George Boyle
When it comes to choosing a dress colour for a wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to respect the couple's special day by adhering to any specified dress codes or themes. The time of year and location of the wedding can also influence the colour palette, with darker hues more suited to autumn and winter weddings, and lighter pastels and brights for spring and summer. Beach weddings call for light and breezy colours like white and khaki, while black-tie events often feature darker colours like black, navy, and jewel tones. Ultimately, it is essential to choose a colour that makes you feel confident and comfortable while also being mindful of any cultural or regional considerations.
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What You'll Learn
What colours to avoid
When choosing a wedding guest outfit, it's important to consider the dress code, the season, and the venue. While there are many colours that are suitable to wear to a wedding, there are some that should be avoided.
The most important rule is to avoid wearing white, ivory, off-white, or any other shade of white, such as cream, beige, champagne, or eggshell. This is because the bride should be the only person wearing white, and you don't want to risk being mistaken for the bride or the bridal party. Even if you are wearing a pattern, avoid patterns on white. The only exception to this rule is if the couple has requested an all-white dress code.
You should also avoid wearing the same colour as the bridal party, as you may be mistaken for a member of the wedding party. If you know the bride, groom, or a member of the wedding party, you can ask them about the wedding colours and avoid those hues.
In general, it's best to avoid anything too shimmery or distracting, such as glittery fabrics, sequins, or metallic gold, silver, or rose gold hues. Neon colours should also be avoided, as they can draw attention away from the happy couple.
While black used to be considered a major faux pas, as it is associated with funerals, nowadays it is generally considered acceptable, especially for evening weddings. However, it may still be best avoided in certain situations, especially if you are wearing a black taffeta ballgown to a beach wedding.
Finally, while there is some disagreement on this point, you may want to avoid wearing pastels, as they can sometimes be considered too similar to the wedding colours. This is especially true of ultra-pale pinks and misty ice blues, which can appear white in certain fabrics, and of shades of pastel so pale that they could be mistaken for white.
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Seasonal colours
Spring
Spring is the perfect season for flower-inspired colours. A shade of dusty or cinnamon rose is a great way to incorporate a semi-neutral tone into your wedding. Beige is another calm tone that can be the perfect backdrop for pops of other colours. Blush is a beautiful and subtle shade of pink that can be a crowd-pleaser. For a wedding in March, a mix of grey, blue, and green will complement the chilly weather. In April, you might want to consider a reddish-pink shade to contrast with the blue/grey rain and clouds.
Summer
When dressing for high temperatures and humidity, it is best to avoid dark colours and heavy fabrics. Style experts recommend wearing lighter shades that don't absorb as much heat from the sun, such as earth tones like beige, light grey, and greens. For a summer formal wedding, a well-tailored tuxedo or a glamorous floor-length gown are good options.
Autumn/Fall
Darker colours and solid fabrics are more appropriate for fall weddings. Rich, darker colours like emerald green, black, navy, and burgundy are all good options. However, hues like rose, blush, and lavender can also make for stunning fall wedding guest dresses, as long as the dress feels dressy.
Winter
Winter wedding colours can range from snowy white and classic black to bold reds or greens. Dark colours are well-suited for winter. Burgundy bridesmaid dresses are a great option, especially when combined with warm velvet fabric and cosy sleeves. Emerald green is another perfect colour for winter, reminding us of the beautiful evergreen trees.
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Formal vs informal
When it comes to wedding attire, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind, such as formality, location, season, and time of day. These factors will influence the colour and style of your dress. Let's explore the differences between formal and informal wedding attire.
Formal Weddings
Formal weddings typically follow a black-tie dress code, with men wearing tuxedos and women in long gowns or formal cocktail dresses. These weddings tend to be more traditional and may have a strict etiquette code. When choosing a colour for a formal wedding, it's best to avoid black, as it can symbolise disapproval of the union in some cultures. Pastel, muted, or jewel tones are often a good choice for formal evening gowns.
Informal Weddings
Informal weddings, also known as "business casual," are usually smaller and less concerned with tradition. They often take place during the day, and guests can wear cocktail dresses, suits, or sundresses. For men, khakis and button-down shirts are appropriate. When choosing a colour for an informal wedding, neutral tones and solid colours are a good choice. Prints can also be worn as long as they are not too distracting.
