Deborah Chan
Wearing white to a wedding is a highly debated topic. While some people believe that it is acceptable to wear white as long as it is not a wedding dress, others argue that it is a taboo color that should be reserved only for the bride. Wedding guests who wear white might be met with glares and comments from other guests, or even be asked to leave. The tradition of the white wedding dress began with Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840, and it has since become a symbol of innocence, purity, and new beginnings. While it is still considered a fashion faux pas to wear white as a guest, there are some modern exceptions, and some stylists say that it is okay to wear white if the couple has specifically requested it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Etiquette | It is generally considered a faux pas to wear white to a wedding as a guest |
| Exceptions | If the couple has explicitly requested that guests wear white, it is acceptable |
| History | The tradition of the white wedding dress began when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840 |
| Symbolism | White symbolises innocence, purity, virginity, youth and new beginnings |
| Purpose | White sets the bride apart from her guests and prevents upstaging |
| Alternatives | Guests can wear a white button-down shirt if wearing a suit |
| Considerations | Guests should avoid wearing white to all wedding-related events, including bridal showers, welcome parties and rehearsal dinners |
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What You'll Learn
Is it taboo for a guest to wear white to a wedding?
Wedding dresses have not always been white. In ancient Athens, red and violet were popular colours for wedding dresses, and in the Middle Ages, brides often wore colourful dresses. It was not until 1840, when Queen Victoria wore a white dress to her wedding, that white became the standard colour for wedding dresses.
Today, it is generally considered taboo for a guest to wear white to a wedding. The traditional etiquette is that white is reserved for the bride, and wearing the same colour may be seen as an attempt to steal attention from her on her special day. Wedding guests who wear white may be met with glares and comments from other guests, and some sources even suggest that they may be at risk of having red wine spilled on their outfits.
However, some modern exceptions to this rule exist. Wedding stylist Megan Seaton, for example, states that it is acceptable to wear white if the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white, and this will typically be mentioned in the invitation. Stylist Anny Choi agrees that wearing white is acceptable if the invitation calls for it, but she also notes that this rule varies for those wearing suits, who should abstain from wearing a white jacket or trousers but may wear a white button-down shirt.
When selecting an outfit for a wedding, it is important to consider the dress code and the length of your outfit. If you are unsure about whether an outfit contains too much white, it is generally recommended that you select something else to avoid causing offence or drawing unwanted attention.
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What are some ways to style a white dress for a wedding?
Although wearing white to a wedding is traditionally avoided by guests, there are ways to style a white dress for a wedding without causing offence. It is important to remember that wearing white to a wedding is generally considered a faux pas, and you should avoid doing so unless explicitly stated by the wedding party.
If you are determined to wear a white dress to a wedding, there are some ways to style it to avoid upstaging the bride. Firstly, consider the style of the dress. A casual sheath dress or a knee-length silhouette is more appropriate than a floor-length or full-skirted gown. You should also avoid lace and tulle fabrics, which are typically associated with bridal gowns. Instead, opt for a dress with a large-scale print on a white background, aiming for a 75-25 ratio of colour to white.
To further style a white dress for a wedding, you can add a pop of colour with accessories. A bright belt, earrings, or chunky statement jewellery can help to distract from the white of the dress. You could also wear a white shrug over a colourful cocktail dress, or add a denim jacket, blazer, or cardigan to tone down the formality of the outfit.
Wearing colourful shoes and bags can also draw attention away from the white dress, and a bright lip colour or colourful eyeshadow can be a fun addition. If the wedding is in the winter, you could pair your dress with opaque tights, boots, and a cosy wool coat. Ultimately, it is important to be respectful of the bride and avoid wearing anything that could be seen as upstaging her, so if in doubt, it is best to choose another colour.
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What are some non-white dress alternatives?
For wedding guests, it is generally considered taboo to wear white, with the traditional etiquette being that white is reserved for the bride only. However, there are some modern exceptions, such as when the couple specifically requests that guests wear white. To be on the safe side, guests can opt for dresses with white elements as part of a larger pattern or a colourful cocktail dress with a white lace overlay.
If you're looking for non-white alternatives to wear as a guest, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas:
- Go for a dress with a colourful print or large-scale prints on a white background, aiming for a 75-25 ratio of colour to white.
