Can you wear black to a wedding? 21 ideas for acceptable wedding guest outfits (2023)

FAQs

Can you wear black to a wedding as a wedding guest? ›

As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," Sabatino affirms. However, you should avoid wearing white unless you are told otherwise. That shade, she says, is reserved exclusively for the bride.

Choose a style that feels comfortable and doesn't steal the limelight from the bride. So, avoid sequins and over-the-top plunging necklines and trains. Style your black dress with pops of color using statement jewelry or a bold hat or fascinator and add extra detail with the perfect pair of shoes.

Some brides might be worried that they can't wear a black wedding dress for their ceremony; that it goes against tradition and wouldn't be accepted. Well, we are here to tell you that you absolutely can wear black wedding dresses! Wedding traditions are evolving and with that, acceptable wedding dress colors.

“How about a black-and-white dress?” We advise against wearing white to weddings, but a printed dress with a hint of white or ivory is definitely approved. A black-and-white dress is a classic choice, as long as the pattern isn't too distracting.

Women are expected to wear a full length gown that is formal and covers their ankles. A formal pantsuit can also be a great option.

When the Attire is Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire. If you're wondering, "Can you wear black to a wedding that has a semi-formal or cocktail attire dress code?" the answer is yes. Especially if the ceremony starts after 5PM, darker colors are encouraged; while lighter colors are appropriate if the ceremony starts later.

What Is Black Tie Attire? Black-tie attire is a dress code reserved for formal evening events. Guests commonly choose floor-length gowns and suits or tuxedos when attending a black-tie event.

Yes, black jumpsuits can be a chic and elegant option for a wedding, especially if the dress code is more relaxed or if the couple is open to guests wearing non-traditional wedding attire. However, it's always best to check with the couple before choosing your outfit to make sure you are in line with their preferences.

Can you wear polka dots to a wedding? ›

Also, stay away from fabrics featuring patterns that are mostly white or ivory—for example, florals, polka dots, or stripes. Anything that could be construed as white or ivory is going to be frowned upon at a wedding.

Yes, you can wear your stunning black gown. It's only logical that you'd think that wearing black to a Catholic wedding would be inappropriate. Wearing black to a wedding was once seen to be a passive-aggressive method of opposing the marriage.

"Guests can absolutely wear black to a wedding," says Shawne Jacobs, President and Creative Director of Anne Barge. "In the past, black was a color typically worn for mourning. However, over the years couples have been more open to breaking the rules and opting for non-traditional, modern wedding dress codes.

Steer clear of off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, cream, or any other super light color that could be mistaken for white. There are so many dress options available in a variety of hues, so steering clear of these shades should not be a major issue.

Absolutely! Wearing a maxi dress to a wedding is a great choice year-round. Be comfortable and fashionable when you spare the gown and wear a maxi-length dress to a wedding. Also known as a tea-length or a full-length dress, a maxi dress is long with a hemline that typically rests at or just below your ankles.

Anything loud and flashy. One of the biggest rules of dressing for a wedding is to never outshine the bride and groom. Avoid sequined ball gowns, sparkly tiaras, sky-high platform heels, or other articles of clothing that will draw attention away from the bride.

Avoid sequined dresses and any clothing that will draw attention away from the bride. A wedding isn't the proper time to make a bold fashion statement. Ditch your everyday jeans and tee. Even if the wedding initiation says “casual”, wearing sneakers, t-shirts, shorts, and jeans are never appropriate for a wedding.

Is a black dress appropriate for a summer wedding? Our resounding answer is yes! When you style black right, you certainly can! A black dress or skirt is effortlessly elegant.

The wedding colours are for the wedding party, not guests

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. The actors, in this case the bridal party, all wear the same colour to identify themselves as being in the cast.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wedding colors. Many couples choose to forgo traditional colors altogether and go with something more unique. Alternatively, if you want to add some color to your wedding, you might ask your guests to wear a certain color.

How do you ask guests not to wear white? ›

There is absolutely nothing you can say or to to ask your guests not to wear white. It doesn't matter if you think it's rude or tacky. You can't control your guests' behavior. In fact, you say, "Unless it's requested by the couple," but that's also not something you get to dictate.

Around the 17th century, Catholic brides in Spain started wearing black silk wedding dresses. But why and what did it mean? Well, it symbolized the bride's lifelong commitment to her husband and devotion until death—they made “'til death do us part” a literal fashion obligation!

The best go-to dress for formal cocktail attire is your fancy black dress. Black and other neutral hues are great choices. Choose a dress that is made from high-quality materials and that isn't too short. Pair your dress with some sleek and sophisticated accessories to complete your look.

If you are attending a cocktail wedding, a black suit may not be appropriate if you're not in the wedding party. On the other hand, a black suit can be safely worn to most other cocktail parties, such as birthday events.

layer. Layering adds interest to any outfit, and it can be an especially easy way to make an all black outfit interesting. Layer on top with cardigans, jackets, scarves, coats, tights, and boots (on top of pants, tights, with skirts and dresses).

