Rhiannon Hendricks
When it comes to choosing what to wear to a wedding, there are a few colours you should avoid. The most well-known colour to avoid is white, as this is traditionally the bride's colour. Wearing white could create confusion and draw attention away from the bride. Other colours to avoid include ivory, cream, champagne, and any other shades of white. Black is also best avoided, as it is associated with mourning, although this perception has shifted in recent years, especially for evening or formal weddings. In some cultures, red is considered a bridal colour, so wearing this shade could be seen as culturally insensitive. To avoid upstaging the bridal party, it's best to avoid wearing pastel colours, as these are often chosen for the bridesmaids' dresses. It's also important to avoid anything too flashy or distracting, such as neon colours or sparkly outfits. Ultimately, the goal is to look respectful and polished without drawing attention away from the couple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colours to avoid | White, ivory, champagne, cream, beige, black, neon, red, pastel, glitter, denim, bright pink, yellow, fuchsia, orange |
| Colours to consider | Maroon, burgundy, jewel tones, emerald, plum, deep red, dark blue, muted tones |
| Other things to avoid | Sequins, sparkly tiaras, sky-high platform heels, casual outfits, skimpy outfits, mesh, short skirts, plunging necklines, form-fitting gowns, jeans, Canadian tuxedo |
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What You'll Learn
Don't wear white
When deciding what to wear to a wedding, it's essential to consider the couple's wishes and cultural norms to avoid upstaging them or causing offence. One of the most well-known rules of wedding guest attire is to avoid wearing white or any shades of white, such as ivory, cream, champagne, or beige. This tradition is rooted in the idea that white is the bride's colour, and guests wearing white can create confusion and draw attention away from the bride.
The "don't wear white" rule is so important in Western weddings that guests are advised to avoid any colours that could be mistaken for white, including off-white, eggshell, and ultra-pale colours like pink, yellow, and blue, especially in sheer fabrics. These colours may appear white in certain lighting conditions or outdoor sunlight, unintentionally causing a guest to upstage the bride.
However, there are exceptions to the "don't wear white" rule. For example, if the couple has requested an all-white attire dress code for a themed wedding, guests can wear white. In some cultures, like Chinese and Indian weddings, the bride traditionally wears red, so wearing white as a guest may not be considered inappropriate.
When in doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and choose a colour other than white. It's also a good idea to consult with the bridal party or the couple directly to understand their preferences and avoid any potential fashion faux pas.
Additionally, it's worth noting that while black was traditionally associated with mourning and considered inappropriate for weddings, this perception has shifted in recent years, especially for evening or formal weddings. Black is now often seen as a stylish and acceptable colour choice for wedding guests, as long as it aligns with the formality and time of the event.
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Avoid black
Although wearing black to a wedding is no longer considered a major faux pas, there are still some considerations to keep in mind before opting for a black outfit. Firstly, black has been traditionally associated with mourning and funerals, so wearing black to a wedding may be seen as inappropriate or disrespectful, especially in certain cultures. If you're unsure about cultural sensitivities, it's best to err on the side of caution and choose a different colour.
Additionally, the formality of the event should be considered when deciding whether to wear black. Black may be more suitable for evening or formal weddings, while for daytime or casual weddings, it might feel too heavy or serious. If you do choose to wear black, consider lightening the look with colourful accessories.
Another important factor to keep in mind is the bridal party's attire. Bridesmaids' dresses are often chosen to complement the wedding's theme, and wearing an outfit that is too similar in colour or style might make it seem like you're trying to blend in with the bridal party. This can be confusing for other guests and may even offend the couple. To avoid this, it's a good idea to ask the bride or a member of the bridal party about their colours and try to choose something that won't match them too closely.
Finally, it's worth noting that the ultimate goal when dressing for a wedding is to look polished, festive, and respectful without drawing attention away from the couple. Black outfits, especially those that are too shimmery or distracting, may not be the best choice if they risk stealing the spotlight from the happy couple. Instead, opt for outfits with pared-back fabrics like unembellished lace, chiffon, velvet, and crepe.
