What Colors Are Okay to Wear to Weddings? | LoveToKnow (2023)

What Colors Are Okay to Wear to Weddings? | LoveToKnow (1)

Appropriate colors to wear to a wedding include colors that will allow you to blend in with everyone else. This is the bride's day; bright colors or patterns that draw attention to you are among colors not to wear to a wedding. Of course, avoid wearing white unless it's specifically requested by the couple.

Best Colors to Wear to a Wedding

If the bride has no preference, then any color of the rainbow is appropriate for weddings, as long as you consider the event carefully. Even white is acceptable if the bride specifically asks the guests to comply. If the bride doesn't specifically say what guests should wear, there are a few things you can consider to help you choose. The formality, location, and seasonal weather will all be key factors in determining your best outfit.

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Formal Wedding Attire Colors

Formal wedding invitations indicate that the bride prefers traditional wedding guest outfits, but do not assume that a casual or trendy invitation means that you can wear jeans to the wedding. The time of day will indicate what type of formal attire is appropriate. Women should wear a pants suit or knee-length dress for formal weddings scheduled before 6:00 p.m.

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(Video) Colors to Avoid Wearing as a Wedding Guest

How to Select Colors

You may choose to wear any color except black or white. The guest's goal should be to blend in with the surroundings and let the bride shine. As her guest, you should avoid attire that could be considered informal or in bad taste. Pastels, jewel tones and earth tones are excellent choices, as are most primary colors.

Evening Hues

A wedding after 6:00 p.m. dictates a more formal evening atmosphere where long gowns are appropriate, in jewel tones, navy, or even metallic gold or silver. You can wear black to the wedding because guests of this type of wedding are expected to glam it up for the event. Men should wear suits and ties during the day and a black or dark navy blue tuxedo at night.

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Informal Wedding Clothing Choices

An informal wedding suggests that the bride is okay with a variety of clothing choices.

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(Video) Wedding Dress Colors - What Color Wedding Dress Should You Wear?

Women

Generally, a woman should wear feminine clothing that is neat in appearance. A cocktail dress or business suit in various shades is a perfect choice for informal weddings. Black should be avoided in favor of neutral tones and solid colors. Prints can be worn if they won't cause a distraction; a garish yellow, fuchsia and orange dress is usually inappropriate.

Men

Male guests should wear a nice dress shirt and slacks paired with a sports jacket, in matching colors like brown and beige. A black suit and modest tie are acceptable if the wedding is after 6:00 p.m.

Seasonal and Destination Weddings

The time of year will also dictate what should be worn to a wedding. While color choice is still important, certain locations and seasons change the rules.

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(Video) What Colors Can't You Wear to Weddings? : Wedding Dresses & Attire

Cold Weather Colors

For chilly outdoor weddings, guests should choose clothing appropriate for the weather. A nice dress paired with a shawl or sweater and low heels is acceptable in these cases. Your goal is to minimize the chances of fighting with Mother Nature, so avoid fabrics that can be caught in the wind and heels that may cause you to fall on icy patches. However, if it's not windy, feel free to don a longer dress for warmth, especially if it's a formal wedding. Men should wear a cleanly pressed dress shirt and slacks during the day, paired with a blazer or sport coat for evening weddings. Jewel tones and darker colors, like emerald, plum, burgundy, deep red, and dark blue, are good choices for cold-weather wedding attire.

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Warm Weather Options

Beach weddings or other tropical themed weddings require the guests to dress accordingly. For these occasions, consider breezy attire for women and a silk shirt and khakis for men. Bright colors, like fuchsia and lime green, are more acceptable at beach weddings or outdoor summer weddings than more formal indoor events. Wear red to a wedding, if it suits you, but do make sure the style of the dress is appropriate.

What Colors Are Okay to Wear to Weddings? | LoveToKnow (7)
(Video) Asking Wedding Guests to Wear Certain Colors

Colors You Can't Wear to a Wedding

Brides often state they want their guests to be comfortable. However, the rule is that you're allowed comfort as long as it doesn't make others uncomfortable. Knowing what colors not to wear to a wedding is just as important as knowing what is appropriate to wear to a wedding. Clothing in sheer fabrics and lighter colors can often create a fashion faux pas at a wedding. Err on the side of formality and subtlety when in doubt.

  • White
  • Off white or ivory
  • All Black
  • All Red
  • Gold
  • Overly sparkly or heavily metallic
  • Bridesmaid dress color
  • Mother of the bride or groom dress color

Avoid colors that resemble or coordinate with the wedding colors unless you are told otherwise. Also, remember to avoid white unless you are specifically asked to don that color by the bride and groom. More traditional couples may also have an aversion to black, so check with someone close to the couple before choosing an all-black ensemble for an afternoon wedding.

