George Boyle
Wearing white to a wedding has long been considered a social faux pas, with the traditional etiquette being that white is reserved for the bride only. However, modern exceptions do exist, and it is becoming more acceptable for guests to wear white, provided it does not resemble a bridal gown. If you want to wear white as a wedding guest, it is generally recommended to choose a short or mid-length dress with minimal resemblance to a wedding dress and consider adding a pop of colour. Ultimately, it is best to consider the couple getting married and their preferences, as well as the dress code for the wedding, to ensure you don't accidentally upstage the bride.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colours to avoid | White, ivory, cream, champagne, silver, blush, pale blue, beige |
| Patterns to avoid | Large white details, lace, floral applique, white with a print |
| Exceptions | If the couple has requested it, if the dress is predominantly other colours with a small thread of white |
| Other suggestions | Add a pop of colour, wear a white camisole under a jacket, wear a white shrug with a colourful dress |
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What You'll Learn
Is it acceptable to wear white to a wedding?
The short answer is no. It is generally considered a fashion faux pas to wear white to a wedding as a guest. The tradition of the white wedding dress began when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. White soon became a popular symbol of status and carried a connotation of "innocence and virginal purity". As such, wearing white to a wedding that is not your own has been frowned upon for more than a century, with the colour (and all its closest relatives) reserved for the bride alone.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white, it is acceptable to do so. This will usually be stated on the invitation or wedding website. Destination weddings often have a more relaxed dress code, with light-coloured clothing, including white, commonly encouraged. In this case, it is important to opt for a casual silhouette to avoid looking bridal.
If you are still unsure, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose a different colour. You can add a bright pop of colour with accessories such as a belt, earrings or statement jewellery. If you are set on wearing white, some sources suggest that a colourful, cocktail-length dress with a white lace overlay is acceptable. Knee-length dresses with white elements as part of a larger pattern are also usually fine, as long as the pattern is the focal point of the dress. It is best to avoid fabrics like lace and tulle that can look more bridal.
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What are some ways to make a white dress less bridal?
While wearing white to a wedding as a guest is generally frowned upon, there are ways to make a white dress less bridal. Here are some suggestions:
- Choose a dress with a pattern: Opt for a dress with a colourful pattern on a white background. Aim for a 75-25 ratio of colour to white, ensuring that the print is the focal point rather than the white background. Large-scale prints or bold, geometric patterns can help take the attention away from the white colour.
- Add a pop of colour: Introduce bright colours to your outfit by accessorising with a belt, earrings, or chunky statement jewellery. A colourful shrug, scarf, or wrap can also help distract from the whiteness of the dress.
- Avoid bridal fabrics: Stay away from fabrics traditionally associated with bridal gowns, such as lace, tulle, and ivory or cream colours. Instead, opt for modern textures or fabrics with laser-cut embroidered patterns, which give a less bridal feel.
- Play with proportions: Choose a dress with an unusual hemline, such as a high-low hem or a crotch-skimming hemline. Asymmetrical or mixed-media designs can make a white dress look less bridal.
- Edge it up: Add sharp, architectural details to your white dress to give it a modern and less bridal vibe. A geometric statement necklace or a sharp-angled corset layer along the bodice can make a white dress more fashion-forward and less traditional.
- Be mindful of length: While short wedding dresses are becoming more popular, a floor-length or full-skirted white dress is more likely to be seen as bridal. Opt for a knee-length or midi dress to reduce the bridal vibe.
Remember, the key is to ensure that your outfit does not upstage the bride or give the impression that you are trying to look bridal. It is always a good idea to err on the side of caution and consider the couple's preferences and the specific wedding context.
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What patterns are acceptable on a white dress?
It is generally advised to avoid wearing white to a wedding, as it is the traditional colour of the bride. However, if you are set on wearing a white dress, there are some patterns that are more acceptable than others.