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Steer clear of red
When choosing a dress colour for a wedding, it's important to remember that the couple is the star of the show. The focus should be on the bride and groom, so it's best to avoid attire that could be considered distracting or attention-grabbing.
Red is a colour that you should generally steer clear of when attending a wedding. This is especially true for certain cultures where red is the traditional bridal colour, such as Chinese and Indian weddings. Wearing red to these weddings can be seen as culturally insensitive, as you risk upstaging the bride. Even in Western weddings, red is often viewed as a bold colour that can dominate the room and may be interpreted as an attempt to draw attention away from the bride. If you're set on wearing red, consider choosing a more subdued shade like burgundy or maroon, which offer elegance without stealing the spotlight.
It's worth noting that the colour red may be more acceptable in some contexts. For example, if the wedding has a specific dress code such as "island elegance" or "vineyard chic", red could be an appropriate choice within that theme. Additionally, the formality and location of the wedding should be considered. For instance, a backyard wedding may call for less flashy tones, while a formal wedding in a chilly climate might favour deeper colours like maroon.
Ultimately, the most important factor is to respect the cultural context and the overall tone of the wedding. If in doubt, it's always a good idea to consult with the couple, a member of the wedding party, or other guests to ensure your attire aligns with the event's sensibilities.
By avoiding red and considering the specific circumstances of the wedding, you can help ensure that the focus remains on the happy couple and that everyone has a respectful and enjoyable time.
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No sparkles
When choosing what to wear to a wedding, it is important to remember that the couple should be the centre of attention. As such, guests should avoid wearing anything too shimmery or distracting, and this includes sparkly outfits. Sequins, glitter, and metallic fabrics are highly reflective and can be distracting, particularly in photographs.
If you are set on wearing a sparkly outfit, consider the venue and the crowd. For example, a sparkly dress may be more appropriate at a Las Vegas wedding, or a wedding where the guests and couple are fashionable and would appreciate this kind of fashion.
If you are still unsure, it is best to opt for outfits with pared-back fabrics, such as unembellished lace, chiffon, velvet, and crepe. Even if the wedding guest dress code calls for casual, sparkly outfits are best saved for a night out on the town.
Ultimately, the decision on what to wear is a personal preference, and guests can always check with the couple or members of the bridal party on what colours or styles to avoid.
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No neon
Wearing neon colours to a wedding is a definite no-go. Neon colours are often associated with casual and sporty attire, and they tend to draw a lot of attention. The last thing you want is to steal the spotlight from the couple on their special day.
When choosing a dress for a wedding, it's essential to consider the formality of the event and the potential for your outfit to be distracting. Neon colours are bright and eye-catching, making them unsuitable for the celebratory and respectful nature of a wedding. They can also be challenging to style and may not complement the wedding's theme or colour palette.
While you want to look stylish and feel confident, a wedding is not the place for bold fashion statements. It's best to opt for classic and elegant choices that won't detract from the couple and the wedding party. Remember, the focus should be on celebrating the newlyweds and not your outfit.
Additionally, neon colours can be challenging to pull off tastefully. They can be overwhelming and may not flatter everyone. You want to feel comfortable and confident at a wedding, and choosing colours that are more subdued and complementary will help you achieve that.
When in doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and choose a different colour family altogether. There are plenty of other options available that will help you look polished, festive, and respectful without the risk of overshadowing the wedding party.
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Frequently asked questions
It is widely considered rude to wear white, ivory, or cream to a wedding, as these are traditional bridal colours. It is also best to avoid any shades of white, such as beige, champagne, and eggshell. In some cultures, red is the bridal colour, so wearing this shade could be seen as culturally insensitive.
Yes, it is best to avoid wearing black to a wedding, as it is traditionally associated with mourning. However, this perception has shifted in recent years, especially for evening or formal weddings. It is also important not to wear the same colour as the bridal party, so be sure to check with them beforehand.
Yes, it is generally considered inappropriate to wear anything too casual or revealing. It is also best to avoid anything too shimmery or sparkly, as this may draw attention away from the happy couple.
