Rhiannon Hendricks
Wearing white to a wedding has been considered taboo for more than a century, with the hue traditionally reserved for the bride alone. However, in today's day and age, the dress code for weddings is not as black and white as it once was. While it is still generally considered disrespectful to wear white to a wedding, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, some modern couples are completely fine with guests wearing white to their wedding and may even specify an all-white dress code. If the couple hasn't explicitly stated that guests can wear white, it is best to avoid wearing an off-white dress to a wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Etiquette | Wearing white is considered disrespectful or tacky, with the possibility of upstaging the couple. |
| Exceptions | Some modern couples are fine with guests wearing white and may specify this in the dress code. |
| Alternatives | Colours like ivory, champagne, blush, pale blue, silver, and beige should also be avoided. |
| Recommendations | If in doubt, don't wear it. Add a pop of colour with accessories or outerwear. |
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What You'll Learn
It's best to avoid wearing white to a wedding
It is best to avoid wearing white to a wedding, as it is often considered disrespectful and taboo. The tradition of the bride wearing white began with Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840, and since then, it has been frowned upon for guests to wear white to a wedding. While there are no hard and fast rules, and modern couples may be more flexible, it is generally considered poor etiquette to wear white.
The main reason it is best to avoid wearing white is to respect the bride. Wearing white as a guest could be seen as upstaging the happy couple and stealing their thunder. The last thing you want as a guest is to cause confusion or be mistaken for the bride! It is important to remember that your job as a guest is to celebrate the couple and their special day, and wearing white may send the wrong signal.
Even if you think your off-white dress won't be mistaken for a wedding gown, it is still best to avoid it. Colours like ivory, cream, champagne, and blush can often be seen as too close to white and may cause unwanted attention. If you have to ask yourself if your dress is too white, it probably is, and it's best to choose something else. You don't want to risk offending the bride or other guests.
Additionally, wearing white can be a safety issue. Wearing white to a wedding may result in glares, rude comments, or even someone spilling a drink on you. To avoid any potential drama or conflict, it is best to steer clear of white and any colours that could be mistaken for white.
Finally, wearing white can limit the couple's ability to express their unique style. More and more couples are shaking up traditions and expressing their personalities through their dress code. By wearing white, you may be taking away from the couple's chosen aesthetic and making it difficult for them to stand out. So, unless the couple has specifically requested white attire, it is best to avoid it.
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But modern couples may be fine with it
While wearing white to a wedding has been frowned upon for over a century, with the colour and its closest relatives reserved for the bride alone, some modern couples are fine with guests wearing white to their wedding. Wedding dress codes are not as black and white as they once were, and some couples are happy for their guests to wear white, even specifying that all-white attire is preferred.
Couples are increasingly shaking up tradition and doing their own thing, which often applies to what they ask attendees to wear. For example, if the couple is wearing pink, they may request that guests do not wear pink, but white is totally fine. In these cases, it is important to refer to the dress code to determine if you can wear white to the wedding. If the couple has not specifically expressed that you can wear white, it is best to avoid this colour.
If the couple is more laid-back and non-traditional, there are some tips for wearing white to a wedding without looking tacky. It is important to remember that if you have any doubt that the couple would not be happy with you wearing white, then don't risk it. However, wearing white attire to a warm-weather wedding feels more appropriate and on-theme. As a bonus, white doesn't absorb a lot of heat, which will help you stay cool for those sunny June ceremonies! It is also suggested that you opt for white attire that incorporates other colours and patterns. For example, a dress with a print that includes white is probably fine to wear. A helpful formula to follow is if the base of the dress is white and the print is another colour, you should avoid wearing it. A colourful dress with white on the print is likely fine.
It is also important to consider the relationship with the couple when deciding whether to wear white to their wedding. If you are close to the couple and know their preferences, you may be more inclined to wear white without causing offence. Additionally, the style of the dress is a factor to consider. A dress with a large white skirt may look more like a wedding gown, whereas a shorter dress with a white print is less likely to be an issue.