Classic Attire and Colors

If you are ever in doubt about what colors are okay to wear to weddings, choose conservative, classic attire. A simple dress for women and a dark suit and tie for men are almost always fashionable. Once you have carefully and thoughtfully selected your clothing for the wedding, relax. The bride and groom will be happy that you came to share in their special day.

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FAQs

What Colors Are Okay to Wear to Weddings? | LoveToKnow? ›

You may choose to wear any color except black or white. The guest's goal should be to blend in with the surroundings and let the bride shine. As her guest, you should avoid attire that could be considered informal or in bad taste. Pastels, jewel tones and earth tones are excellent choices, as are most primary colors.

What colors should not be worn to a wedding? ›

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 should a female guest wear to a wedding? ›

Semi-formal might be the most common wedding dress code. Think date night at the nicest restaurant in your town. Men should definitely wear slacks and a dress shirt but they can choose if they'd like to wear a tie and sport jacket or not. Women should wear a nice dress, skirt, or pants.

Is it OK for wedding guest to wear wedding colors? ›

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.

Is it OK to wear red to a wedding? ›

As a result, it is largely no longer considered a faux pas to wear red to most Western and secular weddings.

Is it OK to wear solid color to wedding? ›

You may choose to wear any color except black or white. The guest's goal should be to blend in with the surroundings and let the bride shine. As her guest, you should avoid attire that could be considered informal or in bad taste. Pastels, jewel tones and earth tones are excellent choices, as are most primary colors.

What should I avoid wearing to a wedding? ›

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire; jeans, T-Shirts, shorts, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.

Can a female guest wear black to a wedding? ›

Generally, wearing black to a wedding is appropriate. "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.

What do you wear to a 5pm wedding? ›

Evening weddings (5pm and later) are generally formal attire, however the invite should say formal or black tie attire.

Can a female guest wear pants to a wedding? ›

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 you wear navy to a wedding? ›

Navy is a classic neutral that you can rely on for all dress codes and types of wedding attire. This shade pairs particularly well with evening celebrations as well as black tie, formal and semi-formal nuptials.

Can I wear pink to a wedding? ›

Is pink appropriate for a wedding?” There's no rule here, but it depends on the shade of pink. While dark pinks and light reds are appropriate, blush and other shades of light pink have a chance of looking too similar to the bridesmaids, or getting washed out and looking white in photos.

How do you tell guests what color to wear? ›

If you're going to request a certain dress code or color from your guests, be upfront about this from the beginning. That means notifying them of this on the invitation or even the save the date. This gives guests time to find an appropriate outfit or bow out if they're not able to follow it.

Is red too bright for a wedding? ›

To answer the main question of the article, yes you can wear red to a wedding in most circumstances. However, in some situations you may want to check with the marrying couple that red is acceptable to wear as a guest and it won't go against their culture or distract from their big day.

Can you wear floral white to a wedding? ›

"According to the Emily Post Institute, it's acceptable to wear white, as long as it doesn't 'distract from the bride or her attendant's dresses.

What does the color red mean in wedding? ›

Red: The colour of strength, health, and vitality. Red can also be symbolic of an increased enthusiasm or interest, confidence to pursue your dreams, and can symbolise power and passion.

Can I wear floral to a wedding? ›

Can I wear a floral pattern to a wedding? Yes! A floral print outfit is an appropriate and stylish choice for all seasons and types of weddings.

Is it OK to wear a dress to a wedding that is the same color as the bridesmaids? ›

Lizzie Post, host of the podcast Awesome Etiquette from the Emily Post Institute, says that no guest should ever feel embarrassed if they happen to wear the same color as the bridesmaids, but they can ask in advance what the colors will be if they're concerned about it.

Is it OK to wear sparkly shoes to a wedding? ›

For brides and wedding guests that ask “can I wear sparkly shoes to a wedding” wonder no more. Yes! Sparkling shoes often add interest, joy and energy to an ensemble, all of which are great attributes for weddings.

What is inappropriate to wear as a wedding guest? ›

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 it OK to wear a long dress to a wedding? ›

For a more formal wedding, it is typically expected that female guests wear a long dress. But instead of breaking out the gown you wore to prom, try wearing a more appropriate evening gown. If the wedding is during the day, a pretty maxi dress should do the trick.

Can you wear normal clothes to a wedding? ›

Umm, yes of course you can, there is nothing you cannot wear. You can also choose coordinated tops and skirts, if you want the closest look to an evening dress.

