The Color The Bridesmaids Are Wearing
If you’re close with the bride, ask her for a heads-up on what color the bridesmaids’ dresses are. That way, you won’t look like you’re trying to be a third wheel to the wedding party by wearing a different style mint green dress than the other girls in the bridal party. Trust us, and take heed of our past experiences as this has happened to us before. Awkward…
Tips For Wearing White To Some Else Wedding
So, which are some of the important tricks you need to try out if you must wear white to someone elses wedding?
Instead of wearing something in solid white, you should consider a white-based print as an alternative. And if the bride leans on the more traditional/ conservative side, you may want to opt for bolder colors for the prints that make the whiteness a little less apparent.
Essentially, you want to look as far off from the bride as possible, and this means wearing dresses that are shaped, nothing like what a bride would wear. So, no beading, no laces, no chiffon, no tulle, and also, no maxi skirts in white. Leave these designs, shapes, and fabrics to the bride. Notably, these designs arent fashionable today, especially on white. To still pull out some white to the wedding, you should also avoid the strapless styles or the low necklines. Multicolored options with white, black, pink, burgundy, etc., would be ideal.
If you have to wear white, think of that dress as your blank canvas, and then allow yourself to go crazy on decorating that canvas with colorful and bold accessories. In other words, make your accessories the star to your outfit the dress shouldnt be the star.
When Can You Wear White To A Wedding
- Its part of the theme If the couple specifically asks you to wear white, then you can stop worrying about the taboo against white dresses. For instance, some brides might be planning to wear a bright red gown and wish for the rest of her guests to wear white. Another bride might be planning an all-white wedding.
- Youre wearing it as an accent color If you really want to have some white on you while youre attending someone elses wedding, then consider wearing white accessories instead. After all, its hard to imagine a bride getting upset because a guest is wearing white shoes or carrying a white bag.
Recommended Reading: Nj Officiant
Colour Clash Your Shoes
Zara shimmery mid-heel slingback shoes
RRP: £59.99
Wondering whether you can you wear white to a wedding but look less distracting? Colour pop shoes are the answer. Add instant fun to your look with a pair of bright heels that will turn you from awkward to on-trend in seconds. Go bold with your footwear to make a real statement that brings a whole new meaning to dancing shoes.
The Right Way To Wear White To A Wedding Without Upsetting The Bride
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
The short answer to “Can I wear white to a wedding?” is no, simply out of respect for the bride who will most likely wear a white gown. Unless she decides to go with an ombré dress or throws an all-white party, guests should avoid wearing white, ivory, cream, and anything else in that color family.
This rule isn’t just backed by us: etiquette experts universally agree that unless the bride gives permission, avoid the stark color at all cost. As an alternative, there are plenty of seasonally appropriate colors and styles to wear.
If you really want to have some white in your wedding guest dress, that is possible. The trick is to find options that have either a print or a colored trim. Champagne-colored dresses are also perfect if you prefer to wear lighter shades for Summer nuptials. In case you need a place to start, we rounded up several white dresses you can wear that won’t anger the bride.
Don’t Miss: Become Wedding Officiant Nj
I’ve Seen It At Nearly Every Wedding
“After planning hundreds of weddings, I’ve noticed that there are always at least one or two people wearing something along the lines of white at every wedding. Beyond the wedding, it can also be inappropriate to wear a white dress to the rehearsal dinner or bridal shower as you wouldn’t want someone to mistake you for the bride,” says Wendy Collins, catering sales and conference services manager at Stowe Mountain Lodge. “Not that I recommend it, but if you have to wear white, I would follow a few rules to keep the glancing looks from other guests at bay. Don’t wear a floor-length or strapless dress and try to stay away from a high neckline with lace. Do add a bright pop of color like a belt, earrings, chunky statement jewelry, and stay away from updo-style hair.”
Why Do You Not Wear White To A Wedding
In reality, white is still the color you cannot wear to a wedding because of its exclusivity. The majority of brides wear white to their weddings, and its important for them to stand out. It is still considered an attempt to upstage the bride if a guest wears white, regardless of whether the intent is to do so.
Recommended Reading: Places To Get Invitations Printed
The Old Rule: Thou Shalt Send In Your Rsvp Via Snail Mail
Sure, things have changed, and some people really are conscientious of going green, Gottsman said. But it doesn’t mean you can choose your own response method or get lazy with it.”
The best way to ensure youre doing the right thing is to answer the invitation in the form in which its requested. So, if the couple emails you and provides an RSVP email, respond with a courteous note to that email. Likewise, if they invite you with beautiful stationery, dont plan on texting them with a, Yup, Ill be there.
Not only does that take away from the exciting, formal tone they’ve set, but it also makes their life difficult. Someones collecting all those little RSVP cards, so help them out by keeping all the responses in one place.
