White And Off-White: A Match Made In Heaven

Wearing white to a wedding has been a long-standing fashion taboo, with the colour—along with its closest relatives, like ivory and cream—traditionally reserved for the bride alone. However, with the rise of non-traditional weddings, the rules are changing, and wearing white is not as much of a faux pas as it once was. While it's still generally considered disrespectful to wear white to a wedding, there are some instances where it might be acceptable, such as when the couple has requested that guests wear white or when the couple is not wearing white. Ultimately, the most important thing for guests to remember is to avoid upstaging the bride and groom.

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 wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. Since then, the colour white has been reserved for the bride, and it is generally considered disrespectful or tacky for a guest to wear white to a wedding. Doing so may cause confusion among other attendees or upstage the happy couple.

However, with the rise of non-traditional weddings, the rules are changing. Some modern couples are fine with guests wearing white and may even specify an all-white dress code. For example, if the couple is wearing pink, they may request that guests avoid wearing pink but are happy for them to wear white. Ultimately, guests should refer to the dress code to determine if they can wear white. If the couple hasn't explicitly stated that white is acceptable, it's best to avoid it.

If you're unsure about how much white is too much white, a good rule of thumb is to avoid anything that is predominantly white, cream, or ivory. White shoes should also be avoided, as they can feel too bridal. However, a white button-up shirt under a suit or tuxedo jacket is generally considered acceptable for men.

If you're still unsure, it's always best to play it safe and choose a different colour. Soft pink or pastel yellow can give you a similar look to white without the risk of committing a fashion faux pas.

What about ivory and cream?

When it comes to wedding attire, ivory and cream are generally considered to fall within the "white" colour family. As such, the same rules that apply to wearing white to a wedding also extend to these colours.

It is widely considered disrespectful for wedding guests to wear white, ivory, or cream, as these colours are traditionally reserved for the bride and may cause confusion among other attendees. However, this tradition is not as rigid as it once was, and modern couples may be more flexible regarding their dress code. If the couple has not explicitly stated that white is acceptable, it is generally best to avoid it to avoid upstaging the happy couple.

If you are unsure about the dress code, it is always a good idea to ask the couple directly or refer to their wedding website for guidance. They may have specific requests or themes in mind, such as an all-white dress code, which would make white, ivory, and cream appropriate choices for guests.

Ultimately, the decision to wear ivory or cream to a wedding depends on the couple's preferences and the specific context of the event. When in doubt, it is usually safer to choose a different colour to avoid any potential misunderstandings or discomfort.

How much white is too much white?

When it comes to weddings, the general rule is that guests should avoid wearing white to avoid upstaging the bride. This tradition has been in place for almost 200 years and is considered a fashion taboo. White is typically reserved for the couple getting married, especially in Western culture, where it is customary for the bride to wear a white dress.

So, how much white is too much white? The key is to ensure that white is not the predominant colour in your outfit. If you're questioning whether an outfit has too much white, it probably does. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any outfits that are predominantly white, cream, ivory, or other similar colours such as silver, champagne, blush, or pale blue, as these can also be considered bridal colours. If you want to wear a white shirt or blouse under a suit jacket, that's generally acceptable, as long as the rest of your outfit is not white.

If you're still unsure, consider the type of fabric and the style of your outfit. Fabrics like lace and tulle can be considered more traditional bridal fabrics and should be avoided. Also, keep in mind the length of your outfit. A knee-length dress with some white elements is generally fine, but a floor-length white dress is not appropriate for a guest.

If you really want to wear white, the best way to do so is if the couple has specifically requested it. Some couples may ask all guests to wear white for a themed wedding, which would be specified in the invitation or on their wedding website. In this case, it is appropriate to wear white, but be sure to stick to the dress code provided.

Additionally, if you are part of the wedding party, such as a bridesmaid or groomsman, and the couple has requested that you wear a creamy or off-white shade, that is also acceptable. Again, it's essential to communicate with the couple and get their approval before the wedding day.

In conclusion, when it comes to weddings, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid wearing too much white. If you're unsure, choose a different outfit or consult with the couple or other friends to get their opinions. Remember, the most important thing is to respect the couple's wishes and not do anything that might upstage or upset them on their special day.

What other colours should be avoided?

When it comes to wedding attire, it's not just white and off-white that are considered off-limits for guests. There are several other colours that should generally be avoided to ensure you don't upstage the happy couple or their bridal party. Here are some additional colours and guidelines to consider:

• Neutrals and Pastels: In addition to white, off-white, ivory, and cream, it's best to avoid other neutral shades like silver, champagne, and beige. Pastel hues like blush, light dusty rose, and pale blue can also veer too close to the bridal palette and may be mistaken for white in certain lighting or photographs.
• Lighter Shades of the Wedding Colours: If you are aware of the wedding colours or the bridal party's attire, it's considerate to avoid wearing lighter shades of those colours. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing navy, a guest might opt for a darker navy outfit to differentiate themselves from the bridal party.
• Bright and Vibrant Colours: While it's essential not to wear anything that could be mistaken for the bridal colours, it's also advisable to avoid colours that are too loud or vibrant. Neon colours, for instance, might be considered inappropriate for a wedding unless the event has a specific theme that calls for such attire.
• Black: While black is a classic and elegant choice, some cultures consider it inappropriate for weddings. It's worth checking with the couple or referring to the dress code to ensure black attire is acceptable.
• Patterns with White: While small amounts of white as part of a pattern are generally acceptable, it's best to avoid large-scale prints or patterns that predominantly feature white. A colourful cocktail dress with a white lace overlay or a white floral print on a dark background would be suitable.
• Similar Colours to the Bride's Attire: If you know the bride is wearing a non-traditional colour, it's considerate to avoid that colour altogether. Even if your shade isn't an exact match, it's best to respect the bride's choice and opt for something else.

Remember, the key is to ensure that you don't unintentionally upstage the couple or their bridal party. When in doubt, it's always best to choose a different outfit or consult with the couple or their wedding party for clarification.

What about white shoes?

As with wearing white to a wedding, wearing white shoes is generally considered a no-go. The colour white is traditionally reserved for the couple getting married, so wearing white shoes could be seen as encroaching on their special day.

However, as with wearing white, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the couple has specified that guests can wear white, then it is acceptable to wear white shoes. For example, if the wedding has a beach theme, white shoes could be appropriate. Additionally, if the couple is wearing a different colour, they may request that guests avoid that colour and wear white instead.

If you are still unsure about whether to wear white shoes, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a different colour. You could also consider adding colourful accessories to your outfit to balance out the white shoes and ensure you don't look too bridal.

Frequently asked questions