Getting invited to a wedding is all fun and games until you have to find something to wear. Whether you’re scouring your closet for an outfit or perusing the latest styles online, choosing a wedding guest outfit is not as easy as it seems.
While we can’t help you sort through the dark corners of your closet, we can tell you what is and is not acceptable to wear at a wedding. We’re not here to give you a fashion lesson, but we do want to teach you what colors and styles you should never wear to a wedding.
Two quick disclaimers:
- These aren’t our personal rules — they’re the laws of (United States) etiquette. If you’re attending a wedding in another country, or with friends from a different culture, these rules may not apply.
- While best practice is to avoid these colors, you can get away with wearing them in a pattern. Just make sure the color is not the focal point.
White or Off-White
Let’s start with the most obvious: you should never wear white, or anything close to white, to a wedding. Hopefully this isn’t a surprise! White is reserved for the bride, whether she wears a white wedding dress or not.
We’d also like to add a “mostly white” clause to this rule. If you’re looking at your all-white dress with some purple trim — put it down, that still counts as white. This rule is actually observed in other cultures as well. In Britain, the entire bridal party traditionally wears white to match the bride. Just another reason to never wear it at a wedding!
Also, don’t even think about wearing white to the bridal shower or bachelorette party. Let the bride have her moment and choose another color to wear to any and all wedding-related events. The only exception to this is if you’re invited to a “white party” — then you’re supposed to wear white.
Champagnes and Golds
Gold, champagne, and similar metallic hues have been wedding favorites for a while now, and they don’t show signs of letting up. It’s common to see bridesmaids in gold dresses or skirts, and some brides even opt for a champagne gown. Do your best to avoid this color family just in case. Remember, this is about celebrating the happy couple. The last thing you want to do is compete with them on their special day.
We do, however, condone the use of gold accessories as a guest. Whether you’re wearing a soft pink for a spring wedding or a rich purple for fall, gold accents are the perfect complement! You don’t have to avoid the color completely; just never wear it as a dress.
Black
There are mixed opinions about wearing black to a wedding. Some people think it’s a depressing color and should be reserved for funerals, while others think it’s an elegant option for black-tie or formal weddings.
If it’s an acceptable (albeit controversial) color, then why is it on our list? Because you should never wear black to a spring or summer wedding — here’s why.
Black is a dark color that absorbs light rather than attracts it. If you wear black on a hot summer’s day, you’ll be sweating before the ceremony is even over! It’s also a visually heavy color that complements the rich jewel tones of fall better than spring and summer’s pastel color palette. Stick to light colors for spring and summer celebrations and keep your little black dress ready for fall and winter weddings.
Glitters or Sparkles
This next one’s less of a color and more of a vibe. Avoid anything sparkly or with a lot of embellishment, no matter the color.
What’s so wrong with sequins? The number one rule of wedding attire is to never wear anything that outshines the couple — almost literally, in this case! Keep your attire a little less dramatic than you might typically wear out of respect for the happy couple.
If you do typically wear expressive clothing, you don’t have to compromise yourself, either. Consider something with pattern or texture like florals and feathers. It’s a great way to display your personality without detracting from the main event.
Wedding Colors
Last but not least, avoid wearing the wedding palette. If you’re not in the wedding, the last thing you want to do is match the color scheme — or worse, the bridal party.
Admittedly, this one is a bit tricky if you don’t know what color the bridesmaids will be wearing. The invitations or the couple’s wedding website should give you a clue. Typically, the colors on those invites match the wedding palette, as does the wedding party attire. So if the invitations are all gold and navy blue, you should avoid wearing either color. This will help you prevent any day-of confusion and will help balance out the wedding photos.
Conclusion
It might seem like a lot of rules just to go to a friend’s wedding. But it’s not about the wedding, or the rules; it’s about the couple and making their day as special as possible. And all eyes should be on the newlyweds, not your dress or skirt or tux. For one night, it’s not too much to ask.
Have you been to a wedding where someone committed one of these social faux pas?