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It's best to check the dress code
Wearing white to a wedding has been considered a taboo for more than a century, with the colour and its closest relatives, such as ivory and cream, reserved for the bride alone. However, modern exceptions do exist, with some couples specifically requesting that guests wear white. In such cases, the dress code will usually be mentioned in the invitation.
If the couple hasn't explicitly stated that guests can wear white, it's generally best to avoid it. This includes off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, and super light colours that could be mistaken for white. If you're unsure about a colour, take several photos of the garment in different lighting setups to see how it reads on camera.
It's also important to consider the fabric and style of your dress. Even if the dress isn't entirely white, fabrics like lace and tulle can be considered more traditionally bridal and may be best avoided. Additionally, a dress with a large white base and a small print of another colour may also be questionable.
If you're still unsure, you can always add a bright pop of colour with accessories like a belt, earrings, or statement jewellery. Ultimately, it's best to refer to the dress code provided by the couple to determine if you can wear an off-white dress to the wedding. If there is no specified dress code, it's probably safer to choose another colour to avoid any potential misunderstandings or upstaging the bride.
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You can wear white if the couple requests it
While it is generally frowned upon to wear white to a wedding, there are exceptions to this rule. Wedding dress codes are not as clear-cut as they once were, and some modern couples are happy for their guests to wear white, even specifying this in their dress code. For example, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck requested that their wedding guests wear white.
If the couple is happy for guests to wear white, this will be mentioned in the invitation. If it's not specified, it's best to avoid wearing white. It's also a good idea to check what the bridal party is wearing to avoid wearing something too similar.
If you're still unsure, you can always add a bright pop of colour with a belt, earrings, or statement jewellery, and avoid an updo hairstyle. A colourful shrug or wrap can also downplay the white. If the wedding is in the colder months, darker hues are more appropriate, whereas spring and summer weddings are more suited to bright and light colours.
It's worth noting that some sources advise against wearing off-white, cream, ivory, champagne, and other similar colours to a wedding, as these can be mistaken for white. However, if the dress code specifies a particular colour, such as pink, it may be preferable to wear white.
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If in doubt, wear something else
Wearing white to a wedding has been considered a fashion faux pas for over a century, with the shade traditionally reserved for the bride alone. While modern exceptions do exist, it's best to avoid wearing an off-white dress to a wedding unless the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white.
If you're unsure about whether your off-white dress is suitable, it's best to choose something else to avoid any potential embarrassment or discomfort. This is especially true if the off-white dress has bridal elements like lace or tulle, which are more likely to be seen as inappropriate. Similarly, if your dress has a white base with a print of another colour, it's probably best avoided.
It's important to respect the wishes of the couple and avoid upstaging them on their special day. If you're in doubt about your outfit choice, it's always better to err on the side of caution and select a different dress. There are plenty of other colours and styles to choose from that will allow you to express your personal style while still adhering to wedding guest etiquette.
To be extra cautious, you can also consider the venue and theme of the wedding. For example, if the wedding is on a beach, a more casual dress code may be appropriate, giving you more flexibility in your choice of colour and fabric. Additionally, you can consult with other guests or members of the wedding party to get a sense of what they will be wearing.
Ultimately, if you're still unsure about whether your off-white dress is suitable, it's best to play it safe and choose a different outfit. This will ensure that you can focus on celebrating the couple without any worries or concerns about your attire.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally considered disrespectful to wear white to a wedding, but there are exceptions. If the couple has requested that guests wear white, then it is appropriate. If you're unsure, it's best to avoid wearing white.
In addition to white, you should avoid wearing ivory, cream, silver, champagne, blush, pale blue, and light colours that could be mistaken for white. It's also best to avoid denim, glitter, and lace or tulle fabrics that can appear bridal.
Check the invitation and wedding website for any specified dress codes or recommendations. If in doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and choose a different outfit.
