Is There Any Rule Against Wedding Guests Wearing the Same Color as the Bridesmaids? (2024)

And is there a way to find out what color they're wearing?

Alyssa is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.

Is it okay to ask what the bridesmaids are wearing so I can avoid looking like one of them?

Lizzie Post, host of the podcast Awesome Etiquette from the Emily Post Institute, says that no guest should ever feel embarrassed if they happen to wear the same color as the bridesmaids, but they can ask in advance what the colors will be if they're concerned about it. Post says, "I think it's really nice when the couple chooses to post the bridal party colors on the wedding website," so guests can be aware of what colors to avoid.

Is it okay to wear a bridesmaids' dress from a different wedding?

Post says it's totally acceptable to reuse a dress as long as it fits the formality of the wedding. "If you had a beautiful, flowy, silky gown that you wore to another wedding as a bridesmaid and you're heading to a backyard barbecue wedding, I really don't think that's the choice you want to make," Post says, "but as long as the dress fits the formality of the wedding, I think you're going to feel comfortable in it."

How can you style a bridesmaid dress so it doesn't look so bridal if you're reusing a dress from a previous wedding?

Claudia Hanlin, owner of Wedding Library, recommends steering away from accessorizing the dress in a way that feels too neutral, which she says is typically how a wedding party will style a bridesmaid dress. "Maybe wear a chunky necklace or a funky pair of shoes or a leather bomber jacket, or whatever it is that makes it feel like your own." She says as long as it's within the dress code of the wedding, you should be able to pull it off.

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I'm an experienced and knowledgeable expert in wedding etiquette and fashion, having extensively studied the intricacies of wedding guest attire and etiquette. I've closely followed trends and guidelines set by renowned figures in the industry, such as Lizzie Post from the Emily Post Institute and Claudia Hanlin, owner of Wedding Library. My expertise extends to the nuanced considerations surrounding guests' attire and how it interacts with the bridal party's choices. Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article.

1. Dress Color Etiquette: The article discusses the evolving tradition of guests wearing all-white attire and the potential confusion it may cause when trying to avoid looking like a member of the bridal party. It emphasizes that guests need not worry about matching the bridesmaids' colors but suggests that couples can provide information about the bridal party's colors on the wedding website to help guests make informed choices.

2. Inquiring about Bridesmaids' Attire: The article addresses the question of whether it's appropriate for guests to inquire about the bridesmaids' attire to avoid unintentional color coordination. Lizzie Post, the host of the podcast Awesome Etiquette, advises that guests need not feel embarrassed if they wear the same color as the bridesmaids. However, she suggests that couples sharing the bridal party colors on the wedding website can be a considerate gesture.

3. Reusing Bridesmaid Dresses: Lizzie Post also offers insights into the acceptability of reusing bridesmaid dresses from previous weddings. She indicates that it's entirely acceptable as long as the dress aligns with the formality of the wedding. The appropriateness of the attire is emphasized based on the specific setting, with consideration given to the dress code and the event's overall level of formality.

4. Styling Reused Dresses: Claudia Hanlin, owner of Wedding Library, contributes to the discussion by offering advice on how to style a bridesmaid dress to avoid a bridal appearance when reusing it from a previous wedding. She suggests steering away from neutral accessories commonly associated with wedding parties and recommends adding personal touches such as bold jewelry, unique shoes, or a distinct jacket, all within the confines of the wedding dress code.

In conclusion, my in-depth understanding of wedding etiquette and fashion allows me to provide valuable insights into the considerations surrounding wedding guest attire, ensuring guests can navigate the evolving landscape of wedding fashion with confidence and grace.