Weddings are special occasions that require guests to dress in a certain way. Whether it’s a formal or a casual wedding, dressing appropriately is essential to show respect for the couple and their big day. However, one question that often arises when it comes to wedding attire is whether it’s okay to wear an outfit with white in it. In this blog post, we’ll explore this topic and provide some insights into what is considered appropriate wedding attire.
Why white is a controversial color to wear to a wedding
Wearing white to a wedding has always been a controversial topic. While some people believe that it’s perfectly okay to wear an outfit with white in it, others disagree. The reason for this is that white is traditionally associated with the bride, and it’s often seen as a symbol of purity and innocence. When guests wear white to a wedding, they risk upstaging the bride and taking away from her special day.
What etiquette says about wearing white to a wedding
When it comes to wearing white to a wedding, the general rule of thumb is to avoid it. According to wedding etiquette, guests should not wear an outfit that is primarily white or predominantly white. This includes dresses, suits, and any other clothing items that have a significant amount of white in them. The only exception to this rule is if the bride has specifically requested that her guests wear white. In this case, guests are free to wear white, but it’s always a good idea to double-check with the bride first.
What to wear instead of white
If you’re attending a wedding and want to avoid the risk of wearing white, there are plenty of other options available. Bright colors, pastels, and jewel tones are all great choices for wedding attire. Floral patterns and prints are also popular, especially for spring and summer weddings. For men, a dark suit is always a safe choice, while women can opt for a cocktail dress, a skirt and blouse combo, or even a jumpsuit.
Tips for choosing wedding attire
When choosing wedding attire, it’s important to consider the dress code. If the wedding invitation specifies a dress code, guests should follow it to the letter. If there is no dress code listed, it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution and choose an outfit that is formal and appropriate for the occasion. Guests should also consider the time of day and location of the wedding. A daytime wedding held outdoors might call for a lighter, more casual outfit, while an evening wedding in a ballroom might require a more formal and traditional outfit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it’s not explicitly forbidden to wear an outfit with white in it to a wedding, it’s generally best to avoid it. White is traditionally associated with the bride, and wearing too much white can risk upstaging her on her special day. Instead, guests should choose an outfit that is appropriate for the occasion and follows the dress code, if there is one. With a little bit of planning and consideration, guests can ensure that they look their best while remaining respectful to the bride and groom.
FAQ
What is not appropriate to wear as a wedding guest?
When attending a wedding, it’s important to dress appropriately as a sign of respect for the bride and groom. While the dress code may vary depending on the wedding invitation, there are certain outfits that are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest.
For starters, it should go without saying that anything too casual like jeans, T-shirts, shorts or flip-flops are never appropriate for a wedding. Even if the dress code requests a casual attire, it’s still expected that guests dress up a little bit. Instead, opt for light-colored suits, dress pants or khakis paired with a dress shirt or button-up.
Men shouldn’t leave the house without a jacket and tie, regardless of the dress code. While the bride and groom might not necessarily choose a black-tie attire, men should dress formally with a suit and tie to match.
Ladies, similarly, should avoid anything too casual or revealing. A good rule of thumb is to choose an elegant dress that is knee-length or longer in a flattering color. Avoid any outfits that show too much skin or are too tight, and leave the clubbing dresses for a night out with friends.
It’s also important to consider the location and time of the wedding. For example, wearing heels to an outdoor wedding on a grassy lawn might not be the best idea, as they could easily get stuck in the soil or damage the grass. In this case, it might be better to opt for a more comfortable pair of shoes like wedges or fancy flats.
When choosing an outfit to wear as a wedding guest, it’s important to remember that the focus of the event should always be on the couple getting married, not on your fashion choices. Dress up for the occasion and show respect for the newlyweds by adhering to the expected dress code.