Junior Rasmussen
Wearing white to a wedding has been a controversial topic for over a century, with many people believing that the colour is reserved for the bride. However, in recent times, some brides have chosen to wear coloured dresses, and instead request that their guests wear white. This is a fun way to switch up the tradition and makes for striking photos. But what about wearing a white printed dress to a wedding where the bride is wearing white?
Some people believe that wearing any white to a wedding is a fashion faux pas and that it is best to avoid any outfits that feature the colour, including patterned gowns. However, others believe that it is acceptable to wear a dress with a hint of white, as long as it is not the main colour.
So, what is the verdict? Well, it seems that the general consensus is that wearing a white printed dress to a wedding is acceptable, as long as the print is not too similar to the bride's dress and the couple has not specifically requested that guests avoid the colour. If you are unsure, it is always best to reach out to the couple directly or ask a close friend or family member for their opinion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acceptability | Generally not acceptable unless requested by the couple or the bride |
| Exceptions | Some modern exceptions exist |
| Colour combinations to avoid | Blue and white |
| Ratio of colour to white | 75% colour to 25% white |
| Length | Long dresses are more likely to be considered inappropriate |
| Print size | Smaller prints are more likely to be considered inappropriate |
| Fabric | Lace fabric is more likely to be considered inappropriate |
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What You'll Learn
It is generally advised not to wear white to a wedding
However, this standard does not apply if the couple has explicitly requested that guests wear white, which may be the case if they are throwing a themed event. In this instance, it is best to opt for a solid white style, rather than a white floral print, as the bride may be wearing the latter. This rule also varies for those wearing a suit—while it is best to avoid a white jacket or trousers, a white button-down shirt is allowed and often encouraged.
If you are considering wearing a printed white dress, it is important to assess whether the print is the star of the show, or if the white background shines through. If the print is large-scale, with a 75-25 ratio of colour to white, it is best avoided. If the print is smaller, with a majority of colour and only a small thread of white throughout, it may be acceptable.
Ultimately, if you are questioning whether a dress has too much white, it is probably best to avoid it and choose something else.
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The couple may request guests wear white
Wearing white to a wedding is often considered a fashion faux pas. The colour is traditionally reserved for the bride, and wearing the same shade might imply that you're trying to steal attention from them on their special day. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
The couple may request that guests wear white, particularly at spring and summer weddings, where it is popular for couples to throw a themed event with an all-white dress code. In this case, guests should opt for solid white styles instead of white floral prints, as the latter is probably what the bride will be wearing. This rule varies for those wearing a suit—while a white jacket or pants are discouraged, a white button-down shirt is allowed and often encouraged, depending on the dress code.
If the couple has not explicitly requested that guests wear white, it is best to avoid wearing this colour to the wedding. This includes dresses with a white base and a coloured print, as well as cream, ivory, and light shades of grey, blue, or pink, which could be considered "troubled territory". If you are unsure about whether your outfit has too much white, it is best to select something else.
If you are set on wearing a white dress, consider the scale of the print. Small floral prints may be mistaken for the bride's dress, so opt for a dress with a majority print and very little negative space. Knee-length dresses with white elements as part of a larger pattern are generally acceptable, as they are unlikely to distract from the bride's gown.
Ultimately, it is important to be thoughtful about who and how you are celebrating. If you are unsure about what to wear, you can always refer to the couple's wedding website for attire recommendations or check the venue to determine whether your outfit is appropriate.
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The print should not have a white base
When it comes to wedding attire, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your outfit is appropriate and respectful. One of the most well-known fashion faux pas a guest can make is to wear a white dress to a wedding. White is traditionally the colour of the bride, and wearing it as a guest can be seen as an attempt to steal attention or upstage the bride. This taboo has been in place for over a century, since Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840.
However, in recent times, the popularity of romantic floral dresses with patterns set on white fabric has blurred the lines of what is acceptable. While a purely white dress is best avoided, what about a white printed dress?
The general consensus among bridal stylists and wedding experts is that the print should not have a white base. If the base of the dress is white, it is best to avoid it, even if the print is colourful. A good rule of thumb is to consider the ratio of colour to white. Gabrielle Hurwitz of Gabrielle Hurwitz Bridal Styling suggests a rough visual ratio of 75% colour to 25% white. If the white background dominates the print, it is probably too close to bridal territory and should be avoided.
Additionally, the scale of the print should be considered. Small floral prints, for example, are often used in wedding dress designs, so a guest wearing a similar pattern might be mistaken for the bride or be seen as attempting to look bridal.
Ultimately, if you have to question whether a dress has too much white, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose something else. There will be plenty of other occasions to wear a beautiful white printed dress without causing a stir at a wedding.
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The bride may not wear a traditional white dress
Secondly, the tradition of wearing a white dress is rooted in the Victorian era, and in the early 20th century, true white gowns became fashionable for brides. However, this trend has evolved, and today's brides are embracing their personal style, choosing colours that resonate with them, such as soft blush, bold red, or even black. Bridal shops now offer a wide range of options, allowing brides to find a gown that reflects their individuality.
Thirdly, wearing a non-white dress can be a way to include non-Western cultural traditions in the wedding ceremony. For example, in Asian cultures, red wedding dresses are traditional, symbolizing good fortune, luck, and happiness. In Western culture, red is the colour of passionate love, power, and courage, representing a bold and adventurous bride.
Finally, a bride may choose not to wear a traditional white dress simply because it doesn't feel right for her and her wedding vision. Ultimately, the most important thing is that the bride feels comfortable and confident in her chosen attire, whether it be a traditional white dress or something entirely different.
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You could check with the couple beforehand
Wearing white to a wedding has been considered a fashion faux pas for over a century, with the colour (and its closest relatives) traditionally reserved for the bride alone. However, if you are unsure about whether your white printed dress is suitable, it is best to check with the couple beforehand.
Firstly, it is important to consider your relationship with the couple. If you are close to them, you could reach out directly. However, if you are not comfortable doing so, you can always ask a member of the wedding party, such as a bridesmaid, to get their opinion. They will likely know the bride's preferences and can provide guidance on whether your dress is appropriate.
When seeking advice from the couple or wedding party, it is essential to provide them with as much detail as possible about your dress. Describe the style, colour palette, print, and fabric of the dress. You could even send them a photo to give them a clear idea. By providing these details, you will get a more accurate assessment of whether your dress is suitable.
It is also crucial to respect the couple's wishes and traditions. For example, some couples may request that guests wear white to create a themed event, while others may have cultural or religious traditions that incorporate white attire. In such cases, it is respectful to adhere to their requests and wear white if they have explicitly stated it.
Additionally, consider the scale of the print on your dress. Small floral prints, delicate lace, and white gowns with coloured prints can sometimes be mistaken for bridal wear. If your dress has these features, it may be best to choose another outfit to avoid any potential misunderstandings.
Ultimately, by seeking guidance from the couple or wedding party and being mindful of their preferences and traditions, you can navigate this situation respectfully and make an informed decision about your attire. Remember, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose an alternative dress if you have any doubts.
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Frequently asked questions
The general consensus is no, it is not acceptable to wear a white printed dress to a wedding. However, some people suggest that it may be acceptable if the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white, or if the print is made up of mostly colour with only a hint of white.
If you have to question whether your dress has too much white, it probably does. A good rule of thumb is to stick to a ratio of 75% colour to 25% white.
If you're unsure, it's best to play it safe and choose a different dress. You could also try adding a pop of colour with accessories or speak to the couple directly if you have a close relationship with them.
