Most guests know better than to wear a white dress to a wedding—and most steer clear of anything in the ivory or cream family altogether. While there's little chance of anyone actually mistaking you for the bride, the "Did she really wear that?" eyebrow raises are enough to keep those white lace dresses and ivory floor-length numbers in the closet for the next non-matrimonial occasion.
But what about patterned dresses? Floral dresses are a trend du jour, and many of these feminine frocks have a pastel or vibrant print on a white background. Yes, blue-and-white dresses with puffed sleeves and pink-and-white floral maxis with layers of ruffles seem lovely for a warm-weather affair, but are they pushing the limits of wedding guest attire?
We asked five bridal stylists and wedding experts to weigh in. Here, they share their thoughts on when white is too white—and whether or not they'd put on a white floral or patterned dress to celebrate a loved one's big day.
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Stick to a 75/25 ratio
There's an easy way to gauge if your floral ensemble is appropriate or not for a wedding. "If it's a pattern with a white base or a print with white in it, I would suggest sticking to a rough visual ratio of 75 percent color to 25 percent white," says Gabrielle Hurwitz of Gabrielle Hurwitz Bridal Styling. She notes that dabbling in cream, ivory, and even light shades of gray, blue, or pink could put you into troubled territory.
A color combination to potentially avoid altogether? Blue and white (consider the "something blue" tradition). "Blue-and-white dresses have been pretty popular recently for bridesmaids, so it might be safest to avoid blue-and-white prints," says Hurwitz.
Look for minimal negative space
Here's another way to interpret that 75/25 rule: "If you do find a dress with a white background, it's best to select an option with a majority print and very little negative space. If the dress reads primarily as a color rather than white, I think it would be appropriate enough to wear," says Katie Rieben, the co-founder of Poémia. Think of it this way: The floral print or pattern needs to be the star of the show—the dress shouldn't let the background shine.
If this sounds confusing—or you're just worried about a dress that's right on the line—play it safe. "It's always best to err on the side of caution and stick to colors or prints," says Rieben. "If you have to question it then it may be safest to find an alternative. Ultimately, be thoughtful about who and how you're celebrating!"
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Choose large, colorful prints over dainty ones
The scale of the dress' print could be the deal breaker—particularly if it makes it hard to distinguish the color from the white background. "I would stay away from small floral prints, as a lot of wedding dresses are designed with those patterns," says Laine Palm of Laine Palm Event Planning & Design. "Large patterns that make it obvious that you are a guest are approved—but stay away from anything white and blush, which could be too bridal."
The only time wearing white to a wedding is ever completely acceptable? "When it is requested by the couple," says Palm. "Weddings are a time to be fancy and play with color—use it as a chance to stand out in a positive way."
Have a conversation if you're questioning your dress choice
If you're questioning your dress choice and are tight with the bride, go straight to the source, say Natalya Kolosok of New York City Bride. "If you have a close relationship with the couple, it's appropriate to have a conversation about your outfit choice," she says.
But if you aren't close to the duo and don't feel comfortable texting over a photo, it's best to skip the dress in question. "Consider how you would feel if a guest wore a similar outfit to your own wedding," Kolosok says. "This can provide valuable perspective."
Think about the couple getting married
Some people care more about wedding rules than others—and that's why the answer to this debate could change depending on who is getting married. "I think this is up to the individual bride, and how sensitive she is about it. Some are much more focused on no one having any white on than others," says Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride. Think about your friend. Are they the type to care? There's no right or wrong answer—but you probably have an idea of what's right or wrong in the eyes of the couple.
Sabatino adds that the biggest offense might actually be with other guests. "When someone wears white [or a pattern with white], other people wonder what the wearer was thinking," she says. "My advice when it comes to fashion choices for a wedding is play it safe. When in doubt, don't wear it."
