Can You Wear Black to a Wedding? (2024)

FAQs

Can You Wear Black to a Wedding? ›

Alternatively, you could wear all black to a formal winter wedding if you think it would fit the venue and the theme. Generally, though, black is versatile enough to wear to any type of nuptials.

If you're worried about being disrespectful, don't sweat it in the 21st century. “Yes, it's absolutely okay to wear black to a wedding,” says wedding planner Matthew Oliver. “If you're not sure, most invitations will actually mention the dress code, but you can never go wrong with a classic black tux and a white shirt.

If you're going to request a certain dress code or color from your guests, be upfront about this from the beginning. That means notifying them of this on the invitation or even the save the date. This gives guests time to find an appropriate outfit or bow out if they're not able to follow it.

Neutral shades are timeless options that won't detract from the wedding's formal atmosphere. For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green.

You can wear an outfit that is white and another color, but by all means, DO NOT wear an all-white outfit. It is considered disrespectful to the bride, considering she is wearing an all-white dress, which is 98% of all weddings. Can you wear black shoes to a wedding? Yes.

Traditionally, the only off-limits color for wedding guests has been white, for obvious reasons—no one wants to take attention away from the bride. But times are a-changin'. Now, many people simply don't see wearing white as a big deal. Some brides and grooms are totally cool with it.

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.

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.

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 should a woman wear to a wedding as a guest? ›

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.

Formal events are when a perfectly matched pair of shoes and a handbag can work best, and weddings certainly fall under this category. At a formal event, matching bags and handbags can tie a look together and make it more sophisticated. However, there isn't a rule to say this has to be done.

Polka dots dress for guests

There is a false belief that the words polka dot dress and discretion do not go hand in hand, but if you are a loyal follower of sophistication and classic, you will know that there are elegant polka dot dresses for weddings.

The Best Colors for Mothers of the Groom to Consider

In general, jewel tones and earthy hues, like emerald green and burgundy, work well, in addition to universally flattering colors like black and navy. Valiente also adds, "Wear a flattering color that compliments the color palette of the wedding."

Whether or not you can wear red to a wedding depends on the wedding itself and the fashion specifications dictated by the couple. Nonetheless, it is largely no longer considered a faux pas to wear red to most Western and secular nuptials.

I've worn a black and white flower dress to a wedding, I thought it looked nice and you can wear a nice slimming black jacket if you are plump like me or a white one, I think it's a good wedding look. to get married in red or green, not to wear it as a guest. Black and white fine though.

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.