Can you dress in white to a wedding? Even now, guests still struggle with this typical wedding etiquette query. And even though every wedding is unique, some rules never change. So, is it ever acceptable to wear white to a wedding? We sought the advice of industry professionals to help us navigate this complex subject.
Can You Wear White to a Wedding?
The wearing of white to a wedding is generally considered inappropriate. “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. “Avoid wearing anything with a strong white, cream, or ivory color theme.”
“That color is reserved for the bride to wear at the wedding,” adds Anthony Navarro, Liven It Up Events’ creative director “You shouldn’t wear white is an unspoken rule.”
Some couples may request that everyone attend a themed party wearing white. On the wedding invitation and the couple’s wedding website, such requests will be made clear. It’s best to stay away from wearing an outfit that is white or even has a white pattern unless all-white attire is specifically required for the wedding day.
How Much White Can You Wear to a Wedding?
Use your judgment as necessary; some attire with a faint white pattern might be suitable for visitors. “As long as the outfit incorporates a colorful pattern or white only as a small accent color, you can wear it,” says Director of Creative Services and President of Anne Barge, Shawne Jacobs. Consider it like this: If you’re unsure whether an outfit looks a little too white, it probably does. By providing carefully curated collections of wedding guest attire, some well-known retailers (including Anthropologie, Show Me Your Mumu, and Lulus) eliminate the guesswork involved in shopping. These lists will help you find wedding-appropriate attire that doesn’t violate customary guest protocol. Alternatively, if you don’t want to spend money on an outfit, shops like Rent the Runway and The Black Tux sell clothes that you can borrow for a short while before returning.
Ask a few friends their opinions on the color before you spend money on a new wedding outfit. (Bonus points if they are married or engaged because they have experience being on the other side. You’ve got a winner if nobody else appears to have any reservations about it. But if you’re still undecided, we’d advise you to look elsewhere. “Some white-based prints can be suitable to wear as a guest at a wedding,” advises Jacobs. “But out of respect for the bride, I would unquestionably err on the side of caution.”
Who Can Wear White to a Wedding?
So, when is it appropriate to wear white to a wedding? It depends on the dress code, as was already mentioned, but your part in the wedding may also be important. We list everyone who is allowed to dress in white for a wedding.
The Couple
The obvious is being stated, yes. You two set the tone. If that’s what you want, then you have the right to be the only ones wearing dazzling white numbers.
Nevertheless, many couples are opting for a white-clad wedding party or asking their parents to wear something that matches their outfits. Or perhaps you don’t even care if your guests are wearing white, especially if you aren’t (we are, incidentally, obsessed with non-white wedding dresses). If that describes you, let guests know in advance on your wedding website that you’re cool with anyone wearing icy colors; it could prevent someone from having to purchase a new outfit.
The Wedding Party
An all-white wedding party always appears stylish and put together. You’re good to go if the couple planning the wedding asks you to be a bridesmaid or groomsman and wants you to wear a creamy color. If you are permitted to choose your own dress from a white color scheme, it is best to run your top choices by the copule before making a purchase. You won’t look inappropriate on the wedding day if you do it that way.
However, if someone defies your dress code and shows up in all-white, try to maintain your composure. Do your best to ignore it because, hopefully, it wasn’t done to irritate you. It will be very difficult to detract attention from the happy couple in any case.
Wearing White to a Wedding: a Note on Styling
If you’re wearing white to a wedding, it’s important not to echo bridal styling with your accessories, so headpieces and veils are out of the question (unless, of course, the dress code requires a headpiece, in which, a traditional hat would be best!) Your outfit will be less bridal with the addition of a vibrant bag, shoe, and piece of jewelry.
Wearing White to a Wedding: What If the Bride Says It’s OK?
We don’t recommend asking the bride about wearing white to her wedding, because if she’s not It will be very difficult for her to say that she is fine with it. Additionally, this implies that you’ll never be completely certain that she’s being completely honest with you. We believe that the best course of action, if you’re so undecided about wearing white that you’re dying to ask the bride’s opinion, is to simply choose another outfit.
Which Guests Are Allowed to Wear White?
What then constitutes appropriate wedding attire in white? In addition to the dress code, your role in the wedding might also matter. Who may dress in white at a wedding? We break it down:
The Couple
It’s been said what everyone already knew. The relationship’s pace is set by you two. Wear all white if you prefer to stand out from the crowd rather than blend in. Some couples, on the other hand, decide to have their parents wear complementary colors or to have their wedding party wear all-white attire. Given that you aren’t wearing white yourself (and, btw, we are smitten with non-white wedding dresses), you might not give a damn if your guests wear white. Put a note on your wedding website letting guests know they are welcome to bring their favorite pair of polarized sunglasses.
Ceremony and Reception
The bridal party will all be dressed in white to look sophisticated and put together. If the bride and groom want you to wear a light color to their wedding, you’re good to go. It’s probably a good idea to run your top options by the happy couple first if you’re given some leeway in choosing a white gown for the wedding. Thus, you can be sure that on the big day, your wardrobe choices won’t result in any embarrassing faux pas.
Is White Acceptable at a Wedding? is There a Crucial Exception?
The one and only time that this is not the case is if the wedding will be a very formal occasion, such as if the ceremony will take place at a registry office and the wedding will be held in a city. You should be cautious if you’re thinking of wearing one because the bride will probably also be wearing a short white dress. We advise against wearing white if the wedding is not particularly formal (you can tell this from the invitation, the location, and the dress code, if there is).
Guidelines for Styling White at a Wedding
If you’re planning on wearing only white to the wedding, avoid accessories that are associated with bridal fashion, such as veils and headpieces (unless, of course, the dress code specifies a headpiece, in which case a traditional hat is the way to go). By adding colorful accessories, such as a bright necklace, purse, or shoes, you can make your outfit appear less formal.
And If the Bride Gives Her Blessing, is It Ok to Wear White at the Wedding?
The bride might find it difficult to express her displeasure if she doesn’t feel comfortable having guests wear white to the wedding. This means that you can never be certain that she is speaking to you honestly. By wearing a different color, we believe it’s preferable to avoid upsetting the bride by expressing your uncertainty about wearing white. However, you should try to keep your cool if someone disrespects your dress code and shows up in all white. It’s best not to let it bother you too much because it probably wasn’t done on purpose. To draw attention away from the newlyweds will be very challenging.
Conclusion
Can you attend a wedding wearing a white dress? In a nutshell, yes, but can you go to a wedding wearing a white, bridal dress? A white dress is acceptable in our eyes, but a wedding gown or anything that might be mistaken for a wedding gown is categorically unacceptable. We have developed a simple method for figuring out whether your dress has a bridal look to it because this is an extremely important distinction to make.
FAQs
Can You Wear a White and Blue Dress to a Wedding
Except for black and white, you can wear any color. The objective of the guest should be to blend in with the surroundings and let the bride steal the show. You shouldn’t dress in a way that could be interpreted as unprofessional or offensive as her guest. The majority of primary colors are good options as well as pastels, jewel tones, and earth tones.
Can You Wear Black to a Wedding
It is acceptable to wear black to a wedding. Black has gradually lost its stigma as a color that belongs only at funerals and other somber occasions. Always check the wedding dress code to see if it prohibits it.
Can You Wear a Patterned White Dress to Wedding
It’s best to refrain from donning an outfit that is white or even has a white pattern on the wedding day unless all-white attire is expressly required.
