Franklin Dean
Wearing white to a wedding when you're not the bride has been frowned upon for over a century, with the colour and its closest relatives—including ivory, cream, silver, champagne, blush, and pale blue—traditionally being reserved for the bride alone. However, this tradition doesn't seem to apply to children in the same way. While some people worry that a child wearing white might be mistaken for a member of the wedding party, most agree that it's not a big deal for a kid to wear off-white to a wedding. In fact, one person said that they would be weirded out by an adult guest wearing white but wouldn't think twice about a child doing so.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wearing white to a wedding | Frowned upon for more than a century |
| Exceptions | If the couple has specifically requested that white attire be worn, or if the dress is not bridal-like |
| White dresses for kids at weddings | Some say it's fine, others say it's not |
| Colors to avoid | Ivory, cream, silver, champagne, blush, pale blue, lace, and tulle |
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What You'll Learn
The child might be mistaken for the bride or a member of the wedding party
It is generally frowned upon for guests to wear white to a wedding, as this is the colour traditionally reserved for the bride. However, this social norm does not typically apply to children, and it is generally considered acceptable for a child guest to wear off-white to a wedding. Nevertheless, one concern that parents of child guests might have is that their child might be mistaken for the bride or a member of the wedding party.
The tradition of the white wedding dress began with Queen Victoria, who wore a white satin gown when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Photographs of the wedding were widely published, and brides began copying Victoria's style by wearing white gowns at their own weddings. Today, the colour white is still strongly associated with the bride, and guests are generally discouraged from wearing it. Wedding stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz advises against wearing not only white but also ivory, cream, silver, champagne, blush, and pale blue, as these colours "can read as white in photos".
However, this advice is generally aimed at adult guests, not children. While it would be inappropriate for an adult guest to wear white and risk being mistaken for the bride or a member of the wedding party, a child wearing off-white is unlikely to be perceived in the same way. In fact, it is quite common for young children to be included in the wedding party, as flower girls or junior bridesmaids, and to wear white or off-white outfits.
While it is unlikely that a child guest wearing off-white would be mistaken for the bride, there is a risk that they could be mistaken for a member of the wedding party, particularly a flower girl or junior bridesmaid. This could potentially cause embarrassment or offence, especially if the child is not actually part of the wedding party. Therefore, it may be advisable for parents to choose an alternative colour for their child's outfit, to avoid any potential misunderstandings or discomfort.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to allow a child to wear off-white to a wedding rests with the parents or guardians. While it is generally considered acceptable for a child to wear off-white, there is a risk that they could be mistaken for a member of the wedding party. By choosing an alternative colour, parents can avoid any potential misunderstandings and ensure that their child's outfit is appropriate and respectful of the bride's wishes.
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The child's outfit might upstage the bride
It is generally frowned upon for a guest to wear white to a wedding—or any outfit that might be mistaken for the bride's. This is considered a breach of wedding etiquette and could be seen as upstaging the bride. Wedding guests are typically advised to avoid wearing white dresses, especially long or lacy gowns that could be perceived as bridal.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. In some cultures, like Nigerian wedding guest culture, guests are expected to dress elaborately and fashionably, almost as much as the wedding party. In such cases, guests may feel more freedom to express themselves through their attire, which can include bold choices, loud colours, and standout accessories.
Additionally, some brides and grooms may specifically request that their wedding guests wear white or follow a unique dress code like "upstage the bride," encouraging guests to push the boundaries of fashion and self-expression. In these instances, the couple invites their guests to stand out and be the star of the show, creating a memorable and creative wedding atmosphere.
When in doubt, it is always a good idea to consider the couple's preferences and the wedding's theme or dress code. If there is any uncertainty about the appropriateness of an outfit, it may be wise to choose something else or consult with the couple directly to avoid any potential misunderstandings or upstaging of the bride.
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The child might stand out in photos
It is generally frowned upon for guests to wear white to a wedding, as it is the bride's colour. However, wearing off-white as a guest to a wedding may be acceptable, especially for children. While some people may find it tacky, others may not mind, especially since it is clear who the bride is.
