Junior Rasmussen
Wearing a white dress to a wedding has been a long-standing debate in the fashion world. While some people consider it a fashion faux pas, others believe it is acceptable as long as the outfit does not resemble a wedding dress. The tradition of the white wedding dress began with Queen Victoria, and wearing white has since been reserved for the bride alone. Wedding guests are often advised to avoid wearing white or any outfits that feature the colour, including patterned gowns, to prevent upstaging the bride. However, some modern brides are more flexible, and fashion experts provide guidelines to help guests navigate this sensitive style territory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tradition | Wearing white to a wedding that is not your own has been frowned upon for more than a century |
| Reason | The bride may wear white, and it's her color for that day. Guests shouldn't be mistaken for the bride |
| Exceptions | If the couple has specifically requested that white attire be worn, it is okay to do so |
| Recommendations | Wear something over the knee or slightly mid-length, with as little resemblance to a wedding gown as possible; a colorful dress with white on the print; a white camisole layered under a jacket; a white shrug worn over a colorful cocktail dress |
| Avoid | Floor-length or full-skirted white dresses; dresses with a white background; cream or ivory-colored dresses |
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What You'll Learn
- Wearing white to a wedding is a tradition that began with Queen Victoria
- Guests should avoid wearing long, white, lacy dresses that resemble a wedding dress
- It's okay to wear white if the couple has specifically requested it
- A colourful dress with white on the print is probably fine
- Wearing white is acceptable if it doesn't resemble a wedding dress or upstage the bride
Wearing white to a wedding is a tradition that began with Queen Victoria
Wearing white to a wedding is generally considered rude and has been frowned upon for over a century. This tradition is believed to have started with Queen Victoria, who wore a white wedding dress when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Victoria's choice went against the norm of the time, as wedding dresses typically came in a variety of colours.
Queen Victoria's decision to wear white is often credited with starting the tradition of white wedding dresses. However, some sources suggest that she was not the first to do so. Mary, Queen of Scots, wore a white wedding gown when she married her first husband, Francis Dauphin of France, in 1558 or 1559. Additionally, the earliest recorded white wedding dress in Western culture was worn by English Princess Philippa when she married King Eric in 1406.
Despite this, Queen Victoria's influence on the tradition cannot be understated. As the queen, her choice to wear white was highly publicised, and fashionable people across Europe and America quickly followed her lead. White dresses were already associated with wealth and status, as they were difficult to keep clean and could easily be ruined. Victoria's decision further solidified these associations, with white becoming a symbol of extravagance, purity, and innocence.
Today, the tradition of wearing white at weddings is still strongly observed, with the bride typically reserving the right to wear white (or a similar hue) on her wedding day. Wedding guests are generally advised to avoid wearing white dresses, especially those that are long, lacy, or could be mistaken for a wedding dress. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when the couple specifically requests that guests wear white or when the bride chooses a different colour for herself.
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Guests should avoid wearing long, white, lacy dresses that resemble a wedding dress
It is generally considered rude to wear a long, white, lacy dress that resembles a wedding dress to someone else's wedding. This is because the bride may wear white (or a similar shade, like ivory or champagne), and it is her colour for the day. Wearing white, therefore, could be seen as an attempt to upstage the bride.
As one wedding planner explains, "You don't want to stand with the bride and look as though you were attempting to look bridal on someone else's day. Even if that wasn't your intention, that's what people (and possibly the bride) will think, and who wants to be 'that' person?".
To avoid any potential embarrassment or upset, it is best to avoid wearing long, white, lacy dresses that resemble a wedding dress to a wedding. Instead, opt for a dress with a pattern or decoration that includes white, or a colourful dress with a white print or lace overlay. If you're still unsure, you can always add a pop of colour with accessories or choose a different silhouette, like a jumpsuit or playsuit, to ensure your outfit doesn't resemble a wedding dress.
However, it is worth noting that this tradition of avoiding white at weddings is not universally followed. Some brides may not wear white, and they may even request that their guests wear white. In this case, it is acceptable to wear white as a guest, especially if the couple has specifically requested it in the invitation.
