5 Colors to Avoid Wearing as a Wedding Guest (2024)

FAQs

What colors shouldn't you wear to a wedding? ›

Leave all white, ivory, and champagne-hued shades alone, unless the invitation specifically designates an all-white dress code. "White and ivory are such a stark, prominent color that when you are the only one, as the bride, wearing it, all eyes are on you," says Avrumson.

If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate. For a more glamorous look, pastels such as lavender, light pink, or pale blue will add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

Turns out, wearing red to a wedding means to some that “you've slept with the groom.” “Old Wives' Tale, but yeah,” Mitchell explained. However, both wedding planners agreed on a more modern reason for not wearing red: It could be seen as a way to grab the attention away from the bride.

While you'll see different colors all around, yellow and red are considered the luckiest colors. Yellow signifies purity and red signifies fertility and prosperity.

The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress dates back to Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840, and it has since become a symbol of purity and innocence. As a guest, wearing white to a wedding is considered a major faux pas because it can be seen as an attempt to upstage or overshadow the bride.

Since nuptials are celebratory occasions, the dark hue was labeled off-limits for attendees in the past. However, in today's modern-day age, wearing black to a wedding is completely acceptable, and in many cases, it's even encouraged.

To help you figure this out, “Look at the invitation because it's the first source of information for what colors you should or shouldn't wear to a wedding,” Swann shares. So if you notice a repetitive royal blue or fern green, it's probably best to avoid those colors and any similar shade.

From formal gowns to flowy sundresses, you can find orange dresses in diverse styles to suit the wedding's formality. Orange works well for summer and autumn weddings, reflecting the vibrant energy of those seasons.

Remember, this is about celebrating the happy couple. The last thing you want to do is compete with them on their special day. We do, however, condone the use of gold accessories as a guest. Whether you're wearing a soft pink for a spring wedding, or a rich purple for fall—gold accents perfectly complement!

Ultimately, whether the wedding is in a church, on a beach, or in a garden, the general rule is that you are not the star of the day, it is all about the couple. Choosing an outfit that has some sense of formality is respectful. But to be honest, I wouldn't mind wearing green just once to see what happens.

Can I wear burgundy to a wedding? ›

If you still opt to wear red, and you absolutely can, make sure to ask the bride if she is okay with it. Choose minimalist silhouettes that won't draw attention from the happy couple. Deep cranberry or burgundy dress might be a good alternative to red.

To answer the main question of the article, yes you can wear red to a wedding in most circ*mstances. 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.

Safe Choices. The safest bets are colors that work for almost any type of wedding, though you may avoid them when attending a beach wedding. Navy, black, and charcoal grey fall into the “safe” category – all ideal for an evening wedding or one that has anything from a formal to an informal dress code.

Blue represents fidelity and loyalty across many cultures, especially when it comes to marriage and love.

In general, it's not appropriate for guests to wear white to a wedding. "When you're a guest at a wedding, the most important thing to keep in mind is not to upstage or upset the bride," says wedding dress designer Madeline Gardner. "It's safe to stay away from any outfits that are predominantly white, cream or ivory."

Be Clear and Concise

If you want them to stay within a certain color palette, be sure to list out the acceptable colors and even provide a picture of them! If you want them to avoid certain colors, for example, the bridal colors, so guests don't end up looking like accidental bridesmaids, be clear about that as well.

Soft, pastel shades such as blush pink, lavender, and dusty blue lend themselves to a romantic atmosphere. Often associated with love, tenderness, and sweetness, these colors make a perfect choice for romantic weddings.

Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.