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It is widely considered a fashion faux pas for guests to wear white to a wedding. The tradition of the white wedding dress began with Queen Victoria, and wearing white as a guest could be seen as an attempt to steal attention from the bride. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when the couple specifically requests that guests wear white for a themed event. In such cases, guests should opt for solid white styles instead of white floral prints. If in doubt, guests can always check with friends, family, or even the couple to ensure their attire is appropriate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional etiquette | White is reserved for the bride |
| Exceptions | When the couple has requested that guests wear white, or for casual weddings |
| Recommendations | Avoid white dresses with lace or floral prints, or colours that photograph as white |
| Alternatives | Brightly coloured accessories, chunky statement jewellery |
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What You'll Learn
The bride's opinion
As a bride, I would be extremely upset if any of my guests turned up wearing a white dress. I think it's incredibly disrespectful and attention-seeking. I want to be the only person in white at my wedding, and I don't want anyone to be confused about who the bride is. I don't care if it's a casual dress or a formal gown; if it's white, don't wear it to my wedding.
I understand that some people might think this is an old-fashioned rule, but it's a tradition that has persisted for a reason. I've chosen a white dress for my wedding, and I don't want anyone else to be wearing my colour. It's as simple as that. I've spent a lot of time and money planning my wedding, and I want to feel special on the day. I don't think that's too much to ask.
I've also noticed that some people try to get around this rule by wearing dresses with a white base and a colourful print. In my opinion, this is just as bad as wearing a plain white dress. It's still a white dress, even if there are flowers or polka dots on it. If you have to question whether there's too much white in the pattern, then it's probably not appropriate for a wedding.
I've put a lot of thought into my wedding dress, and I know that my guests haven't put as much thought into their outfits. So, if one of them turns up in a white dress, I will assume that they are trying to take attention away from me. I don't want to be a bridezilla, but I'm spending a lot of money on this wedding, and I want to get the attention I deserve.
That being said, I know that some brides are more relaxed about this rule. They might be fine with their guests wearing white, especially if it's a same-sex wedding or a casual affair. But, as a bride, I would never take the risk of wearing white to someone else's wedding unless they specifically asked me to. It's just common sense and good manners. If you're a guest at a wedding, just wear something else! There are so many other colours to choose from.
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Wedding dress codes
However, there may be instances where the couple requests that guests wear white, in which case it is acceptable to do so. This request will typically be mentioned in the invitation or on the wedding website. If there is no such request, it is generally best to avoid wearing white to a wedding. This includes not only all-white outfits but also ensembles with prominent white details or large areas of white fabric, as these can be seen as too similar to traditional bridal styles.
If you are unsure about whether a particular outfit is appropriate, it is generally best to err on the side of caution and choose something else. You can also consider adding colourful accessories to your look to make it less bridal. Additionally, certain colours, such as ivory, cream, silver, champagne, blush, and pale blue, can photograph as white, so it is generally best to avoid these colours as well.
Ultimately, the decision of what to wear to a wedding should be made with consideration for the couple's preferences and the potential reactions of other guests. If you are close to the couple, you may be able to gauge their feelings on the matter, but if in doubt, it is usually best to avoid wearing white or any colours that could be mistaken for it.
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White with a print
It is traditionally considered a faux pas for a guest to wear white to a wedding, as white is usually the bride's colour for the day. However, there are some modern exceptions to this rule. If the invitation calls for it, wearing white is acceptable. Some couples may request that white attire be worn, in which case the dress code will be mentioned in the invitation.
If you want to wear a white dress with a print, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, if the dress has a white background and a coloured print, it is best avoided. If the print is large and colourful, with the white only making up a small part of the dress, it is probably fine to wear. The general rule is that if you have to question whether the dress has too much white, it is best to avoid it.
Some specific types of white printed dresses to avoid are those with small floral prints, as these are often used for wedding dresses, and long, floor-length dresses, as these can also look bridal. Blue and white dresses are also best avoided, due to the "something blue" tradition.
If you are still unsure, you can always add a pop of colour with accessories like a belt, earrings, or a statement necklace.
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Same-sex weddings
In some cases, same-sex couples may specifically request that their guests wear white. This is more likely to occur at spring and summer weddings, where it is popular to have a themed event with an all-white dress code. If the couple has not explicitly requested that guests wear white, it is best to avoid this colour. This is especially true if the dress is long, lacy, or could be mistaken for a wedding dress. If you are unsure, it is best to choose an alternative outfit.
If you are attending a same-sex wedding and are unsure about whether it is appropriate to wear white, it is best to ask the couple. This is exactly what Vittoria Caproni did when she was invited to a gay wedding in 2015. She wanted to wear a white dress she had bought, so she asked the couple, who gave their blessing.
If the couple has not requested that guests wear white, it is important to respect their wishes and avoid this colour. Wearing white to a wedding without the couple's permission can be considered disrespectful and may cause tension with the couple and other guests. It is always better to be cautious and choose a different colour to avoid any potential issues.
In summary, while there may be exceptions, it is generally best to avoid wearing white to a same-sex wedding unless the couple has specifically requested it. It is important to respect the couple's wishes and avoid any potential conflicts or misunderstandings.
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White accessories
It is generally considered a breach of wedding etiquette for anyone other than the bride to wear white to a wedding. This tradition began with Queen Victoria, who wore a white dress to marry Prince Albert in 1840. Since then, the bride has typically worn white, and it is therefore considered taboo for a guest to wear white to a wedding.
However, there are some modern exceptions to this rule. For example, if the couple specifically requests that guests wear white, it is usually acceptable to do so. This is sometimes the case for destination weddings, where light-coloured clothing is commonly encouraged. If the invitation, wedding website, or direct communication from the couple does not specify that guests can wear white, it is best to avoid it.
If you want to wear white accessories with your wedding guest outfit, opinions vary. Some people believe that small white accessories are acceptable, such as shoes, a bag, or a hat. However, others believe that no white at all should be worn to a wedding, even in small accessories. A white cardigan, for example, may be too much and is not recommended. If in doubt, choose brightly coloured accessories instead, or add a pop of colour with a belt, earrings, or statement jewellery.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is generally advised against. The bride may wear white, ivory, or champagne, and it is her colour for the day. It is best not to be mistaken for the bride or take attention away from her.
If the dress has a white base with a print or a white print on a coloured base, it is best avoided. The higher the ratio of white to colour, the more likely it is to be inappropriate.
Yes, if the couple has explicitly requested that guests wear white, it is acceptable. This may be the case if they are throwing a themed event.
It is best to avoid wearing white to a wedding. If you are still unsure, you can add a bright pop of colour with accessories or choose a dress with a white print on a coloured base, ensuring the print is the star of the show.
