What Colors Not to Wear to a Wedding?
14 May 2024
Perhaps you are interested in knowing what outfits and what colors you can or are accepted to wear to a wedding and in what clothes it is undesirable to attend such ceremonies? Usually, the wedding dress code is written on the invitation. But if the newlyweds decide not to limit the number of guests, it does not mean that you can wear a dress of any color. There are unspoken rules in regarding what colors guests are undesirable to appear at the wedding. In principle, any color will be acceptable, but in this case, if you follow a few simple rules. Impeccable wedding guest etiquette requires that you follow the color of the bride's outfit. Ultimately, much depends precisely on the preferences of the bride herself, as she is the one who will dictate what the guests at her celebration should be wearing. If you are in doubt about what outfit and in what color would be suitable for a particular wedding, then ask the bride about it. SHE TELLS YOU IN WHAT COLORS AND WHY.
If you have been called to the wedding and you are in search of a suitable outfit, note that several taboo shades should be strictly avoided on the big day. Remember that your task as a guest of the celebration is to guide the couple into a new chapter of life, so the last thing you want to do is spoil the celebration by being mistaken for the bride, bridesmaid or a person who has just come out of the office or from a nightclub. All of these are unlikely to contribute to a perfect celebration. Be sure to exclude the colors and fabrics listed below from potential outfit options for the wedding, lest you break the rules and become the most obnoxious guest. These rules can only be broken if the bride and groom ask you to come in something specific - and then it's best to approve your look so you don't make a slip-up.
If you have been called to the wedding and you are in search of a suitable outfit, note that several taboo shades should be strictly avoided on the big day. Remember that your task as a guest of the celebration is to guide the couple into a new chapter of life, so the last thing you want to do is spoil the celebration by being mistaken for the bride, bridesmaid or a person who has just come out of the office or from a nightclub. All of these are unlikely to contribute to a perfect celebration. Be sure to exclude the colors and fabrics listed below from potential outfit options for the wedding, lest you break the rules and become the most obnoxious guest. These rules can only be broken if the bride and groom ask you to come in something specific - and then it's best to approve your look so you don't make a slip-up.
Colors You Can't Wear to a Wedding
White and ivory
Can't wait to wear that spectacular white dress you recently bought? Don't do it. The most obvious color that may end up on the banned list. Most brides still opt for a traditional white wedding dress or close shades of it. This is a reason that we think everyone has already guessed - a bright white outfit will effectively distinguish the bride from all present. Do not choose a similar color and attract attention that should go to the bride. Some guests forget or, even worse, ignore this rule, but the main prohibition is to come to someone else's wedding in white. After all, there can't be two brides that evening. And even if your outfit is not entirely white, it will draw attention away from the wedding dress.
White is traditionally the color of the bride. No one has the moral right to appear at the wedding in white or any color close to it (milk, ivory, the color of the thigh of a frightened nymph). This is not just bad taste. The bride can see such a gesture as an insult. Even if the bride has chosen an alternative color solution to her outfit, white is taboo for guests. If only because the photographer may confuse you with the culprit of the celebration. At the party after the registration of marriage, the bride can change the outfit to a lighter and more direct - from a different fabric, with a print or, for example, replace the dress with a jumpsuit, so the chances of error are even higher. Of course, there are always possible exceptions, so if - and only in this case it is possible - the bride called the guests to be dressed in white, pick up a light-colored outfit, but otherwise never wear anything in white on other people's special day. The dress code rules strictly forbid it.
Champagne, beige and other light colors
Some guests think that light colors are ideal for a wedding ceremony. But this is not entirely accurate. Among them, some shades can also be used in the wedding dress. From such shades, it is better to refuse immediately so that you are not misunderstood. Moreover, you should not even choose patterns of such colors - lace, embroidery, stripes, polka dots and so on. It is clear that before the wedding, the bride in a wedding dress can see only close friends. If you are not among them, you need to think through all the options in which dress will appear for the bride. Champagne and gold are also included in the list of colors under the ban. Judging by the latest shows, these colors are becoming a trend in wedding fashion. Therefore, it is better to ignore them when composing your image. Stay away from other shades of white - eggshell color, beige, champagne color, cream or any other very light color that can be mistaken for white. After all, in a certain light, they can all look lighter than they really are, and a guest in such an outfit could be mistaken for the bride, which could spell trouble. There are plenty of wedding dresses for guests of different colors, styles, silhouettes and sizes, and refraining from a light range is not such a difficult task.
