Weddings are special occasions that call for thoughtful attire choices. While modern trends offer more flexibility than ever, certain colours remain a no-go for wedding guests due to their potential to detract from the significance of the day.
In this guide, we will explore the key colours you should avoid at weddings, offering useful tips to ensure you dress appropriately for the occasion without overshadowing the couple.
Let’s get straight to the point
When attending a wedding, avoid wearing white (reserved for the bride), black (associated with mourning, though sometimes acceptable), and bright neon colours (distracting).
Avoid matching the bridesmaids or wearing overly sparkly outfits that draw too much attention. Be cautious with red, especially in cultures where it’s the bridal colour.
Consider cultural sensitivities, like avoiding black or white at certain ceremonies. Ultimately, choose attire that doesn’t overshadow the couple, ensuring you celebrate the day respectfully and stylishly.
Why Colour Choices Matter at Weddings
Choosing what to wear to a wedding is more than just about following a dress code. Weddings are celebratory events centred around the couple, and the focus should always be on the bride and groom.
Wearing certain colours can inadvertently pull attention away from them, which can be seen as disrespectful.
Hence, understanding which hues to avoid can help you contribute to the joyful atmosphere without making a fashion faux pas.
The Main Colours to Avoid
- White: Traditionally reserved for the bride.
- Black: Associated with mourning, though acceptable in some instances.
- Bright Neon Colours: Distracting and overwhelming.
- Matching the Bridesmaids: Can cause confusion.
- Overly Sparkly Metallics: Draws too much attention.
Let’s explore each of these in greater detail.
Why You Shouldn’t Wear White
Wearing white to a wedding is a well-known etiquette no-no. The reasoning behind this tradition is simple: white is the bride’s colour. By choosing to wear white, you risk stealing the spotlight, even if unintentionally.
While it might seem harmless, showing up in a white dress or outfit can create confusion and draw attention away from the bride.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are occasions where wearing white might be acceptable, such as when the couple explicitly requests guests to wear white for a themed wedding.
However, unless the invitation clearly states this, it’s best to avoid white and any close shades like cream, ivory, or beige altogether.
The Black Debate: A Colour with Mixed Connotations
Historically, black has been associated with mourning, making it an inappropriate choice for weddings.
A wedding is a joyful occasion, and black was traditionally reserved for sombre events like funerals. However, in recent years, this perception has shifted, especially for evening or formal weddings.
When Black Is Acceptable
Today, black can be worn to weddings, particularly for evening events. A sleek, chic black dress can look elegant, but it’s crucial to ensure the outfit doesn’t come across as too sombre or funeral-like.
Opt for a stylish little black dress (LBD) or something that reflects the celebratory nature of the occasion, perhaps with some colourful accessories to lighten the look.
When to Avoid Black
If the wedding is taking place during the day or if it’s a casual affair, black may still feel a bit too heavy or serious. Always consider the formality of the event when deciding whether to wear black.
Avoiding the Bridesmaids’ Colours
Why You Shouldn’t Match the Bridesmaids
Matching the bridal party’s colours is another mistake wedding guests should avoid.
Bridesmaids’ dresses are usually chosen to complement the wedding’s theme, and wearing an outfit too similar in colour or style might make you look like you’re trying to blend in with the wedding party.
This can be confusing for other guests and, in some cases, even offend the couple.
How to Avoid This Issue
To prevent this situation, it’s a good idea to ask the bride or a member of the wedding party about the colours they’ll be wearing.
Armed with this information, you can select an outfit in a different shade or tone, ensuring you stand out appropriately as a guest without overshadowing the bridal party.
Neon and Bright Colours: Too Much for a Wedding?
Why Neon Colours Are Best Left for Other Events
Weddings are joyous events, but that doesn’t mean bright, flashy colours are appropriate.
Neon colours like electric blue, lime green, or hot pink tend to draw attention to the wearer, which is exactly what you want to avoid at a wedding.
These bold shades can overpower the delicate, romantic atmosphere of a wedding and pull focus from the couple.
Subtle Colour Alternatives
If you love bright colours but want to ensure your outfit doesn’t overshadow the bride, consider opting for more muted tones.
