectacle. Instead, focus on the people who love you and live in the moment, creating positive memories of your special day.
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How to avoid clashing with the bride
While cream-coloured flowers are traditionally acceptable with a white wedding dress, here are some tips on how to avoid clashing with the bride:
Opt for colourful flowers
If you're concerned about clashing with the bride, consider choosing a colourful bouquet that complements your wedding dress. This could be a mix of bright flowers or a single colour that pops against the white.
Choose a different dress colour
If you want to stand out from the bride, you could consider choosing a wedding dress in a colour other than white or cream. This could be a subtle hint of colour, such as a blush pink or light grey, or a more bold choice such as a colourful floral print.
Discuss your dress choice with the bride
If you're worried about clashing with the bride, the best course of action is to discuss your dress choice with them directly. This open communication will help to ensure that you don't accidentally wear something too similar and give you both the opportunity to express your thoughts and feelings.
Avoid wearing white
As a guest, it is generally considered a faux pas to wear white or cream to a wedding. This is because white is traditionally the colour of the bride's dress, and wearing the same shade could be seen as an attempt to steal attention.
Be mindful of the wedding theme
If the wedding has a theme or colour scheme, try to choose a dress that complements this without upstaging the bride. For example, if the wedding has a rustic theme, you could choose a dress with earthy tones or a floral print.
By following these tips, you can avoid clashing with the bride and ensure that your wedding dress choice is respectful and stylish.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is generally advised to avoid wearing cream-colored or white dresses to weddings as it is considered the exclusive color of the bride. It is best to opt for a colorful dress with a white print or a bright color that won't be mistaken for a bridal gown.
Colors that are similar to white, such as ivory, cream, silver, champagne, blush, and pale blue, should be avoided as they can appear white in photographs. It is best to choose a dress with a noticeable, colorful pattern or a bright color to avoid any potential faux pas.
Yes, if the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white or cream, it is acceptable to do so. This is sometimes the case for destination weddings or themed events, but it should be clearly stated on the invitation or wedding website.
