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It is generally considered improper for guests to wear white to a wedding, as it is a colour reserved for the bride. The tradition of wearing white at weddings was popularised by Queen Victoria in 1840, when she wore a white lace dress to marry Prince Albert. Since then, the colour white has held a special meaning for brides in many cultures. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as when the couple specifically requests that guests wear white or when the dress has a small amount of white in the print.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Etiquette | Wearing white is considered a breach of traditional etiquette, but some modern exceptions exist |
| Respect | Wearing white may be seen as disrespectful to the couple, especially the bride |
| Culture | In many cultures, white is reserved for the bride and holds a special meaning |
| History | The tradition of wearing white began with Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840 |
| Exceptions | Couples may request guests wear white for a themed wedding |
| Alternatives | Guests can wear black and white, or a predominantly different colour with a small amount of white |
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What You'll Learn
The tradition of wearing white at weddings
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is often credited to Queen Victoria, who wore a white court dress to her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. Debutantes were required to wear similar white dresses for their first presentation at court, and royal brides before Victoria did not typically wear white. As photographs of Victoria's wedding spread across Europe and beyond, fashionable people followed her lead, and the white wedding dress became a popular symbol of status and a connotation of "innocence and virginal purity".
In many societies, the colour white has long been associated with purity and virtue, which is why some brides may choose to wear white, particularly in Western cultures. However, historically, white was not the only colour considered for wedding dresses, and brides would wear a variety of colours, including blue, yellow, black, brown, and grey.
Today, the tradition of wearing white at weddings persists, with many brides still opting for a white wedding dress. While it is generally considered improper for guests to wear white to a wedding, there are some exceptions. For example, couples may request that all guests wear white for a themed wedding, or they may specify this on their wedding website or invitation. Additionally, wearing white to a destination wedding or beach setting is often acceptable, as light-coloured clothing is commonly encouraged for these occasions.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to wear white to a wedding depends on various factors, including cultural and personal beliefs, the couple's preferences, and the specific context of the wedding.
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Exceptions to the rule
While wearing white to a wedding as a guest is generally considered a breach of etiquette, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Firstly, if the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white, it is acceptable to do so. This request will typically be mentioned in the invitation, on the wedding website, or through direct communication. In this case, it is important to adhere to the couple's wishes and choose an outfit that is guest-appropriate, such as a breezy, casual silhouette rather than a formal or bridal-inspired look.
Additionally, the relationship with the couple can be a guiding factor. For example, a close friend of the bride may choose to wear a tasteful ivory dress with the bride's blessing, ensuring that she does not feel upstaged.
Another exception may be destination weddings with relaxed or beach settings, where light-colored clothing, including white, is commonly encouraged. In these cases, wearing white is acceptable as long as the couple has given their permission.
It is worth noting that wearing white-adjacent pastels or a dress with a small white pattern can also be acceptable, as long as the outfit incorporates a colorful pattern or white as a small accent color.
Ultimately, it is essential to use your best judgment and respect the couple's wishes to avoid any hurt feelings on their special day.
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What to wear instead
It is generally advised to avoid wearing white to a wedding, as it is a colour reserved for the bride and could be seen as disrespectful. However, there are some alternative options that can help you avoid committing this fashion faux pas.
Firstly, you could opt for a colourful dress with a white print. If the base of the dress is a different colour and white is only included in the print, it is likely fine to wear. Just be mindful of the amount of white in the print, as a large amount could still be seen as inappropriate.
Another option is to choose a darker hue or a vibrant floral print. Colours like black, red, or a dark blue or green are elegant choices that will ensure you don't encroach on the bride's special colour. If you want to include some white in your outfit, a black dress with a small amount of white in the pattern or a white accent colour is a safe choice.
You can also consider the fabric of your outfit. While lace and tulle are fabrics that are typically associated with bridal wear, a cocktail dress in a fabric like silk or satin could be a stylish alternative.