Shades of bridesmaid dress
Try to do your due diligence and find out what your bridesmaids are planning to wear. This is important so that you don't end up in the same color scheme and confuse the organizers and other guests as they try to figure out who's who. After all, the last thing you want is to be accidentally mistaken for a maid of honour or family member, and then you have to justify yourself later by explaining who you are not. Either ask the couple or check with the organizers to find out what tones the wedding should be in and what the bridesmaids will be wearing.
Black and almost black
Black is the color of mourning. By wearing a black dress to someone's wedding, you kind of show your displeasure with the union. And no colored accents, jewelry and accessories will not draw out your image. Except make it chic but still mournful. More and more often, at weddings, guests are dressed in black, but it is acceptable only if the couple has prescribed it in the dress code of the event. Traditionally, black is perceived as a gloomy color, so it is better to avoid it, as well as dark blue, dark green and other shades that can look like black in certain lighting. Favor something truly festive.
Red
Red is as bright as possible. By choosing a dress of red, you sign your audacity and desire to outshine the bride by any available means. Even if you had it in your mind, it was not. The fact is that the red color is perceived by the human eye in the first place. Then everything else. We have it almost at the genetic level. That is why the creators of advertising banners and logos often use red. It attracts attention like no other color. And this is what you should avoid if you are a guest at a wedding.
Pastel color
Want to come in a soft blue or pastel beige dress? Even here, there is a catch if the wedding takes place in sunny weather. The thing is that in bright natural light in photos, pastel colors can seem white or close to shades. It turns out that if you do decide to come in a pastel-colored dress, choose more saturated options so that the wedding photos will please both you and the bride.
Can't wait to wear that spectacular white dress you recently bought? Don't do it. The most obvious color that may end up on the banned list. Most brides still opt for a traditional white wedding dress or close shades of it. This is a reason that we think everyone has already guessed - a bright white outfit will effectively distinguish the bride from all present. Do not choose a similar color and attract attention that should go to the bride. Some guests forget or, even worse, ignore this rule, but the main prohibition is to come to someone else's wedding in white. After all, there can't be two brides that evening. And even if your outfit is not entirely white, it will draw attention away from the wedding dress.
White is traditionally the color of the bride. No one has the moral right to appear at the wedding in white or any color close to it (milk, ivory, the color of the thigh of a frightened nymph). This is not just bad taste. The bride can see such a gesture as an insult. Even if the bride has chosen an alternative color solution to her outfit, white is taboo for guests. If only because the photographer may confuse you with the culprit of the celebration. At the party after the registration of marriage, the bride can change the outfit to a lighter and more direct - from a different fabric, with a print or, for example, replace the dress with a jumpsuit, so the chances of error are even higher. Of course, there are always possible exceptions, so if - and only in this case it is possible - the bride called the guests to be dressed in white, pick up a light-colored outfit, but otherwise never wear anything in white on other people's special day. The dress code rules strictly forbid it.
Champagne, beige and other light colors
Some guests think that light colors are ideal for a wedding ceremony. But this is not entirely accurate. Among them, some shades can also be used in the wedding dress. From such shades, it is better to refuse immediately so that you are not misunderstood. Moreover, you should not even choose patterns of such colors - lace, embroidery, stripes, polka dots and so on. It is clear that before the wedding, the bride in a wedding dress can see only close friends. If you are not among them, you need to think through all the options in which dress will appear for the bride. Champagne and gold are also included in the list of colors under the ban. Judging by the latest shows, these colors are becoming a trend in wedding fashion. Therefore, it is better to ignore them when composing your image. Stay away from other shades of white - eggshell color, beige, champagne color, cream or any other very light color that can be mistaken for white. After all, in a certain light, they can all look lighter than they really are, and a guest in such an outfit could be mistaken for the bride, which could spell trouble. There are plenty of wedding dresses for guests of different colors, styles, silhouettes and sizes, and refraining from a light range is not such a difficult task.