Is wearing all black to a wedding OK? ›

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.

Is it OK to wear a black dress to a summer wedding? ›

Black Clothing is the Key to Effortless Chic

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.

Can you wear a short dress to a wedding? ›

Is it inappropriate to wear a mini dress to a wedding? Definitely not! Mini dresses are appropriate for casual, cocktail, and semi-formal weddings. However, for a black tie, white tie, or formal dress code, skip the mini and instead opt for a floor-length gown.

What does a woman wear to a 5 00 wedding? ›

A morning wedding typically calls for casual dress, while a ceremony after 5 p.m. generally calls for formal attire.

What is the standard dress code for a wedding? ›

"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.

Is a 3pm wedding formal? ›

If the event is not for a beach wedding, but some hours after lunchtime, the typical dress-code of an afternoon wedding is semi-formal. Consequently, it calls for cocktail dresses, LBDs or modest party dresses. If the invitation asks for formal attire, go for a cocktail dress or a dressy LBD.

Can you wear a skirt and blouse to a wedding as a guest? ›

It's all about mixing and matching to get the perfect outfit for the special day. Whether you're the blushing bride or an ecstatic guest, long skirts and blouses will definitely be memorable wedding looks that're one for the books!

Can I wear a blouse and pants to a wedding? ›

Totally fine! Just make sure they're dressy enough for the nuptials. Start with tailored trousers and a polished blouse, or make things easy for yourself by grabbing a matching blazer. Pant suits are a great way to go, or you can coordinate the color of your pants with your top, like this monochrome moment.

Can you wear a flowy dress to a wedding? ›

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.

Should a wedding guest wear a blue or navy suit? ›

Semi-Formal Wedding Attire

When it comes to color, in most cases wedding cocktail attire calls for a charcoal or navy suit, especially for late afternoon and evening weddings. Pair a charcoal or navy suit with a solid white button down shirt, tie or bowtie, and simple black leather shoes.

What color shoes should I wear with a navy blue dress to a wedding? ›

If you're attending a wedding, you'll want to make sure your shoes are dressy enough to match the formality of the occasion. For a navy blue dress, some good choices of shoe colors include silver, gold, black, white, or nude.

Can you wear light blue to a wedding? ›

Light blue is a fantastic color to wear to a wedding. We love a fresh light blue dress for a wedding guest outfit. It also works well for members of the wedding party. We'll show you where to find the season's best light blue dresses for weddings in this post.

How much money do I give at a wedding? ›

They suggest the following breakdown: coworkers or distant relatives should spend 50 to 75 dollars. Friends or relatives, 75 to 100 dollars. For close friends, family, or if you are in the wedding party, you should spend 100 to 150 dollars—or more.

Is fuchsia okay for a wedding? ›

It's considered to be a fun and playful shade, and it'll prove to be the highlight of your wedding palette. Feminine and striking, fuchsia is a great alternative if you're looking for a bright color to punch up a neutral or subdued color palette, too.

Can I wear silver sequins to a wedding? ›

Can I Wear a Sequin Dress to a Wedding? You most definitely can. As long as the dress code is cocktail or formal and the guests are expected to dress up.

What is the most inviting color? ›

Green is warm and inviting, lending customers a pleasing feeling and creating impressions of wealth. It increases open-minded thinking among your customers.

What color makes you stand out in a crowd? ›

Warm and Bright Colors

Oranges and yellows look great on some people, especially with a suntan. They're also loud colors that show confidence. Dig in your closet for anything that is orange, yellow or even brown.

What color is an inviting color? ›

Green is warm and inviting, lending customers a pleasing feeling. Second, it denotes health, environment and goodwill.

What red is best for weddings? ›

If you want a red wine, try pinot noir, Grenache or Sangiovese. Beef: Because beef maintains richer flavors and more marbling, pair it with a stronger wine. Medium-to-bold reds are the winners here, with higher tannins and bodies. Think cabernet sauvignon, merlot, shiraz, zinfandel or red Bordeaux.

Can you wear beige to a wedding? ›

Technically, according to the etiquette of the day, it is acceptable to wear beige to a wedding, even a beige dress or all-beige ensemble. But that doesn't mean it will go over well. Some brides or older members of brides' families still frown upon wearing anything even close to white to someone else's wedding.

Can you wear a white and blue dress to a wedding? ›

Wearing a blue and white dress to a wedding:

Blue and white is such a popular color scheme for weddings! Many couples choose to have their wedding decor in these colors because they are classic and beautiful. If you are wondering if you can wear a blue and white dress to a wedding, the answer is most likely yes!