Ultimately, the most important thing to consider when choosing an outfit for a wedding is to ensure you do not upstage the bride. By avoiding long, white, lacy dresses that resemble a wedding dress, you can respect this tradition and ensure the bride's outfit is one-of-a-kind on her special day.
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It's okay to wear white if the couple has specifically requested it
It is generally frowned upon to wear white to a wedding as a guest. The tradition of the white wedding dress began with Queen Victoria, and since then, the colour has been reserved for the bride alone. It is considered rude and a fashion faux pas to wear white to a wedding, as it is assumed that you are trying to steal attention from the couple on their special day.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. It is okay to wear white to a wedding if the couple has specifically requested it. Atlanta-based event planner Megan Seaton advises that it is acceptable to wear white to a wedding only if the couple has explicitly stated that they want their guests to wear white attire. This request will typically be mentioned in the invitation.
If the couple has not explicitly requested that guests wear white, it is best to avoid wearing a white dress. This is especially true for long, lacy, or bridal-looking dresses, as you don't want to be mistaken for the bride or appear as though you are trying to upstage her. Even if you don't intend to upstage the bride, wearing a white dress could be seen as disrespectful and may cause hurt feelings.
If you want to incorporate white into your outfit without being overbearing, consider wearing a dress with a white print or pattern. A colourful cocktail dress with a white lace overlay or a dress with large-scale prints on a white background are stylish options that won't take away from the bride's gown. You can also add white accessories, such as a white shrug over a colourful dress, or white shoes, cufflinks, or a tie.
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A colourful dress with white on the print is probably fine
Wearing white to a wedding that is not your own has been considered rude for over a century. The tradition of the white wedding dress began with Queen Victoria's marriage to Prince Albert in 1840, and brides have been copying her style ever since. However, this does not mean that you have to avoid all white clothing as a wedding guest.
If you're still unsure, you can always add a bright pop of colour with accessories like a belt, earrings, or statement jewellery, and avoid an updo hairstyle. It's also important to consider the couple's preferences and your relationship with them. If the couple has specifically requested that white attire be worn, then it's acceptable to do so. However, if it's not mentioned in the invitation, it's best not to risk it.
Ultimately, the most important thing for guests to focus on is not upstaging the bride. While you might get away with wearing a modern white gown, there are endless ways to wear white correctly or disastrously. If you're questioning your choice of dress, it's probably best to choose something else to avoid risking angry glares or comments from other guests.
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Wearing white is acceptable if it doesn't resemble a wedding dress or upstage the bride
Wearing white to a wedding has been traditionally frowned upon for over a century, with the colour and its closest relatives reserved for the bride alone. However, this tradition is becoming less strict, with some brides choosing to expand the shade beyond their own gown.
If you are a guest and want to wear white, it is important to ensure that your outfit does not resemble a wedding dress or upstage the bride. To avoid this, it is best to stay away from long, lacy, or bridal-looking dresses. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you would be mistaken for the bride. If the answer is yes, choose another outfit.
Knee-length dresses with white elements as part of a larger pattern are usually acceptable. For example, a colourful cocktail dress with a white lace overlay or a white camisole layered under a jacket. Large-scale prints on a white background are also a good option, aiming for a 75-25 ratio of colour to white. If you are still unsure, you can add a pop of colour with accessories or choose a white dress with a colourful pattern.
It is also important to consider the couple's preferences and the relationship with them. If they have specifically requested that white attire be worn, then it is acceptable to do so. However, if it is not mentioned, it is best to avoid it. Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that you do not upstage the bride or wear something that could be considered disrespectful.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally considered rude to wear a white dress to a wedding as it is the bride's colour for that day. However, if the couple has requested that guests wear white, it is okay to do so.
It is best to avoid any colours that could be mistaken for white, such as off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, or super light colours.
Knee-length dresses with white elements as part of a larger pattern are usually fine. However, it is best to avoid wearing too much white, especially in formal settings.