And remember simply telling someone youre coming does not constitute an RSVP.
If youre invited to a wedding, and you run into the bride at the grocery store and say, Hey, yes, well be there, that just doesn’t cut it, Gottsman laughed.
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.
Don’t Miss: How To Address Wedding Invitations To Families
Something Offering Up Too Much Cleavage
You aren’t going to be able to dance the night away when lighting up the dance floor could result in a wardrobe malfunction. “I have spent hours watching guests tugging their dresses down and then adjusting them back up only to have to repeat that over and over again,” wedding expert Susan Southerland wrote in the Huffington Post. “Other guests will notice.” You should flaunt your assessbut there’s a time and place, and it isn’t at a wedding.
What Do You Wear To A Gay Wedding
Read Also: Addressing Wedding Invitations To A Family With No Inner Envelope
What Does The Bible Say About White Wedding Dresses
The sins of yours will be whiter than snow, even though they are scarlet. A white wedding gown does not represent purity for the bride. As an emblem of Jesus work on the cross, it represents the work he has done. The Holy Spirit continues to change hearts, breathe life into people, and make them new by doing this.
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.
Don’t Miss: Get Ordained Online Nj
Let’s Start With The Obvious: White
Itching to wear a gorgeous white dress you just purchased? Nope. Put that back in your closet ASAP. While it may sound like the number one wedding guest faux pas that everyone should know, some people forget it or ignore the rule and show up in a pearly-white wedding guest dress. Of course, there’s always an exception, so ifand only ifthe bride has called for all guests to wear white, go ahead and bust out that LWD.
Can You Wear White To A Wedding We Ask The Experts
NO: Etiquette expert Jo Bryant thinks wearing white to a wedding is a risky move. It is still generally considered to be bad form to wear all white to a wedding. Its a big risk as it can be taken as you trying to upstage the bride, says Jo. Plus, you may look too prominent in group photos.
With so many other colours available, my advice would be to avoid the light hue altogether. You could perhaps get away with a white patterned outfit, but why chance it? Its one day, try a different look. says Jo.
YES: Sarah Allard, Editor of wedding planning website Hitched, thinks traditionalists need to loosen up and you can wear white to a wedding. With wedding rules much more relaxed now, its a slightly old-fashioned view that guests should never wear white to a wedding, Sarah says. While I would always recommend approaching this with caution, there are many times when wearing white is acceptable. For example, a white outfit with a lot of pattern, or if the dress code is set as all white, or black and white.
White can look extremely chic and guests can still add a pop of colour to their outfits with vibrant shoes and accessories. White bridesmaids dresses are also an increasingly popular trend, making it more acceptable for guests to opt for this colour. Only you know if your friend or family member will be ok with you wearing white or not, so if in doubt ask!
Recommended Reading: How Much Is Open Bar At Wedding
Be Aware Of Your Neckline
I’m here for a great cleave moment, but weddings are generally a bit more family-friendly, so it’s best to keep your J-Lo-level Versace dress in mind for a different occasion. Not saying don’t do a deep V, just saying don’t ask the question “how low can you go.”
Here’s a plunge that should still work.
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
- 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.
Read Also: How To Address Wedding Card
The Old Rule: Thou Shalt Consider Bringing A Plus One If And Only If The Invitation Makes It Clear That A Person Other Than You Is Being Invited
The invitations may look different, but the tradition is the same, said Gottsman. If your boyfriend or girlfriend’s name is not on the invitation, or if it doesnt include a crystal-clear plus one addendum, theyre not invited.
That may be uncomfortable for some invitees who are left to tell their significant other they didn’t make the cut. But try not to bug the couple about it. The exception is if you’re engaged or married. In that case, the invite blunder was probably just an oversight on the part of the bride or planner.
This article was originally published on June 17, 2016 on TODAY.com.
River Island White Short Sleeve Broderie Shirt Back Dress
RRP: £60 | Sizes: xs-xl
Think of pretty broderie anglaise as the cool cousin of lace. With similar openwork, the dainty fabric is often less formal than lace meaning it can just about be considered acceptable. This mini dress has beautiful pearl detailing which could be dangerous for a wedding but the loose smock shape means its unlikely to be considered a threat to a bridal gown. Add a pair of Mango strappy heels to dress up the look.
Warehouse Mini Dress with Embroidery
RRP: £89 | Sizes: 6-16
Try to avoid floor length frocks or voluminous A-line designs otherwise it might appear youre trying to emulate the bride. Play it safe and choose a shorter style that sits above the knee to obviously set yourself apart from the bridal party. This pretty design has added embroidery for a touch of colour while the sleeves are great if youre self-conscious of upper arms. Add a pair of Office espadrille wedges for extra height, comfort and style that will keep you on the dance floor all night.
Don’t Miss: Randy Fenoli Partner Michael
