What Colours Should You Not Wear To A Wedding (2024)

What Colours Should You Not Wear To A Wedding (1)

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We all struggle with deciding what to wear as a wedding guest. With thoughts like, how formal will it be? What's the weather going to be like? What if it’s outside? And what colour should I wear to a wedding? All going through your mind, making a decision isn’t easy, to say the least. So, we’ve created our guide to help you pick out the perfect wedding guest colour, every time.

Definite NO…

Although this might be obvious, we’re just really making sure that we all agree that white and colours close to white are a definite no when choosing your next wedding guest outfit.

White

This goes without saying, white and dresses for a wedding guestare a big no. It’s tradition that the bride wears white, and while some might consider this old school, it’s still very common that only the bride wears white. The only times you might be able to wear white to a wedding would be if it's requested by the happy couple, or you have a white-based dress with large colourful prints over the top, that’s clearly not a wedding dress.

Ivory, Or Anything Close To White

Creams, beiges, and any light neutrals can easily be mistaken for a white, so it’s probably a good idea to steer clear.

Colours Which Are A Maybe…

When we think of colours not to wear to a wedding we always think of the obvious, white. But there are other tones and textures you might want to re-think before picking out your wedding guest outfits for the year.

Neon

Known as a bright and bold statement maker, neon colours can be a little much for someone’s wedding day. As it’s naturally an attention grabber, neon distracts from the bride (which we definitely don’t want), so save your neon outfits for another day.

Metallics

Metallics are naturally pretty flashy, which aren’t a great option for a wedding as they risk upstaging the bride. Lots of metallic pieces also include glitter and sequins which are great for the hen do, but can be distracting on the big day. Some brides also pick out sparkly gowns for their bridesmaids so this could become confusing if you all turn up in gold glitter!

Gold & Champagne

Gold and champagne tones are another colour that’s smart to avoid as a guest, due to the risk of being also worn by the Bride. With many Brides going against the traditional white wedding gown, tones such as light golds and champagnes are becoming more and more popular. These hues can also be mistaken for white in photos, which is just another reason to avoid these colours on the big day.

The Bridesmaid Dresses Colour

Usually, the bride will pick out a specific colour palette for her bridesmaids, so avoiding the bridesmaids dress code colour can save you from awkwardness on the day, and the embarrassment of being mistaken for the wedding party!

Although this can be difficult to judge from the invitation if there’s no obvious clue for the colour theme of the day, it's a good idea to avoid colours that could be worn by the bridesmaids. These colours are usually neutral or soft pastels and so we’d advise steering clear.

Colours Not To Wear At Certain Cultural or Religious Weddings

Some colours aren’t just a social no-no, they can also be inappropriate for some cultures and religious weddings. So, make sure you keep this in mind when attending one of these weddings.

Black

Black is commonly worn as a sign of respect to lost loved ones in many religions, so black should be avoided at a happy occasions like weddings. Also if you’re attending a Hindu wedding, black is considered unlucky so it’s best to avoid it.

Red

Although we love a bright red it should be avoided, as intraditional Chinese and Indian weddings, red is reserved for the bride. Known for bringing good luck, happiness and prosperity, it’s best to leave this colour to the happy couple.

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What Colours Should You Not Wear To A Wedding (2024)

FAQs

What colors shouldn't you wear to a wedding? ›

Don't wear white.

Swann says that lighter colors tend to photograph white, and knowing how your look will photograph is just a general thing to be aware of, BTW. Avoiding white should be a no-brainer, but it still bears saying—unless the bride has specifically requested that guests wear it.

What's the best color to wear to a wedding? ›

If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate. For a more glamorous look, pastels such as lavender, light pink, or pale blue will add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

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.

How to tell wedding guests what color not to wear? ›

Be Clear and Concise

If you want them to stay within a certain color palette, be sure to list out the acceptable colors and even provide a picture of them! If you want them to avoid certain colors, for example, the bridal colors, so guests don't end up looking like accidental bridesmaids, be clear about that as well.

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.

Why shouldn't you wear black to a wedding? ›

In some cultures, black is less common for weddings. "Certain cultures, such as Indian and Chinese cultures, tend to stay away from black because it represents being in mourning. You want to take an extra thought if you are attending a more traditional wedding to be respectful," says Avrumson.

What color is good luck for wedding? ›

Red is the most favored color as it is thought to ward off evil, bring happiness, and bring good luck. You'll find the colors red and gold all over at Chinese weddings.

What is the most beautiful color for a wedding? ›

For a regal wedding palette, consider an emerald green, white, and gold color combo. The emerald shade lends a royal feel that can be elevated with velvet tablecloths and gold metallic accents. This color palette also works great for rustic weddings. The hues will pop in wedding venues like barns and farmhouses.

What should a 60 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›

Fit-and-flare Wedding Guest Dresses For Women Over 60

Fit-and-flare dresses whether knee-length or longer are chic and flattering. It has a defined waistline and fits closer to the body but is not too tight which makes it uncomfortable. This forgiving silhouette fits every body type.

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.

Should you not wear the wedding colors to a wedding? ›

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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