Wedding season is in full swing and along with sending the happy couple well wishes and choosing just the right gift, you may find yourself in a quandary wondering what to wear to the nuptials.
We don't blame you. Dressing for any formal occasion can be pretty stressful. And weddings? Well, let's just say that if we had to decide between finding the right outfit to dance the night away in or staying home with a rom-com and pizza, you can bet your bottom dollar it's Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks all the way.
However, duty calls. If the big day has arrived and you're still perusing your closet for something to wear, you may be wondering if it's OK to go with your trusty little black dress.
It's a fair question given that there are all kinds of etiquette rules when it comes to matrimony. And it's valid to be be worried about wearing the wrong thing, especially since there's one color you should never (ever) wear to a wedding.
We talked to wedding planners to get their take on the do's and don'ts of wedding attire. Keep reading to find out if you can wear black to a wedding ... or if it's strictly verboten.
Can you wear black to a wedding?
Whereas wearing black to a wedding might have been once been discouraged, that's certainly no longer the case, according to Jacquelyn Aleece,owner and founder of The Wedding Plan & Company.
"The unspoken rule has definitely softened around wearing black to weddings over the last decade or two," Aleece tells TODAY.com in an email interview. "Black is chic, timeless, forgiving elegant and glamorous."
Marni Farmer, owner of So Smitten Events agrees, telling TODAY.com that "black has always been a popular color to wear to weddings, especially elegant, black-tie affairs."
So, that answers that.
"Every woman has their favorite go-to black dress that makes them feel like a million dollars, so it's the perfect choice unless it's culturally inappropriate or against the dress code stated on the invitation," Aleece says.
Though it's technically OK to wear black at any time of the day, Aleece says it's better suited for late afternoon andevening weddings in the fall and winter, along with formal and black tie weddings in the early spring.
"Ifyou’re attending a beach, shore, tropical, garden or daytime wedding, I would opt for navy blue over black if you’re still wanting a darker color," she says. "Use the temperature, season and venue style to help guide your fashion decisions."
What matters most is that you dress appropriately for the occasion, says Jesse Reing, owner and CEO of Events By Jesse.
"When you're dressing for the wedding, you're looking to respect the (couple) in that moment. Definitely look at the attire that they listed either on their invitation or their wedding website because respecting that attire is going to make everything feel symbiotic in a way," Reing tells TODAY.com.
Pay attention to the level of formality. "You don't want to come less formal than expected or more formal than expected," Reing adds.
But whatever you do, stick with something that feels as good as it looks. "Couples really want their guests to come comfortable, come as themselves because that's going to give them the best guest experience and make them have the best time," Reing says.
That said, there's still one wedding faux pas to never make and it does involve wearing a certain forbidden color.
What color should you never wear to a wedding?
Ever hear the old adage about not wearing white to a wedding? Guess what? It still holds true.
"Honestly, not wearing white, ivory, cream or off-white to a wedding is just common courtesy and shouldn't be too hard to avoid, so let's just agree to not do it," Aleece says.
Farmer agrees saying that not wearing white or off-white is still the rule "unless the bride mandates that you wear it, of course."
It gets a little trickier when it comes to wearing bright, bold colors to a wedding.
"Some couples absolutely love it when their guests make bold fashion statements and some couples really, really,really hate it," Aleece adds.
"It’s best to avoid bright reds, think fire engine red, or neon hues, unless otherwise instructed by thecouple. Patterns and muted colors are fine and fun. If you’re looking to make some bold choices while remaining respectful usejewelry and accessories to give your outfit the extra style you’re looking for."
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Sarah Lemire
Sarah is a lifestyle and entertainment reporter for TODAY who covers holidays, celebrities and everything in between.
FAQs
As long as it's not considered culturally inappropriate or against the dress code, you can wear black to a wedding.
Is it still inappropriate to wear black to a wedding? ›
Black is usually best suited for formal celebrations, as the color is "very conservative and very polished-looking,” Smith shares. Couples usually specify the guest code at the bottom of their invitations and on their wedding website, so if you've been invited to a formal affair, black is a resounding “yes.”
Is wearing a black dress for your wedding bad luck? ›
Cultural Implications
For many cultures, black clothing has long been associated with mourning and death, and sometimes even bad luck and misfortune. Though black wedding dresses are no longer considered taboo, certain individuals might not find them fitting for a celebratory occasion.
Can you wear black to a wedding as the mother of the groom? ›
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."
What color shoes to wear with a black dress to a wedding? ›
White shoes are always a classic choice, and they'll contrast beautifully with a black dress. Silver or gray shoes will also look stunning with a black dress, and they'll add a touch of shimmer and sophistication to your outfit. For a bolder look, try choosing shoes in a bright color, like red or yellow.
What colors are not appropriate to wear to a wedding? ›
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.
Is black too dark for a wedding? ›
If you want to add some fun to your outfit but you still want to wear black, perhaps go for something with a print or a pattern.” “Wearing black to a summer wedding is completely acceptable, but just be mindful that darker shades can retain heat,” says Harris.
What is inappropriate 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.
What is the meaning of the black wedding? ›
A black wedding (Yiddish: shvartse khasene), or plague wedding (Yiddish: mageyfe khasene) is a Jewish custom consisting of a wedding performed in times of crisis, such as during epidemics. The bride and the groom, being either poor orphans, beggars, or disabled, were wed in an effort to ward-off diseases.
What does wearing red to a wedding mean? ›
Turns out, wearing red to a wedding means to some that “you've slept with the groom.” “Old Wives' Tale, but yeah,” Mitchell explained. However, both wedding planners agreed on a more modern reason for not wearing red: It could be seen as a way to grab the attention away from the bride.
If half of the wedding's guest list will be wearing black attire on the big day (including the bride and groom's fathers!), there's no reason why the moms shouldn't be allowed to wear this colour, too.
Can I wear a black dress to my son's wedding? ›
For decades, the mothers of the bride and groom would consider any color appropriate to wear to her child's wedding, with two exceptions: white and black. But just as brides now wear whatever color they want down the aisle, moms are now choosing dresses in any color that suits them, including black.
What are the best colors to wear to a wedding? ›
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.
What's the rule on wearing black to a wedding? ›
As long as it's not considered culturally inappropriate or against the dress code, you can wear black to a wedding. Depending on where the couple is exchanging vows, which season their special day is taking place in, and what time of day everything begins, black may or may not be your best color option.
How do you make a black dress look good for a wedding? ›
"Wear your favorite bold jewelry such as drop earrings, a bracelet stack or a single bangle, or a statement necklace. A pop of color in your clutch is also a great touch that will brighten up your black. Your shoes do not have to be black, so have some fun with them, whether they are metallic or your favorite color!"
What color heels do you wear with a black dress? ›
With a black dress, you can wear shoes of any colour, from neutrals like black, white shoes, and beige shoes to more bold-coloured options like hot pink shoes, red shoes, and even burgundy shoes.
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 I wear a black and white floral dress to a wedding? ›
We advise against wearing white to weddings, but a printed dress with a hint of white or ivory is definitely approved. A black-and-white dress is a classic choice, as long as the pattern isn't too distracting.
Is it okay to wear a black suit to a wedding? ›
DO. Wear a dark suit or tuxedo: For a formal wedding, dark suits, such as black, charcoal grey, or navy blue, are most appropriate. Wear a bow tie or necktie: Unlike with black-tie attire, a bow tie is not required.
