FAQs
The last thing you want is for someone to mistake you for the bride or be in photographs where guests think you're trying to steal the spotlight. All in all, it's respectful and customary not to wear white as a guest to the wedding unless the bride specifically asks you to wear white or she says it's okay to wear it.
Is it bad to wear white to a wedding as a guest? ›
Except in select cases (which we'll cover below), the experts agree that wedding guests should still stay away from white dresses—and especially any that are long, that are lacy, or that read even slightly bridal.
How to wear white to a wedding without offending the bride? ›
Another way to wear white to a wedding is to opt for white separates instead of a white dress. A white blouse or skirt paired with a colourful blazer or shoes can be a great way to incorporate white into your outfit without looking like you're trying to steal the bride's thunder.
What is taboo to wear to a wedding? ›
Anything Too Casual
We get it, no one wants to quit their coziest clothing like yoga pants, slippers, and jeans, but it's important to remember that these have no place at a wedding. Even if the celebration is casual and relaxed, guests should always err on the side of formal.
Is it bad luck if someone wears white to your wedding? ›
In general, it's not appropriate for guests to wear white to a wedding. "When you're a guest at a wedding, the most important thing to keep in mind is not to upstage or upset the bride," says wedding dress designer Madeline Gardner. "It's safe to stay away from any outfits that are predominantly white, cream or ivory."
Can you wear white with floral print to a wedding? ›
"White floral applique is a red flag when dress shopping as a wedding guest. The bloom detailing in conjunction with the white dress screams bridal. It's way too much textured white," the stylist explains.
What Colour is taboo for wedding guests? ›
The main being the bride explicitly asking guests not to wear white. And if they don't explicitly state that guests can't wear white, it's always best to err on the side of caution and choose another color. Lastly, you don't want to detract from the bride on their big day!
What color is inappropriate for a wedding? ›
Leave all white, ivory, and champagne-hued shades alone, unless the invitation specifically designates an all-white dress code. "White and ivory are such a stark, prominent color that when you are the only one, as the bride, wearing it, all eyes are on you," says Avrumson.
What is inappropriate to wear as a wedding guest? ›
Even if the wedding has a more low-key dress code, I promise you: It is not that casual. Meaning no sweats, shorts, jeans, T-shirts—you get my point. "If you have to choose between being underdressed or overdressed, it's always better to be overdressed," Swann explains.
How to wear a white dress and not look bridal? ›
High low dresses, paneling, cutouts, stiffer textures, and sharp angles can make the perfect non-bridal white dress. Adding a splash of colour to your white dress can also do the trick. It could be subtly on the hemline, piping or paneling, or more obvious with the bodice or skirt in the different colour.
It's simply not done unless a guest wants to draw attention to themselves." However, if you absolutely want to acknowledge the matter, ask a member of your bridal party to politely pull this guest aside and kindly offer them a jacket or shawl to add some color to their look.
Can I wear a blue dress with white flowers to a wedding? ›
Answer: It's OK if an outfit has some white in it. What we want to avoid is attire that's more white than any other color. So, for example, a blue dress with white flowers is fine. But it would be best to avoid a white dress with blue flowers.
Why can't you wear white to a wedding? ›
Typically, you can't wear white to a wedding because this color is reserved for the couple tying the knot. In Western culture, it's tradition for the bride to wear head-to-toe white on the wedding day, so wearing anything that matches this shade might unintentionally steal the spotlight away from her.
How much white can you wear to a wedding? ›
How much white is acceptable in a wedding guest outfit? “As long as the main color doesn't read as white, you're in the clear,” Erlanger says.
Why can't you wear red to a wedding? ›
"Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz. “Visually, it's quite bold. In a photo, your eye is immediately drawn to the color, especially if it's next to neutrals like white, black, gray, or beige.”
Can you wear white shoes to a wedding as a guest? ›
Yes, you can wear white shoes to a wedding as long as they're not combined with any other white attire, like a dress or a suit. Traditionally, all-white attire was reserved for the bride, but with the evolution of fashion and changing societal norms, the rules surrounding guest attire are no longer cut and dry.
What to wear to a wedding as a guest female? ›
Women wedding guests should wear a full-length dress, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line style. High heels are strongly recommended. Feel free to accessorize with opulent jewelry and even elbow-length white silk gloves.
Is it rude to wear black to a wedding? ›
Since nuptials are celebratory occasions, the dark hue was labeled off-limits for attendees in the past. However, in today's modern-day age, wearing black to a wedding is completely acceptable, and in many cases, it's even encouraged.