Semi-formal Weddings
Semi-formal weddings are a bit more relaxed than formal weddings and usually take place in the afternoon or early evening. The dress code for women is typically a full-length or cocktail-length gown, while men can wear matching tuxedos or dark suits. For semi-formal weddings, you can choose colours that complement your style, such as darker neutrals like camel, beige, or champagne.
Colours to Avoid
Regardless of the formality of the wedding, there are a few colours that are generally considered inappropriate for guests to wear. These include white, ivory, and any colours that are too similar to the wedding party's attire. It's also important to consider the cultural significance of colours; for example, red is reserved for the bride in some cultures.
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Location-specific colours
When it comes to choosing a wedding outfit, it's essential to consider the location and season of the event. Here are some tips for selecting the right colours for different wedding locations:
Beach Weddings
For beach weddings, light and airy colours are often a better choice than darker shades. Lighter colours reflect the relaxed and casual atmosphere of a beach setting. While navy, black, and charcoal grey are generally considered safe options for most weddings, they might look out of place at a beach wedding, where lighter colours are expected. So, for a beach wedding, you might want to opt for pastel tints or neutral tones.
Outdoor Weddings
If you're attending an outdoor wedding, consider the season and temperature. For a summer outdoor wedding, lighter fabrics and brighter colours are common. You can have fun with your outfit and choose a playful colour or print. On the other hand, for a winter outdoor wedding, you'll want to opt for darker shades, thicker fabrics, and longer sleeves to keep warm.
Evening Weddings
Evening weddings, whether formal or informal, often call for darker colours. Black, charcoal grey, and navy are elegant choices for an evening celebration. These colours are considered safe for most weddings, except for those with a casual or beach theme.
Cultural Considerations
It's worth noting that cultural traditions may influence the choice of colours for wedding guests. For example, in Western weddings, it's generally considered taboo for guests to wear white or very light colours that could be mistaken for white. However, in some cultures, such as Chinese weddings, brides may wear red, and guests might wear a variety of colours, including red and white.
Seasonal Colours
The season of the wedding can also guide your colour choices. Spring and summer weddings often feature bright and bold colours like sage green and dusty blue. On the other hand, autumn and winter weddings tend to favour darker hues, such as the deep colours of nature during those seasons.
In conclusion, when choosing a dress colour for a wedding, consider the location, season, cultural traditions, and any dress code hints provided by the couple. The key is to blend into the wedding party's clothes, complement the theme, and respect the couple's special day.
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The bride's preferences
It is advisable to check with the bride directly to see if there are any colours she would prefer guests to avoid. This simple step can prevent any accidental clashes with the bridal party or the bride herself. For example, some brides may be happy for guests to wear the same colour as them, while others may wish to stand out.
In some cultures, certain colours may have specific meanings or symbolism that the bride may want to avoid. For instance, in Western culture, wearing white to a wedding as a guest is generally considered taboo, as it is traditionally the colour of the bride. Similarly, wearing black to a wedding may be considered acceptable in some cultures, while in others, it may signify disapproval of the union.
The bride may also have specific preferences depending on the season or theme of the wedding. For instance, a beach wedding may call for lighter, breezier colours, while a winter wedding might suit deeper, moodier shades. If the wedding has a particular colour scheme or theme, the bride may request that guests adhere to it or provide suggestions for complementary colours.
Ultimately, the bride's preferences should be respected, and clear communication is key. If the bride has not expressed any specific colour preferences, guests can feel free to choose a colour that aligns with their personal style and makes them feel confident and comfortable.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the season, location, and dress code. For a spring wedding, pastel or light colours are a good choice, whereas bright colours are more suited to summer weddings. Warmer, earthy tones are perfect for autumn, and deep, moodier palettes are ideal for winter weddings. If it's a formal wedding, you can't go wrong with black, navy, or jewel tones. For a beach wedding, light and breezy colours such as white and khaki are a good choice.
The general consensus is that you should avoid wearing white to a wedding, as this is usually the colour worn by the bride. It's also best to avoid ivory, and red, as this colour may cause you to stand out in pictures. It's also important to avoid wearing the same colour as the wedding party.
For a formal wedding, a floor-length gown is standard. For a wedding before 6 pm with a formal dress code, you can wear a tea-length dress. For a black-tie event, you can wear a black, navy, or jewel-tone dress. For a semi-formal or casual wedding, you can wear any colour, including pastel shades and floral patterns.