Often, black is perceived as a sleek and flattering color that not only minimizes the effort involved in selecting outfits, but, also minimizes the perception of the mass of the body.

The spring/summer 2023 collections were rife with fresh and exciting hues, from icy pastels to ballet pink and aquamarine, to try this year, but the most dominant (and perhaps most surprising) is also the most versatile and wearable color of them all—black.

A black or dark-colored tie is always a safe choice when wearing a black suit. If you want to dress up your outfit but still make it look casual, wearing a printed tie is the best way to do that.

Wearing black to a wedding is completely fine. Black is such a popular colour to wear in general, there is no reason to think that wearing black to a non-religious or non-cultural wedding would be frowned upon.

Yes, of course, you can! Whether a man or woman, you should feel free to wear pants or jumpsuits to a wedding as a guest. Just be sure to avoid anything too casual, like denim or athleisure wear. And make sure your outfit is still appropriate for the formality of the wedding.

Can I wear a black jumpsuit to a formal event? ›

Jumpsuits Can Be Worn to Formal Occasions

Think of a black or white formal jumpsuit.

Steer Clear of Anything Too Casual

Even if a wedding is casual and relaxed, still dress with respect. No flip, flops, shorts, or jeans should be on your list of options to wear. Instead, ladies find a casual dress, and men wear a nice pair of this with a relaxed shirt.

Wedding guests should avoid wearing diamond or clear-colored gemstone jewelry in honor of the bride on her special day (wedding or engagement rings are fine). Instead, go for colorful jewelry that complements the wedding colors and feels joyous and fun.

Women should wear a formal floor-length evening gown, no exceptions. Pair your dress with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch. Men are required to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, white vest and bow tie, white or gray gloves, and formal footwear, such as derby shoes or oxfords.

This is also done 40 days after the funeral (representing Jesus ascending to heaven), and one year later to conclude the mourning period. Mourners wear only black until the 40 day mark and typically do not dance or celebrate any major events for one year.

There are no formal rules about what you may or may not wear to Mass.

“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.”

Be Careful About Cultural Weddings

In some cultures—Hindu, for example—it's traditionally unlucky to wear black on the big day.

Although it's non-traditional, some brides wear dark colors on their big day, and attendants are often in black attire for more formal weddings. It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings.

What Colours should not be worn together? ›

Animal Print

Just say no to the leopard, zebra, and giraffe print. (Seriously, I've seen it.) I'm not saying you need to dress as Plain Jane, but in-your-face animal prints are likely to draw attention to you, meaning you're taking attention away from the bride.

Can you wear flats to a formal wedding? Yes! You absolutely can! This is where you can pick flats that are beautifully enhanced with lace, ribbons, bows, pearls, and rhinestones.

A midi dress is classy enough for any formal event but still casual enough to wear all day and to different events and date night. It's much easier to dance in than a long or short dress. It's also easier to walk around and dance at receptions, which is perfect when you want to keep dancing all night!

The two best shoe options with a wedding guest maxi dress are pumps and strappy heels! Nude heels are great for Spring and Summer weddings and darker colors are the best for Fall and Winter weddings. These are my go-to strappy sandals!

Whoever thinks black isn't a wedding color is sadly mistaken. Black, when included with a stunning neutral palette, can act as a pop of color, or the This dark and modern neutral palette wedding inspiration shoot styled by Julia Luckett Photography features black as the accent color.

You don't want to come off as impolite to the bride! Don't wear white or black. These colors are often worn at Chinese funerals, and signify death and mourning. It's considered bad luck, so it's best to stay away from wearing these colors.

Black is generally appropriate for conservative or traditional weddings, too, just bear in mind the point we made at the beginning of this feature - a non-black dress is always the safer option (unless it's white, of course!).

Steer clear of off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, cream, or any other super light color that could be mistaken for white. There are so many dress options available in a variety of hues, so steering clear of these shades should not be a major issue.

What color goes best with black for a wedding? ›

Since black is a timeless color, it's also a perfect choice for a glamorous or vintage-inspired wedding. For a Great Gatsby-inspired wedding theme, pair black with metallic colors, like gold and silver, to create a glitzy vibe.

What Is Black Tie Attire? Black-tie attire is a dress code reserved for formal evening events. Guests commonly choose floor-length gowns and suits or tuxedos when attending a black-tie event.

In terms of metal, both silver and gold jewellery go perfectly with a black dress.

THE ETIQUETTE

She offers these guidelines to wedding-goers wherever they might be: A distant relative or co-worker should give $75-$100; a friend or relative, $100-$125; a closer relative, up to $150. If you are wealthy, are you expected to inflate the gift? No, Cooper says.

However, some cultures dislike guests wearing certain colors like black, white, or red. For example, some Arabic cultures (similar to many Western cultures) believe only the bride should wear white. Others discourage wearing dark colors, as these are reserved for funerals and would be inappropriate for the occasion.

Why was red traditionally inappropriate for wedding guest attire? “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.