What Colors to Wear to a Wedding: Dress Code Tips and Etiquette (2024)

Selecting the appropriate colors to wear to a wedding doesn’t have to be a challenge; learn which hues are wedding-appropriate and how to decide based on the season, theme, and time of day.

Key takeaways:

  • Follow the Dress Code: Adhere to specified attire guidelines.
  • Consider Seasonal Colors: Choose colors that match the season.
  • Use the Venue As a Guide: Let the venue influence your outfit choice.
  • Avoid Wearing White: Avoid white to avoid upstaging the bride.
  • Opt for Muted Tones for Informal Weddings: Choose soft, understated colors for casual events.

Follow the Dress Code

What Colors to Wear to a Wedding: Dress Code Tips and Etiquette (1)

Before selecting an outfit, scrutinize the invitation for a specified dress code; this information is crucial for appropriate attire choices. If the invitation reads black-tie, men should opt for a tuxedo, while women should consider a formal gown. A co*cktail attire designation calls for a suit and tie, or a co*cktail dress.

If the dress code is casual or ‘festive attire’, guests have more flexibility but should still aim for a polished look; a sundress or a skirt and blouse could be suitable for women, while men might wear slacks with a button-down shirt. Remember, the dress code is set to create a cohesive aesthetic and show respect for the occasion, so adhering to it is both considerate and stylish.

Consider Seasonal Colors

Seasonal palettes can beautifully complement the mood and setting of a wedding. In spring, pastels such as blush, light blue, and mint reflect the soft hues of blossoming flowers. Summer weddings call for brighter, bolder colors like coral, turquoise, or sunny yellow to match the energetic vibe of the season. For fall ceremonies, think of the changing leaves and opt for rich, warm shades like burgundy, forest green, or burnt orange. When winter arrives, embrace the coolness with deep colors such as emerald green, navy blue, or rich purples, or sparkle in metallics like silver or gold. Choosing attire in harmony with these seasonal suggestions will ensure you look appropriate and feel in tune with the wedding’s atmosphere.

Use the Venue As a Guide

When selecting your attire, the venue can provide valuable hints. For a beach wedding, light fabrics and breezy colors will complement the sandy shores and sunset views. They not only match the environment but also help you stay comfortable outdoors.

Gardens call for playful attire with floral prints or pastel shades that echo the natural beauty and vibrant blooms. Such attire effortlessly blends with the bucolic background.

For a more formal setting, like a grand ballroom, look towards luxurious fabrics and jewel tones that reflect the opulence of the surroundings. Classic cuts and understated elegance will never be out of place in such a sophisticated venue.

Barn or rustic venues invite earthy tones and soft textures that resonate with the countryside charm. Wearing something that reflects the rural setting can make you feel more in tune with the occasion.

Keep in mind, venues can influence the formality of your attire. High-end hotels might dictate a black-tie dress code, while a laid-back vineyard could suggest a co*cktail or semi-formal dress code. Always align your outfit with both the style and setting of the celebration for a harmonious look.

Avoid Wearing White

Traditionally, white is reserved for the bride on her wedding day, as it signifies purity and a new beginning. Wearing white can be perceived as an attempt to upstage the bride, which is a major faux pas. To avoid any fashion missteps:

  • Steer clear of dresses that are primarily white or ivory; this includes off-white shades like cream and champagne.
  • Patterns with white backgrounds are better left untouched; opt for prints with colored backgrounds instead.
  • If you’re fond of lighter hues, consider pastels, such as baby blue, soft pink, or mint green.
  • Be mindful of cultural norms, as some cultures embrace other colors for bridal attire. When in doubt, reach out to other guests or the wedding party for guidance.

Remember, the day is about celebrating the couple, and adhering to this unspoken rule shows respect for their special moment.

Opt for Muted Tones for Informal Weddings

When attending casual or informal weddings, muted tones are a thoughtful choice that complement the relaxed atmosphere. Soft pastels like blush pink, baby blue, and gentle lavender bring a subtle touch of color without overwhelming the setting. Earthy hues such as olive green, terracotta, and soft gray also blend seamlessly into most informal settings, and they pair well with natural elements often found at outdoor or rustic venues. These understated shades are both respectful of the occasion and offer a canvas for personal style to shine through with accessories and detailing. Remember, muted doesn’t mean dull; you can still showcase your fashion sense with interesting textures and patterns that align with the laid-back vibe of the event.

Keep reading:

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What Colors to Wear to a Wedding: Dress Code Tips and Etiquette (2024)

FAQs

What Colors to Wear to a Wedding: Dress Code Tips and Etiquette? ›

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 are the colors for wedding dress code? ›

For tuxedos or suiting, opt for basic black and white. For evening gowns, avoid black and chose pastel, muted, or jewel tones. However, semi-formal dress is a bit more lax and is usually what people are used to wearing to weddings. It's suits and/or slacks and a dinner jacket with evening or co*cktail dresses.

What does it mean to wear 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.

How do you ask a guest to wear a certain color? ›

If you have a specific color in mind that you would like guests to wear, mention it in the wedding RSVP card or reply form. For a more direct approach, consider sending out a separate email or card to guests a few weeks before the wedding requesting that they only wear certain colors.

What Colour is taboo for wedding guests? ›

White is an obvious faux pas, but be careful with champagne, cream, and even light shades of gold and tan. Brides are going for colored wedding dresses these days, so an awkward match can happen when you least expect it.

Why can't you 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.

What should you never wear as a wedding guest? ›

Anything Too Casual

Even if the celebration is casual and relaxed, guests should always err on the side of formal. No flip, flops, shorts, or jeans should ever be on your list of options to wear.

Should guests match wedding colors? ›

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.

Is it OK to wear black to a wedding? ›

Luckily, times have changed, and given the fact that wedding fashion etiquette norms have shifted over the years, we now have good news for fans of coal-colored ensembles. “It is absolutely acceptable for a female to wear a black dress to a wedding,” Swann advises.

Can a wedding guest wear the same color as the bridal party? ›

There are no hard-and-fast rules for guest attire, at least beyond what the formality of the occasion itself dictates. If you feel up to it, you could ask the bride (or one of her attendants) what she thinks -- she actually might love the idea of having some of her guests coordinate with her theme.

What is the most popular wedding dress code? ›

Between "black-tie optional" and "semi-formal," the language can be tricky to decipher. "While many couples would like their guests to arrive in black-tie attire, the most common wedding dress code is formal attire," says Alicia Mae, CEO of the New Jersey-based wedding planning company ILÈ Events.

What do you wear to a 4pm wedding? ›

The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.

What is elegant dress code for ladies? ›

A midi or mini party dress styled with heeled sandals, a clutch bag can create an elegant look. If the occasion is slightly more formal, a long party dress would be appropriate too paired with silver or gold jewellery.

Is yellow a bad color to wear to a wedding? ›

A light yellow dress is perfect for a summer stroll. It's also a good color to wear to a casual beach wedding. You can even pull it off at a formal affair if you're gutsy enough. The color evokes warmth and energy.

Should you avoid wedding colors as a guest? ›

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.

What does it mean to wear blue to a wedding? ›

Traditionally, blue was a color that symbolized fidelity and loyalty, especially to one's spouse. Some say the bride needed blue to ward off the evil eye or prevent bad luck. The color doesn't have to be on your body or person to check the 'traditions' box.

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