Firstly, the ratio of colour to white is important. It is recommended to aim for a 75-25 ratio of colour to white. This means that the pattern should cover 75% of the dress, leaving only 25% as white. If the pattern is large and colourful, it is more obvious that you are a guest and not the bride. Small floral prints should be avoided, as these are commonly used in wedding dress designs.
Colours that are similar to white, such as cream, ivory, light grey, light blue, or light pink, should also be avoided. Blue and white is a particularly common combination for bridesmaids, so this colour combination is best avoided.
If you are unsure, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose a different colour or print. You could also consider adding a pop of colour with accessories, such as a belt, earrings, or statement jewellery.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to wear white to a wedding depends on the couple getting married. If you are close to the couple, you could consider asking them directly if they are comfortable with you wearing a white dress.
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What styles of white dress should be avoided?
It is generally advised to avoid wearing white to a wedding as a guest. However, if you are set on wearing a white dress, there are certain styles you should avoid. Firstly, long white dresses are a no-go. Floor-length or full-skirted white gowns are likely to be seen as too bridal. Similarly, fabrics like lace and tulle that are often used in bridal gowns should be avoided, even if the dress is not predominantly white. If the dress has a white base or a print with white in it, it should follow a 75 percent colour to 25 percent white ratio to avoid looking bridal. Small floral prints should also be avoided, as many wedding dresses are designed with these patterns.
If you are still unsure about whether your dress is suitable, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose something else. You can always add a pop of colour to a white dress with accessories like a belt, earrings, or a statement necklace. It is also important to consider the couple's wishes—if they have not specifically requested that guests wear white, it is probably best to avoid it.
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What colours are similar to white that should be avoided?
When deciding on a white dress to wear as a wedding guest, it is important to consider the colour palette and the style of the dress. While there are no hard and fast rules, it is generally advised to avoid wearing white or any colours that are similar to white, such as ivory, cream, champagne, and beige. This is to avoid upstaging the bride, who may feel that her guests are attempting to look bridal.
However, there are some exceptions to this guideline. If the wedding has a specific dress code requesting white attire, then it is acceptable to wear white. Additionally, if the dress has a colourful pattern on a white background, with a ratio of 75% colour to 25% white, it is usually fine. Floral prints or patterns that stand out against the white background are also appropriate.
When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a different colour or print. Pastel colours, for example, can be a good alternative for a spring wedding, as long as they are not too pale or sheer, as they may appear white in certain lighting conditions. It is also advisable to avoid ultra-pale pinks and misty ice blues, as these shades are similar to white and could be chosen by an unconventional bride for her wedding dress.
It is worth noting that some fabrics, such as lace and tulle, are more commonly associated with bridal gowns, so they may be best avoided. Additionally, it is generally recommended to stay away from updo-style hair, shimmery or glittery fabrics, and metallic hues, as these can be distracting and take attention away from the couple on their special day.
Overall, when choosing a white dress to wear to a wedding, it is important to consider the colour palette, the style of the dress, and the potential for upstaging the bride. By following these guidelines and using your best judgement, you can find a suitable white dress that complements the occasion without causing any discomfort.
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Frequently asked questions
It is traditionally considered a social faux pas to wear white to a wedding as a guest, as white is usually the bride's colour. However, some modern exceptions exist. If the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white, it is acceptable. You can also wear a dress with a white pattern, as long as the print is the star of the show and the white background is not too prominent.
You should avoid wearing a floor-length or trailing white dress, as well as any white lace dresses, as these could be mistaken for a bridal gown. It is also best to avoid wearing blue and white, as this is a popular choice for bridesmaids.
If you want to wear a white dress to a wedding, opt for something over the knee or mid-length, such as a casual sheath dress or a jumpsuit. You could also add a bright pop of colour, such as a belt or statement jewellery, to ensure you don't look bridal.
It is best to avoid not only white but also ivory, cream, and light shades of grey, blue, or pink. These colours could be too similar to the bride's dress and are likely to attract unwanted attention.