- Add a pop of colour with a bright belt, earrings, or chunky statement jewellery.
- Try a knee-length cocktail dress in a pale blush or ice blue, avoiding fabrics like lace and tulle that can look too bridal.
- Opt for a casual sheath dress or a sundress in a variety of colours or prints.
- For a fall or winter wedding, consider a deep burgundy or emerald green dress for a romantic and elegant look.
- If you want to stay close to traditional white, go for a soft beige, neutral tone, or a delicate off-white lace dress with exquisite detailing.
- For a summer wedding, a golden yellow sundress or halter dress inspired by rustic flowers can be a beautiful choice.
- If you're feeling bold, go for a full black bridal gown or add a tulle black skirt for a sophisticated and elegant look.
These suggestions will ensure you look stylish and appropriate at any wedding while avoiding the potential faux pas of wearing white.
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What is the history of the white wedding dress?
The white wedding dress is a matrimonial classic that started with Queen Victoria, who wore a white gown when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Victoria's dress was made from Spitalfields cream silk-satin with a flounce of Honiton lace at the neck and sleeves. It featured a slim waist, a full crinoline petticoat, and lace embellishments—a silhouette that is still considered classic today.
Before Queen Victoria, wedding dresses came in a variety of colours, with red being a particularly popular choice in Western Europe. Royal brides, for example, wore "heavy brocaded gowns embroidered with white and silver thread". White dresses were reserved for women being presented at court for the first time.
As accounts of Victoria's wedding spread across the Atlantic and throughout Europe, fashionable people followed her lead. By 1849, women's magazines were proclaiming that white was not only the best colour for a wedding dress but that it had always been the most appropriate choice. Godey's Lady's Book announced that " [c]ustom has decided, from the earliest ages, that white is the most fitting hue [for brides], whatever may be the material". The colour was imbued with a new symbolism, coming to signify purity and innocence, in addition to wealth. White dresses also looked good in early black-and-white or sepia-toned photography.
However, it took a few more decades for white wedding dresses to be adopted by middle-class brides in Europe and the US. Prior to World War II, many women simply wore the nicest dress they owned on their wedding day. As society became more prosperous in the aftermath of the war, and clothing became cheaper to produce, the white, single-use wedding dress became standard.
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What are the consequences of wearing white to a wedding?
Wearing white to a wedding has been considered a fashion faux pas for over a century. The tradition of the white wedding dress began with Queen Victoria's marriage to Prince Albert in 1840. Since then, the colour has been reserved for the bride alone, and wearing white as a guest is generally frowned upon.
The consequences of wearing white to a wedding can vary. At best, you might feel uncomfortable or self-conscious throughout the event, worrying about what other guests might think. At worst, you could be met with hostile reactions from other guests, glares, or even intentional spills on your outfit. Some sources suggest that wearing white to a wedding is disrespectful to the bride, implying that you are trying to steal attention or upstage them.
However, there are some exceptions to the rule. Firstly, if the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white, then it is acceptable. This request will usually be mentioned in the invitation. Another exception is when the wedding has a themed dress code, such as an all-white theme for a spring or summer wedding. In this case, guests should opt for solid white styles instead of white floral prints, as the bride might wear the latter.
If you are unsure about a particular outfit, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose something else. You can also consult the bride or bridal party beforehand to avoid any potential misunderstandings. Additionally, it is worth noting that the rule applies not only to pure white but also to similar colours such as ivory, cream, silver, champagne, blush, and pale blue, which can appear white in photographs.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not acceptable to wear a white dress to a wedding. The only exception to this rule is if the couple has explicitly requested that guests wear white.
Wearing white is traditionally reserved for the bride and is considered a taboo for wedding guests. This is because white symbolises innocence, purity, virginity, youth and new beginnings. Wearing white as a guest could be seen as an attempt to steal attention from the bride and groom.
If your dress has a white base with a print of another colour, it is best avoided. A colourful dress with a white print is more likely to be acceptable. However, if you are questioning whether a dress has too much white, it is best to avoid it.
The dress code for a wedding will depend on the couple. Some weddings are black-tie, requiring floor-length gowns, while others may be more casual, allowing for a favourite jumpsuit or cocktail attire. It is best to check the invitation for any colour or dress code requests.