Finally, if you're unsure about a particular outfit, it's best to err on the side of caution and choose something else. You can always consult with friends and family, or even the couple themselves, to ensure your attire is appropriate and respectful.
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How to avoid a faux pas
Wearing white to a wedding is generally considered a fashion faux pas. The tradition of the white wedding dress began with Queen Victoria, and since then, it has been customary for brides to wear white on their wedding day. Therefore, it is considered rude and disrespectful for guests to wear white to a wedding, as it could be seen as an attempt to upstage the bride.
However, there are some instances when it may be acceptable to wear white. For example, if the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white, which would typically be mentioned in the invitation and on the wedding website. Another exception is if the bride is not wearing white and has requested white from her guests. In this case, wearing white would be a fun way to flip tradition and create striking photos.
If you are unsure whether it is appropriate to wear white, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose a different colour. You can also check with friends and family, and even the couple, to ensure your attire is suitable. If you are set on wearing white, there are ways to do so without causing offence. Opt for a shorter dress, and avoid fabrics like lace and tulle that are typically associated with bridal gowns. You can also add a pop of colour with accessories or a print.
Ultimately, the most important thing to keep in mind as a guest is to not upstage or upset the bride. With so many other colours available, it is best to avoid white unless specifically requested by the couple.
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The history of the white wedding dress
The white wedding dress has become a symbol of status and purity in Western wedding culture. However, this tradition is relatively modern, with its origins commonly traced back to Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert in 1840.
Before Queen Victoria, royal brides did not typically wear white, opting instead for heavy brocaded gowns embroidered with white and silver thread, with red being a particularly popular colour in Western Europe. Debutantes were, however, required to wear white court dresses for their first presentation at court. Intent on making a statement, Queen Victoria chose to wear a non-traditional white lace dress, which was soon emulated by brides across Europe and the US. The white dress was soon imbued with new symbolism, signifying purity and innocence, in addition to wealth.
As accounts of Victoria's wedding spread, other European leaders followed suit, and white dresses became a popular symbol of status. However, due to the taxing laundering techniques of the time, white dresses were hard to maintain, and thus remained a luxury only the wealthy could afford. Wedding gowns were often worn several times, and even Queen Victoria restyled her wedding dress for later use. By the end of the 19th century, the white dress was the garment of choice for elite brides on both sides of the Atlantic, but it would take several more decades for the trend to be fully adopted by middle-class brides in Europe and the US.
The portrayal of weddings in Hollywood, as well as the widespread dissemination of celebrity wedding photographs, further cemented the notion that marriage demanded a white dress. In 1956, images of Grace Kelly's wedding gown circulated the globe, and in 1981, 750 million people watched Lady Diana Spencer marry Charles, Prince of Wales, in a lavish ivory silk taffeta gown. More recently, Meghan Markle's wedding dress inspired copies overnight, demonstrating the enduring influence of celebrity weddings on bridal fashion.
Today, the colour white is still predominantly reserved for the bride, with guests often advised to avoid wearing white to a wedding to avoid upstaging the bride.
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Frequently asked questions
Generally, it is not appropriate for guests to wear white to a wedding. The colour white is usually reserved for the bride and it is considered rude and disrespectful to wear white to a wedding as a guest.
There are some instances where it is acceptable to wear white to a wedding. For example, if the couple has requested that all guests wear white, or if the dress code requires black tie or cocktail attire. If you are wearing a dress with a print that includes white, a good formula to follow is: if the base of the dress is white and the print is another colour, avoid wearing it. If it is a colourful dress with white on the print, it is probably fine.
Colours that are similar to white, like ivory, cream, silver, champagne, blush and pale blue, should also be avoided as they can appear white in photos. If you are unsure, take several photos of the garment in different lighting setups to see how it reads on camera.
The tradition of wearing white at weddings began when Queen Victoria wore a white lace dress to her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. White wedding dresses were favoured as a way to show that the bride's family was wealthy as they could afford a dress that could be easily ruined by work or a spill.