Shades of bridesmaid dress
Try to do your due diligence and find out what your bridesmaids are planning to wear. This is important so that you don't end up in the same color scheme and confuse the organizers and other guests as they try to figure out who's who. After all, the last thing you want is to be accidentally mistaken for a maid of honour or family member, and then you have to justify yourself later by explaining who you are not. Either ask the couple or check with the organizers to find out what tones the wedding should be in and what the bridesmaids will be wearing.
Black and almost black
Black is the color of mourning. By wearing a black dress to someone's wedding, you kind of show your displeasure with the union. And no colored accents, jewelry and accessories will not draw out your image. Except make it chic but still mournful. More and more often, at weddings, guests are dressed in black, but it is acceptable only if the couple has prescribed it in the dress code of the event. Traditionally, black is perceived as a gloomy color, so it is better to avoid it, as well as dark blue, dark green and other shades that can look like black in certain lighting. Favor something truly festive.
Red
Red is as bright as possible. By choosing a dress of red, you sign your audacity and desire to outshine the bride by any available means. Even if you had it in your mind, it was not. The fact is that the red color is perceived by the human eye in the first place. Then everything else. We have it almost at the genetic level. That is why the creators of advertising banners and logos often use red. It attracts attention like no other color. And this is what you should avoid if you are a guest at a wedding.
Pastel color
Want to come in a soft blue or pastel beige dress? Even here, there is a catch if the wedding takes place in sunny weather. The thing is that in bright natural light in photos, pastel colors can seem white or close to shades. It turns out that if you do decide to come in a pastel-colored dress, choose more saturated options so that the wedding photos will please both you and the bride.
What Are the Best Colors for a Wedding Guest Dress?
If you decide to organize the celebration in a certain color, then ask the guests to choose outfits for themselves in your chosen palette. Just do not suggest that guests wear outfits in the main color of the celebration: a monochrome wedding, no matter how amazing the chosen color, will not be able to make the proper impression, because the guests will merge with the wedding decor.
Saturated and bright colors - yes. Why not color the celebration and the mood? A juicy image for the wedding for the guest is better complemented with laconic accessories. A classic shade of a man's suit "beat" with a bright tie, bowtie or shirt of the original shade.
Saturated and bright colors - yes. Why not color the celebration and the mood? A juicy image for the wedding for the guest is better complemented with laconic accessories. A classic shade of a man's suit "beat" with a bright tie, bowtie or shirt of the original shade.
Tips for Picking the Perfect, Colorful Wedding Guest Outfit
Right color. Leopard and tiger colors are not the best choices if you need a stylish dress for a wedding as a guest. Animal prints will not be very appropriate at the celebration; they are too bright and strongly attract attention. The best choice is something monochrome, with a play of textures, sequins, and rhinestones, or an unobtrusive abstract floral print. Check, stripe; flowers are always "please." If you really want to add a predatory accent to the image, let it be a piece of jewelry, a scarf, a clutch, or shoes.
Style appropriateness. Ask the bride what style of wedding she chose and whether there will be a set theme. From this and start from that. So, Provence will suit natural shades, simple shapes, and lace models for a party on the beach in the sea style, better-fit beach outfits, etc.
Modesty. Wedding - a very tender and touching holiday, so it is better to refuse excessively bold outfits. And besides, even at the most modern parties, guests are entertaining contests, in which it will be inconvenient to participate in the presence of a deep neckline or too short a dress.
Fabric in season. Dress for a wedding for guests in the summer should be made of light, breathable fabric that is wonderfully suitable for this mikado, chiffon, and silk. For the cold season, there are good crepe, jacquard, taffeta, and velvet. Lace, satin, and organza are universal and suitable for any weather.
Style appropriateness. Ask the bride what style of wedding she chose and whether there will be a set theme. From this and start from that. So, Provence will suit natural shades, simple shapes, and lace models for a party on the beach in the sea style, better-fit beach outfits, etc.
Modesty. Wedding - a very tender and touching holiday, so it is better to refuse excessively bold outfits. And besides, even at the most modern parties, guests are entertaining contests, in which it will be inconvenient to participate in the presence of a deep neckline or too short a dress.
Fabric in season. Dress for a wedding for guests in the summer should be made of light, breathable fabric that is wonderfully suitable for this mikado, chiffon, and silk. For the cold season, there are good crepe, jacquard, taffeta, and velvet. Lace, satin, and organza are universal and suitable for any weather.