Is it OK to wear a dress with a white pattern to a wedding? ›

Unless all-white outfits are explicitly required for the wedding day, it's best to avoid wearing an outfit that's white or one that even features a white pattern.

Can I wear white heels to a wedding? ›

White shoes are a great option for many different outfits, but they may not be the best option to wear to another person's wedding. White shoes are not as overwhelming as white outfits, but there are many alternative color options for your shoes that may be better.

Can you wear a white dress with a colored pattern to a wedding? ›

"My rule of thumb usually is, if you have to question if the pattern or print has too much white, I would err on the side of caution and avoid it." Goulding notes that this rule should apply to all wedding events, including bridal showers and rehearsal dinners as well.

What color symbolizes marriage? ›

The 'something blue' part of the wedding tradition stems from the belief that blue represented love, fidelity, and trust. Popular Wedding Colour Combinations: Navy + Cranberry, Pale Blue + Ivory, Light Blue + Yellow, Cerulean + Sage.

What does the color lavender mean at a wedding? ›

Lilac and Lavender

As such, today the wedding color meaning of purple is royalty and nobility, wealth and luxury, power and ambition. Lavender in its natural state is a perennial herb. It is associated with the French countryside in Provence, where it grows prolifically.

Can you wear rose gold to a wedding? ›

Rose gold jewelry is also subtle enough to blend with any wedding color palette and can easily be worn with bright white or blush wedding gowns. No matter your style or budget, we've rounded up 22 pieces of stunning rose gold jewelry to wear on your wedding day, honeymoon, and beyond.

Is it OK to wear pink to a wedding? ›

Is pink appropriate for a wedding?” There's no rule here, but it depends on the shade of pink. While dark pinks and light reds are appropriate, blush and other shades of light pink have a chance of looking too similar to the bridesmaids, or getting washed out and looking white in photos.

Is it okay to wear light colors to a wedding? ›

Sorry pastel-lovers, but basically all ultra-light colours are also off limits when it comes to wedding guest attire. Yes, a pale blue or a muted pink is fine, but if the colour is working its way to white, you should swap it for something else. Unsure if your look is too light? Try snapping a pic of it in the sun.

What colors not to wear to a wedding red? ›

You should avoid white because that color is typically reserved for the bride.

What colors should family wear to a wedding? ›

A good option here would be to ask your family to dress in neutral colors. Tans, whites, blacks, greys. There are so many awesome options in this neutral colors! And they will all look nice and coordinated!

Is black OK to wear to a wedding? ›

"It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings." Ryncarz agrees that it's wise to gauge the attire of the wedding attendants. "When wearing black to a wedding, keep the outfit in line with the dressiness of the bridal party and wedding as a whole," she suggests.

Can you wear pastels to a wedding? ›

Usually pastel hues are considered not only appropriate but encouraged in guest attire, particularly for spring events. However, we've seen one too many wedding guest dresses in barely-there pastel hues that end up looking white or ivory in photos—not cool.

Is it OK to wear beige to a wedding? ›

Technically, according to the etiquette of the day, it is acceptable to wear beige to a wedding, even a beige dress or all-beige ensemble. But that doesn't mean it will go over well. Some brides or older members of brides' families still frown upon wearing anything even close to white to someone else's wedding.

What color nail polish to wear with a red dress? ›

Neutral Colors

These colors include white, cream, beige, brown, navy, and grey nail polish. White nails work well with any red attire if you're wearing black shoes and black accessories. Try Cake Pop.

What do you wear to attend a wedding? ›

Women should wear a formal floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles at the hem of the dress, but if the wedding seems a bit less formal, a sophisticated cocktail dress may also be acceptable. Women may also wear elegant pantsuits. Men must wear a tuxedo.

What is the most elegant color for wedding? ›

What colors can give your wedding an incredible elegant look? The traditional black and white , and gold are foreverclassic, besides, some soft colors like pink, blush, grey and purple are also very popular in elegant weddings.

What colors to wear to a summer wedding? ›

The best summer wedding colors range from shades of orange to pale pink, blue, and green. However, when choosing a summer color palette, you must consider the temperature and color wheel. For instance, warm colors include red, yellow, and orange. Alternatively, cool colors include purple, blue, and green.

What color do parents wear at wedding? ›

The bride's gown is usually in shades like ivory or champagne, so make sure that you don't choose any shade of white. If you want to wear neutral colors, go for off-white, beige, taupe, and grey, as they are a different shade from a traditional bridal gown. Moreover, don't choose the same dress design, either.

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