One concern with wearing off-white is that the child might stand out in photos. However, this may not always be the case. One source mentions that lighter colours like off-white or cream tend to blend into the background in photos, while deeper colours like hot pink or red stand out more. Another source suggests that dresses that look darker in photos than they do in real life can help you get around the no-white rule.
To avoid the child standing out in photos, you can add a bright pop of colour like a belt, earrings, or chunky statement jewellery. You can also avoid an updo hairstyle. Taking photos of the outfit in different lighting setups can also help you see how it will appear on camera.
If you are concerned about the child standing out in photos, you may want to consider other colours or patterns. There are many colours to choose from, such as various shades of green, red, pink, or blue. You can also add patterns to an off-white dress to make it less prominent.
Ultimately, the decision of what colour to wear depends on your personal preference and the bride's wishes. Communicating with the bride or groom can help clarify their expectations and avoid any potential misunderstandings.
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The child's outfit might offend the bride or other guests
It is generally frowned upon to wear white to a wedding as a guest, as it is considered the "bride's colour". This tradition is said to have started when Queen Victoria wore a white dress at her wedding in 1840. Since then, the colour white has been reserved for the bride alone, and wearing white as a guest may be seen as an attempt to upstage the bride or look bridal. This is especially true for long, lacy dresses or those that resemble a wedding dress.
However, some people may be more relaxed about this tradition, particularly when it comes to children. While some may argue that a child wearing white could be mistaken for a member of the wedding party, such as a flower girl or junior bridesmaid, others may not be as bothered by it. Ultimately, it is up to the parents or guardians to decide what the child wears, and it may be a good idea to consider the couple's preferences and the specific wedding context.
For example, if the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white, then it would be appropriate to do so. Additionally, the relationship with the couple may also be a factor to consider. If the child is not part of the wedding party and is simply a guest, it may be best to avoid dressing them in white to respect the bride's choice and avoid any potential offence.
To be respectful and avoid any potential misunderstandings, it is generally recommended to steer clear of white and its closest shades, such as ivory, cream, silver, champagne, blush, and pale blue. These colours can often appear similar to white in photos, and it is better to be cautious and choose a different colour or add a pop of colour to the outfit. While it may be challenging to find dresses in other colours, there are many options available, and it is worth putting in the effort to respect the bride's wishes and avoid any potential discomfort or offence.
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The child's outfit could be inappropriate if it's a large-scale white dress
It is generally frowned upon to wear white to a wedding if you are not the bride. This tradition of reserving the colour white for the bride has been around for over a century, since Queen Victoria wore a white dress at her wedding in 1840.
However, this standard of etiquette does not seem to apply to children in the same way. While some people still consider it inappropriate for a child to wear white to a wedding, others disagree, especially if the child is very young. Some people argue that it is obvious who the bride is, and that a child in a white dress will not be mistaken for the bride. Others say that a child in a white dress might be mistaken for a member of the wedding party, such as a flower girl or junior bridesmaid, but that this is not necessarily a problem.
If you are concerned about a child's off-white dress being inappropriate because it is a large-scale white dress, you could consider adding a pop of colour to the outfit. For example, you could add a colourful belt, earrings, or other chunky statement jewellery. This could help to avoid any potential issues with the child's outfit being mistaken for a member of the wedding party, while still allowing them to wear the dress of their choice.
It is also worth noting that the bride may not wear white, and that non-white wedding dresses are becoming more common. Therefore, it may be a good idea to check with the bride or groom beforehand to see if they have any preferences or concerns about the colour of guests' outfits. Ultimately, it is their day, and their opinion on the matter is the most important.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally frowned upon for guests to wear white or off-white to a wedding as it is the colour reserved for the bride. However, some people think it is acceptable for kids to wear off-white as they will clearly not be mistaken for the bride.
It is common for young children to be dressed in white outfits as part of the wedding party. However, if they are not part of the wedding party, they may be mistaken for a member of the wedding party, so it is best to avoid an all-white outfit.
To avoid a child's white outfit from looking too bridal, consider adding a pop of colour with accessories like a belt, earrings, or chunky statement jewellery. You can also avoid an updo hairstyle.
Some alternative colours to off-white for a kid's wedding outfit include pastel colours, deep reds, and hot pinks.
If the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white, then it is acceptable to do so. This request will typically be mentioned in the invitation.