Soft pastels, jewel tones, and earthy shades can still add a pop of colour to your ensemble without being too loud or distracting.
These hues also tend to photograph well, ensuring you look your best without stealing the show.
The Red Dilemma: Bold Yet Controversial
Why Red Can Be a Problem
Red is a vibrant, eye-catching colour, and while it’s not as taboo as white, it can still pose a problem at weddings.
In many cultures, red is considered a bridal colour, particularly in Chinese and Indian weddings, where the bride traditionally wears red. Wearing this shade to such weddings can be seen as culturally insensitive.
Additionally, in Western weddings, red is often viewed as a way to attract attention. A bold red dress can dominate the room and may be interpreted as an attempt to upstage the bride.
When Red Might Be Appropriate
If you have your heart set on wearing red, consider choosing a more subdued shade like burgundy or maroon.
These deeper, richer tones offer the same elegance without the potential to steal attention from the bride. Always consider the cultural context and the overall formality of the wedding before donning a red outfit.
Sparkly Metallics: A Shimmer Too Far?
Why Excessive Sparkle Is a No-Go
Much like wearing white, overly sparkly or metallic outfits can draw unnecessary attention to yourself.
Sequins, glitter, and metallic fabrics, especially in full-body designs, are highly reflective and can be distracting, particularly in photographs. While a touch of shimmer is fine, anything too flashy can detract from the bride’s dress.
When a Little Sparkle Is Okay
For formal or evening weddings, a hint of sparkle is perfectly acceptable.
If the wedding is black-tie or has a glamorous theme, a subtly sequined dress or metallic accessories can add just the right amount of glitz.
Just be sure to keep the sparkle understated to avoid outshining the bride.
Cultural Sensitivities: Respecting Traditions
Understanding Cultural Colours
When attending a wedding with cultural traditions, it’s important to consider the significance of certain colours.
For instance, in Hindu weddings, black is viewed as inauspicious, while red is traditionally worn by the bride.
In contrast, white is often worn at funerals in Chinese and Indian cultures, so wearing it to a wedding could be seen as inappropriate.
How to Navigate Cultural Dress Codes
To avoid any cultural faux pas, it’s always a good idea to ask about the dress code when attending a wedding from a different cultural background.
Doing so ensures you show respect for the couple’s traditions and contribute to the celebration in a positive and meaningful way.
Conclusion
Choosing what to wear to a wedding involves more than just following fashion trends—it’s about respecting the couple and their wishes.
You can ensure your outfit is wedding-appropriate by avoiding white, being cautious with black, steering clear of bright neon colours, and respecting cultural nuances.
Remember, weddings are a time to celebrate love, and the focus should always remain on the bride and groom. By following these guidelines, you’ll be a considerate and stylish guest.
FAQS About Wedding Attire
What is a good outfit to wear to a wedding?
Evening wear is most appropriate here. For men, this typically means a dark tuxedo, a white dress shirt, a coordinating bow tie, a cummerbund, and suspenders (optional). Dress shoes, like oxfords, are suitable. Women can wear either a long gown or a dressy cocktail dress.
What do you wear to a chic wedding?
Modern courthouse brides will be drawn to jumpsuits, sleek separates, and tailored suits, while statement-making brides should go for bold silhouettes with asymmetrical bodices and exaggerated ruffles.
And for the bride-to-be with a classic aesthetic, a simple satin or lace dress is forever timeless and elegant.
How do wedding guests look stunning?
Top fashion rules for wedding guests
- Don’t wear white.
- Don’t upstage the bride.
- Invest in accessories.
- Don’t wear anything too skimpy.
- Don’t dress too casually.
- Wear colour in summer.
- Bring a pair of flats.
- Avoid wearing black.
Is it OK to wear black to a wedding?
Although it’s non-traditional, some brides wear dark colors on their big day, and attendants are often in black attire for more formal weddings. It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings.
What colors should you not wear to a wedding?
Colours You Can’t Wear to a Wedding
- White.
- Off white or ivory.
- All Black.
- All Red.
- Gold.
- Overly sparkly or heavily metallic.
- Bridesmaid dress colour.
- Mother of the bride or groom dress colour.
