Is Wearing White to a Wedding as a Guest Still Taboo? | Mill Pond Estate (2024)

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Is Wearing White to a Wedding as a Guest Still Taboo? | Mill Pond Estate? ›

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.

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.

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.

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.

She also adds that guests should stay away from white floral dresses at all costs. "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.

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."

The colour scheme, when it comes to what to wear, is designed for the bridal party i.e. the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, pageboys etc. Unless you're in that bridal party, you'd be best to steer clear of trying to match them. Think of it a bit like a stage show.

The History of White Weddings

Queen Victoria chose an embellished lace white satin gown that was handcrafted in England. Once the photos were published, brides began to copy the Queen's style by wearing white to their weddings. Since then, it's typically frowned upon to wear white as a guest to a wedding.

Unless you're the bride, wearing a white dress to a wedding is (still) a major faux pas. Leave all white, ivory, and champagne-hued shades alone, unless the invitation specifically designates an all-white dress code.

“The simple answer is 'no,' unless the invite calls for it,” Choi says. At spring and summer weddings, it's popular for couples to throw a themed event with an all-white dress code on the big day or in the lead-up to it.

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.

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.

In many societies the color white has long been associated with purity and virtue, and that is one reason why some brides choose to wear white, especially in the West.

“White shoes can be acceptable if they're not overly prominent and are part of a well-coordinated outfit," shares Klingman. Nonetheless, it's best to stick with a nude, pale gray, blush, or pastel shoe, instead of pure white or ivory, when getting dressed for someone's big day.

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.

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.