People shocked to discover why women shouldn’t wear red to weddings (2024)

White isn’t the only color to avoid at a wedding.

In some cultures, it’s actually customary for certain members of the wedding party to don red, as a symbol of marital prosperity. But to some folks, red can signal something quite unsavory.

Wedding planners Georgie Mitchell and Bethany Smith, based in the UK, revealed on the Unfiltered Bride podcast the shocking reason to avoid a red dress, particularly at weddings in the Western world.

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.

“I feel like red can seen as like quite sexy,” Smith said. “Naughty.”

“A bit ‘look at me,'” Mitchell added of the attention-grabbing hue, but also wouldn’t rule it out as an option for a wedding guest as it “depends on the dress.”

A video clip of the conversation was posted to TikTok and received 1.1 million views, with people in the comments stunned by the revelation.

“I always thought you shouldn’t wear red because it’s so flashy,” one person wrote.

“I’ll wear red to be toxic. Make ’em think,” someone quipped.

“Not me wearing a red dress to one of my best friends weddings,” a shocked user realized.

“Not my mom picking out a red dress for my brother’s wedding,” another laughed.

One person added black as a color not to wear, writing, “Black: no, as it’s for funerals (unless specified) & red is because the eyes are naturally drawn to it so it takes attention & eyes away from the bride.”

“I think the only color you should avoid (apart from white) is the same colors as the bridesmaids — they should stand out,” another suggested.

Critics were on the right track when they posited that scarlet red may be too eye-catching of color for a wedding, according to an article published last year on Brides.com. “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,” said bridal fashion stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz — and put to rest the rumor that red may hint at a former fling with the groom.

However, someone pointed out that in other cultures red is a good sign.

“Only in America 😂😂😂😂 in different cultures, red means luck, joy or happiness,” they wrote.

People shocked to discover why women shouldn’t wear red to weddings (2024)

FAQs

People shocked to discover why women shouldn’t wear red to weddings? ›

Wedding planners Georgie Mitchell and Bethany Smith, based in the UK, revealed on the Unfiltered Bride podcast the shocking reason to avoid a red dress, particularly at weddings in the Western world. Turns out, wearing red to a wedding means to some that “you've slept with the groom.”

Why is red unlucky at a wedding? ›

Many believe the colours red and white represent blood and bandages, while getting married in red could be interpreted as welcoming death into your marriage. The podcast clip has since gone viral with over one million views. Many users were shocked to learn the dark superstitions behind the colour at weddings.

What does wearing red say about a woman? ›

It incites to make a scene. A woman dressed in red will be certainly noticed. Wearing red she is expressing character, independence, strength, determination. Often business women wear a red blouse in important meetings, conferences, or in special occasions to convey confidence.

What does a red wedding dress mean? ›

The colour of love, the bride who wears red is bold, passionate and full of desire. Not for the fainthearted this is a bold statement to make on your wedding day.

What colors not to wear to a wedding? ›

Leave all white, ivory, and champagne-hued shades alone, unless the invitation specifically designates an all-white dress code. "White and ivory are such a stark, prominent color that when you are the only one, as the bride, wearing it, all eyes are on you," says Avrumson.

Why is it frowned upon to wear red to a wedding? ›

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.

Why is the red wedding so shocking? ›

The Red Wedding was supposed to be a consolation prize, with Robb's uncle Edmure Tully subbing in for the monarch himself. Instead, the Freys went back on their sacred promise of hospitality and murdered Robb, his mother, his pregnant wife, and most of their forces at their enemies' behest.

What do guys think when a girl wears red? ›

The men rated the woman in red as being more desirable. In that same study, men were also shown images of a woman against different color backgrounds ― red, white, gray or green ― and asked to rate her attractiveness.

What is the superstition about wearing red? ›

Generally, red is considered a lucky color that can bring people fortune and prosperity. The color red is also believed to ward off evil and bad luck. According to Chinese superstition, individuals may face misfortune if their birth sign aligns with the zodiac sign of the current year.

What does wearing red do psychologically? ›

Red Colour Psychology: The red colour meaning is associated with excitement, passion, danger, energy, and action. You might've noticed that some brands use red for 'order now' buttons or for their packaging as a way to stand out on the shelf.

What does the color red mean at a wedding? ›

Red is a fiery hue that symbolises a range of things, and in terms of weddings, it has a positive connotation evoking the concepts of love, excitement, passion, and strength. You'll often see Eastern brides wearing red wedding dresses because it culturally signifies celebration and luck.

What does on red wedding mean? ›

The Red Wedding is so called because of the amount of death that occurred during the celebration. Technically the slaughter occurred after the ceremony, but before the traditional festivities would have concluded. The "Red" refers to blood.

What cultures wear red to weddings? ›

In Indian weddings, the bride often wears a red sari or lehenga, symbolizing fertility, auspiciousness, and marital bliss. In Chinese weddings, red is a symbol of luck, happiness, and prosperity. Similarly, in many Middle Eastern and North African cultures, red is associated with celebration and good fortune.

What is the superstition about wearing red to a wedding? ›

And while you might see rumors floating around the web that wearing red means you had a fling with the groom, ignore those. There are no hidden meanings to any colors of wedding guest attire.

What Colour is taboo for wedding guests? ›

White or Ivory

Don't do it. While it may sound like the number one wedding guest faux pas that everyone should know, some people forget (or, worse, ignore) the rule, so we're here to reiterate that white, or a white dress with patterns, is off-limits.

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.

Is red a bad color for 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.”

What color is unlucky on a wedding? ›

The tradition of brides wearing white didn't start until Queen Victoria, but an old nursery rhyme says red, yellow, green, pink, grey and black will bring negativity to the marriage. Specifically, red will make you "wish you were dead."

Why is red worn by the bride? ›

Red is associated with Goddess Durga, who represents strength and power. For brides, adorning themselves in red symbolizes their readiness to take on the responsibilities of married life. Furthermore, the color red is thought to stimulate the senses and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

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