White Attire At Weddings: What's Appropriate?

Wearing white to a wedding has been considered a fashion taboo for almost 200 years. The tradition of the white wedding dress started with Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. But with non-traditional weddings on the rise, are the rules changing?

In general, it is still considered disrespectful to wear white to a wedding as it is the bride's moment to shine in that colour. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the couple has requested that guests wear white, which would be specified on the invitation, or if the bride isn't wearing white herself.

Is it ever acceptable to wear white to a wedding?

Wearing white to a wedding has been considered a fashion taboo for almost 200 years. The tradition of the white wedding dress started with Queen Victoria's marriage to Prince Albert in 1840. Since then, the bride has been the only person at her wedding who is allowed to wear white. However, with non-traditional weddings on the rise, the rules are changing.

In general, it is still considered disrespectful or tacky to wear white to a wedding. The last thing you want to do as a guest is upstage the happy couple or cause confusion for other attendees. But there are some exceptions to this rule.

Firstly, if the couple has explicitly stated that they want their guests to wear white, then it is acceptable to do so. This might be the case if they are throwing a themed event with an all-white dress code, or if the couple themselves are not wearing white. In this instance, it is still important to avoid wearing anything that resembles a wedding gown, such as tulle gowns or floor-skimming hemlines.

Secondly, it is usually acceptable to wear white if it is not the primary colour in your outfit. For example, a navy outfit with white polka dots or a blue gown with a subtle white botanical print. It is also fine to wear a white button-up shirt under a suit, as long as the jacket and trousers are a darker colour.

If you are still unsure about whether your outfit contains too much white, it is best to play it safe and choose something else. You don't want to be the person who stands out at someone else's wedding for wearing white.

What about ivory and cream?

Ivory and cream are also considered taboo at weddings, along with white. These colours are too similar to white and are still often chosen by brides, so it's best avoided by guests. If you're unsure, take a few photos of the outfit in different lighting set-ups to see how it reads on camera.

If you're set on wearing ivory or cream, it's best to make sure the outfit is not long, lacy, or bridal-looking in any way. A jumpsuit or playsuit in a shorter length is a safer bet. You could also opt for a knee-length cocktail dress with a colourful pattern that includes ivory or cream, such as stripes, polka dots, or flowers. A bright pop of colour with your accessories will also ensure you don't resemble the bride.

If you're still unsure, it's best to avoid ivory and cream and choose a different colour.

How much white is too much white?

It is generally considered disrespectful to wear white to a wedding as a guest, as you run the risk of upstaging the bride. The tradition of the white wedding dress began with Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840, and since then, the colour has been reserved for the bride alone.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white, which would usually be mentioned on the invitation, then it is acceptable. Another exception is if you know for sure that the bride isn't wearing white, or if it's a same-sex wedding with two grooms. In these cases, it's still important to avoid anything that could be seen as bridal or take the focus away from the couple.

So, how much white is too much white? If you're questioning whether an outfit looks too white, it probably is. It's best to avoid any outfits that are predominantly white, cream, ivory, or beige. These colours are all considered to be in the white family and are often a bride's first choice. If you want to be extra cautious, it's also a good idea to stay away from light pastel colours like blush, pale blue, and champagne, as these can sometimes look white in photographs.

If you're unsure about a particular outfit, try taking photos of it in different lighting setups (natural daylight, dim light, candlelight, etc.) to see how it reads on camera. You can also poll some friends, especially those who are engaged or married, to get their opinion. If you're still feeling doubtful, it's best to choose a different outfit. There are plenty of other colours to choose from, and it's not worth the risk of causing any confusion or upsetting the bride.

What about black and white?

So, you want to wear black and white to a wedding? While it's generally advised to steer clear of wearing white to a wedding, there are some instances where it may be acceptable. The same goes for black and white.

If you're wearing a mostly black dress, top, or skirt with a bit of white, that's okay. The classic suit formula of a black jacket and pants with a white shirt is also always acceptable. If you're unsure, you can check with friends and family—and even the couple—if your intended attire is appropriate.

If you're wearing black and white to a wedding, it's important to avoid any bridal styling. So, no veils or headpieces. You can also add a pop of colour with your accessories, like a brightly coloured bag, shoes, or jewellery, to take your look in a less bridal direction.

There are a few instances where wearing black and white to a wedding may be more appropriate. If you know for sure that the bride isn't wearing white, or it's a same-sex wedding with two grooms, you may feel more confident wearing white. You can also feel extra confident wearing black and white if the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white attire. This will usually be specified on the invitation.

It's also important to consider the formality of the wedding. If it's a reasonably casual affair, like a city wedding or a registry office ceremony, wearing a short white dress may be risky, as the bride is likely to wear something similar.

In general, it's best to avoid any clothing that can be photographed as white or appear that way in person. If you're unsure, take several photos of your garment in different lighting setups (natural daylight, dim light, candlelight, etc.) to see how it reads on camera.

Are there any exceptions to the rule?

There are a few exceptions to the rule that guests should not wear white to a wedding.

Firstly, if the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white, then it is acceptable. This will usually be mentioned in the invitation or on the couple's wedding website. If the couple has not explicitly stated that white is fair game, it is best to avoid it.

Secondly, if you are part of the bridal party and the bride has requested that you wear white, then it is acceptable.

Thirdly, if you know for sure that the bride is not wearing white, then it may be okay to wear white, as long as it is not a wedding dress or anything that could be mistaken for one. This could apply to same-sex weddings with two grooms, for example. However, it is still best to avoid anything that could be seen as upstaging the couple or taking the focus away from them.

Finally, if you are wearing a pattern with subtle hints of white, this is usually acceptable. For example, a colourful, cocktail-length dress with a white lace overlay is fine. However, it is best to avoid white lace or tulle, which can look more bridal.

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