George Boyle
Choosing what to wear to a wedding can be a tricky task, especially when it comes to selecting a colour. The colour of your dress will depend on the season, location, and dress code of the wedding. For example, if you're attending a beach wedding, light and breezy colours such as white, khaki, beige, and light blue are appropriate. For a formal evening wedding, black is a popular choice, but it's important to note that in some cultures, black symbolises disapproval of the union. To be on the safe side, jewel tones like emerald, plum, and deep red are a good choice for evening weddings, especially during colder months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Jewel tones, darker shades like emerald, plum, burgundy, wine red, eggplant, amber, mustard yellow, navy, charcoal grey, black, amethyst, lavender, purple, teal, yellow, pink, red, orange, blue, green, white |
| Type of event | Formal, semi-formal, casual, beach, tropical, outdoor, modern, black-tie, Halloween, registry |
| Season | Spring, summer, autumn, winter |
| Other | Prints, floral patterns, pastel shades, lighter colours, bright colours, neon colours, big bold prints, darker colours, neutral colours |
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What You'll Learn
Black-tie evening weddings: black, navy, or jewel tones
When it comes to black-tie evening weddings, there are several sophisticated colour options to choose from, including black, navy, and jewel tones.
Black is a classic and elegant choice for an evening wedding. While it was once considered a colour to avoid, it is now widely accepted and can be a perfect choice for formal evening weddings. A floor-length black gown, for example, is a classy option that is perfectly appropriate for a black-tie dress code.
Navy is another elegant and versatile option for an evening wedding. A deep, inky navy or midnight blue can be a handsome and striking choice for guests who want to stand out. Navy is also a safe colour that works for almost any type of wedding, from formal to informal.
Jewel tones, such as emerald, sapphire, plum, deep red, and dark blue, are excellent choices for black-tie evening weddings, especially during the fall or colder months. These rich and sophisticated colours add a touch of glamour and can complement various skin tones and body types.
For men, a dark suit or tuxedo in black, navy, charcoal grey, or burgundy is a classic and traditional choice for a black-tie evening wedding.
It is important to note that while black is generally accepted for evening weddings, it may be best avoided for casual or beach weddings as it can convey a more sombre tone. Additionally, it is always advisable to avoid colours that may upstage the bride or groom, such as white, off-white, or any colour too similar to the bridal party's chosen hues.
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Beach weddings: light and breezy colours
When it comes to beach weddings, it's important to consider the time of day, location, and weather. Beach weddings are typically held outdoors, so breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and lace are ideal for staying cool. The fabric should also be able to withstand a waterfront breeze, so you may want to opt for more support and avoid strapless dresses.
For an evening beach wedding, you can expect a more formal dress code compared to a midday or morning event. As a guest, you'll want to look for light and breezy colours that complement the beach setting. For women, flowy maxi and midi dresses are a popular choice, while jumpsuits and dressy separates are also appropriate. Bright colours, pastels, and simple patterns are all good options. You can add a touch of elegance with lace or chiffon fabrics and consider richer colours for an evening wedding.
For men, a suit in colours like blue or tan is a good choice, paired with a colourful blazer or patterned sport coat. Summer fabrics like linen or seersucker are perfect for a beach wedding. Men can also accessorise with a patterned tie or a colourful blazer.
When it comes to colours, you can draw inspiration from the beach itself. Neutrals, blues, pinks, and greens are all great options. Shades of blue, such as turquoise, slate blue, and sea glass, can be especially stunning and shimmer brightly under the sun. If you want to add a pop of colour, consider warm tones like peach, dark pink, or gold to mimic the sunset.
Accessories can also be a fun way to elevate your beach wedding look. For women, statement earrings, sparkly hair accessories, and woven or embroidered clutches can add a touch of whimsy to your ensemble. Men can also join in on the fun with patterned ties or colourful blazers. Don't forget to bring a lightweight shawl or wrap for the evening as ocean breezes can be chilly!
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Autumn/winter weddings: jewel tones, darker shades, and warmer colours
If you're attending an evening wedding in the autumn or winter, you might want to consider a dress in a jewel tone, darker shade, or warmer colour.
