Getting dressed for a loved one's wedding isn't an easy task. Between finding an ensemble that matches the formality of the day and selecting a dress you feel comfortable wearing all night long, landing on the right wedding guest look can sometimes feel extremely overwhelming. Not to mention, you also have to think about choosing an outfit that doesn't break any fashion etiquette rules—especially when picking a dress color, as Western tradition dictates that guests avoid wearing white when attending a couple's big day.
But here's where things get tricky (as if they weren't complicated enough): What do you do if you have an outfit that's white with a colorful print? Can you wear a white floral dress to a wedding? Ahead, we chatted with several industry and etiquette experts to help you determine whether or not you should sport a printed dress when watching a friend or family member say "I do."
Can You Wear White Shoes to a Wedding? An Expert Weighs In
Can a Guest Wear a Printed White Dress to a Wedding?
According to the experts, it's best to avoid wearing a printed white dress to a wedding. "As far as I am concerned, if the dress is white with a print over it, it still is white," explains etiquette expert Diane Gottsman. "There is very little wiggle room when wearing a white dress. There will be multiple other times a guest can enjoy wearing her beautiful dress, but not on the bride's wedding day."
Luxury wedding planner and designer Nicole-Natassha Goulding agrees: "White is always a tricky color for weddings and every bride may have different feelings on what guests can and can't wear on theirweddingday," she says. "My rule of thumb usually is, if you have to question if thepattern or print has too much white, I would err on the side of caution and avoid it." Nathalie Cadet-James, founder of Luxe Fête Event Planning and Design Studio, further adds, "Hundreds of years of loving tradition tell us that only the bride is in white. Let her shine."
This rule of thumb also applies to all wedding events, including bridal showers and rehearsal dinners, notes Goulding. "I always suggest guests stay away from white for all wedding activities unless prompted to do so by the couple (i.e. all-white or themed parties)," she explains.
Additional Wedding Guest Fashion Etiquette Tips
If there's a printed white dress you truly want to wear, and you believe that it might be acceptable for your loved one's wedding, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before making a final decision. According to Gottman, "If a guest wants to wear a dress that is predominantly a variety of other colors and only a small thread of white throughout the dress, it would be acceptable because it’s not the predominant color."
Celebrity fashion stylistCindy Conroy also advises individuals to consider the length of their ensemble. "If you’re smitten with a long, printedwhitedress, steer clear. Someway, somehow, a floor-grazing hemline always reads bridal. No matter how much print is dotted throughout," she explains. "You might think it’s fine, but you don’t want to find out that you’re wrong as you wait for the nuptials and an avalanche of side-eye begins. She also adds that guests should stay away from white floral dresses at all costs. "Whitefloral applique is a red flag when dress shopping as a wedding guest. The bloom detailing in conjunction with thewhitedress screams bridal. It’s way too much texturedwhite," the stylist explains.
With all this in mind, and as previously mentioned, it's always best to steer clear of wearing white when attending someone's big day. Destination wedding photographer Perry Vaile Adams even shares that she generally avoids snapping photos of guests wearing too much white. "After working in this industry for so long, if anyone shows up in anything withtoomuch white, it’s cringe and I generally avoid photographing them too much. I still remember when a member of the vendor team showed up in an all-white ensemble on my own wedding day (in 2010!) and it still annoys me 12 years later."
Your Biggest Wedding Etiquette Questions, Answered
FAQs
Can a Guest Wear a Printed White Dress to a Wedding? According to the experts, it's best to avoid wearing a printed white dress to a wedding. "As far as I am concerned, if the dress is white with a print over it, it still is white," explains etiquette expert Diane Gottsman.
Can I wear a white dress with a print to a wedding? ›
"Large patterns that make it obvious that you are a guest are approved—but stay away from anything white and blush, which could be too bridal." The only time wearing white to a wedding is ever completely acceptable? "When it is requested by the couple," says Palm.
What are the rules about wearing white to a wedding? ›
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.
Can I wear a patterned cream dress to a wedding? ›
It's generally disrespectful to wear white, cream, or ivory to a wedding, especially if the dress is bridal or could upstage the bride. However, there are exceptions, such as if the dress has a lot of patterns, or if the wedding theme or dress code is all white, or black and white.
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.
Can you wear print to formal wedding? ›
"Whereas before, black tie or white tie typically meant women wore gowns in more muted colors, now there's freedom to play with color and print. For black-tie and black-tie optional events, men can wear printed or colored dinner jackets and be a little more creative with their fashion, too."
Can you wear white dress with black polka dots to a wedding? ›
Yes, you can wear polka dots to a wedding. Polka dots can be a fun and stylish choice for a wedding guest outfit, offering a touch of playfulness and elegance. Opt for smaller and more refined polka dot patterns for formal weddings, while larger and bolder dots may suit casual or outdoor ceremonies.
Is cream too close to white for a wedding? ›
It's also best to keep your distance from pure white's cousins, such as cream, ivory, and beige – no matter how good you look in the dress, you'll run the risk of poor etiquette.
Can you wear a patterned dress to a semi formal wedding? ›
While co*cktail attire is all about eye-catching patterns, colors, and statement accessories, semi-formal wedding attire is a little more understated. Solid, darker colors and subtle patterns, such as a classic floral print or stripe, are always safe bets for this dress code.
How much white is too much for a wedding? ›
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. "The bride may or may not wear white (maybe ivory, maybe champagne), but it's her color for that day.
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.
Is it okay to wear a floral dress with white background to a wedding? ›
Yes, a floral dress with a white background is completely fine & acceptable. With the caveat that the dress is appropriate for the season, time of day & formality of the particular wedding. Just please don't wear a solid white or solid light cream or pale ivory dress.
Is it ok to wear a white wedding dress if you re not a virgin? ›
However, nowadays, the idea that you must be 'pure' in order to wear a white dress is rather outdated. Many brides choose to wear white on their wedding day, even if they aren't a virgin, or even if they have children already. These days, white is merely chosen because it's traditional.
Can a woman wear a white dress shirt to a wedding? ›
So while our official stance on wearing white to weddings is that it's okay in certain situations, the safer option is always to avoid wearing white to a wedding.
Can you wear a white printed dress to a bridal shower? ›
If the bride has planned a white-themed party, then wearing white is appropriate. Otherwise, choosing different colors or prints is a respectful way to keep the bride as the focal point of the celebration.
Can you wear a printed dress to a black tie wedding? ›
A formal celebration is no reason to shy away from your favorite hues and prints.
Can you wear a black print dress 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.