For autumn weddings, you could embrace the rustic charm of the season by opting for nature-inspired colours like sage green or warm terracotta. These hues capture the essence of autumn and can be beautifully combined to create a bohemian or vintage-inspired look. If you're looking to add a touch of glamour, consider incorporating metallic accents like gold, silver, or copper. These tones can elevate your ensemble and add a touch of shimmer, making them perfect for formal or black-tie weddings. You could also experiment with bold autumnal colours and prints, such as rust orange or floral brocade with metallic details.
For winter weddings, you'll want to strike a balance between staying warm and looking glamorous. Long-sleeved dresses are a great option, as they offer both coverage and style. The lush texture and warmth of velvet make it an ideal fabric choice for the season. You can opt for a full-length velvet evening gown or pair a velvet jacket with classic black trousers. Satin dresses are another elegant choice for winter weddings, offering both class and comfort.
When it comes to colours, jewel tones like ruby red, yellow topaz, sapphire blue, and emerald green are perfect for winter. These rich hues complement the festive feel of the season and look stunning in photos. You can also experiment with metallics like gold, silver, or copper, adding a touch of sparkle to your winter ensemble.
Don't be afraid to layer up your dress with fleece-lined tights or cute socks with boots. A cosy shawl or drape fur vest can also help you stay warm while adding a stylish touch to your outfit.
Whether you choose an elegant velvet gown or a satin slip dress with a velvet stole, remember to have fun and embrace the season's unique style opportunities!
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Spring/summer weddings: lighter colours like pastels, pinks, and yellows
For spring and summer weddings, lighter colours like pastels, pinks, and yellows are perfect choices. These colours are well-suited to the bright and warm weather of the season. If you're attending a spring wedding, you might want to opt for a long-sleeved dress in a bright colour or vibrant floral print. Lighter colours like beige or blue are also good choices for spring. Pastel colours are also a great choice for spring weddings, as they can easily transition from casual afternoon weddings to nighttime formal events with a few modifications in styling and accessories. For example, you could pair a pastel dress with hoops and a stack of bracelets for a more casual event, or add statement earrings and metallic strappy heels for a more formal evening wedding.
For summer weddings, you can embrace colours that reflect the season, such as blue, pink, or orange, instead of darker or more muted hues. "Floral and flowy" is a great motto for a casual summer wedding. For a more formal summer wedding, you can opt for a well-tailored tuxedo or a glamorous floor-length gown, but make sure to choose lightweight fabrics to stay cool. If you're wearing a dress, midi length is preferred for semi-formal and cocktail weddings, while mini dresses can also work if dressed up with heels or wedges.
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Colours to avoid: white, ivory, and cream
While choosing a dress colour for an evening wedding, it is best to avoid white, ivory, and cream colours. This is because, in Western culture, the colour white is usually reserved for the bride, and wearing white as a guest could be seen as an attempt to steal attention from the bride and groom.
The tradition of the white wedding dress began when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. Brides began copying Victoria's style by wearing white gowns to their own weddings. Today, the colour white is still considered to be exclusively for the bride, and it is generally agreed that guests should avoid wearing white to a wedding.
Some people argue that this tradition is outdated and unnecessary, especially as modern weddings can vary so much in terms of style and theme. However, others argue that it is simply a matter of respect and basic manners. With so many other colours available, it is best to avoid white and choose something else to avoid causing any awkwardness or tension with the bride.
If you are unsure about whether a dress is too white, it probably is, and it's best to choose something else. However, there are ways to get around this rule, such as adding a bright pop of colour or wearing a dress with a white pattern on a darker base. Ultimately, the best way to know what to wear is to check the invitation or wedding website for any recommendations or suggestions from the couple.
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Frequently asked questions
Jewel tones and darker colours are good choices for evening weddings, especially in cold weather. Colours such as emerald, plum, burgundy, deep red, dark blue, navy, black, charcoal grey, amber, mustard yellow, and eggplant are all appropriate choices.
It is generally advised to avoid white, ivory, or cream to a wedding as these are shades usually reserved for the bride. Bright colours, such as hot pink, fuchsia, and orange, are also considered too garish and attention-grabbing for an evening wedding.
Red is considered auspicious and celebratory in some cultures, but it is also a colour reserved for the bride in other regions. Black is also considered a symbol of disapproval of the union in some places, so it may be considered rude.
