What to Do If a Guest Wears White to Your Wedding (2024)

FAQs

What to Do If a Guest Wears White to Your Wedding? ›

It's simply not done unless a guest wants to draw attention to themselves." However, if you absolutely want to acknowledge the matter, ask a member of your bridal party to politely pull this guest aside and kindly offer them a jacket or shawl to add some color to their look.

There is absolutely nothing you can say or to to ask your guests not to wear white. It doesn't matter if you think it's rude or tacky. You can't control your guests' behavior. In fact, you say, "Unless it's requested by the couple," but that's also not something you get to dictate.

"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.

The colour white has been recognised in many societies as a symbol of purity and virtue. Most claim that brides wear white because it is 'tradition'. Historically, more than 175 years historically red and other different types of bright colours would be the colour brides chose for an ideal wedding gown.

Every rule has its moments to be broken, says Atlanta-based event planner Megan Seaton. "In this case, I find only one: It is OK to wear white if, and only if, the couple has specifically requested that white attire be worn," she says. "In this case, the attire will be specifically mentioned in the invitation.

Whether you attend a semi-formal, formal, or black-tie wedding event, odds are one rule will be universal: no white unless you're the bride. Indeed, it's generally bad form for men to wear white to a wedding, even if it's the best color.

Typically, you can't wear white to a wedding because this color is reserved for the couple tying the knot. In Western culture, it's tradition for the bride to wear head-to-toe white on the wedding day, so wearing anything that matches this shade might unintentionally steal the spotlight away from her.

I think if you get wind of someone planning on wearing white you can address that person privately and ask they not wear white. But ultimately, they can say no to your request. You can't really tell adults what they're allowed to wear.

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.

How do you say to wear a certain color on an invitation? ›

In the wedding invitation, include a note suggesting that guests wear colors that would complement the overall theme or color scheme of the event. If you have a specific color in mind that you would like guests to wear, mention it in the wedding RSVP card or reply form.

Put It on the Invitation

The simplest way to tell your guests what they're expected to wear is to put a dress code in the invitation. There is a time-honored glossary of dress-code wording short enough to include on invitations, or on a card inserted with the invitation.

The colour scheme, when it comes to what to wear, is designed for the bridal party i.e. the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, pageboys etc. Unless you're in that bridal party, you'd be best to steer clear of trying to match them. Think of it a bit like a stage show.

In fashion, the color white is often used to evoke a sense of purity, innocence, freshness, or cleanliness. Because white reflects light, it is often worn in the summer months to help stay cool.

However, nowadays, the idea that you must be 'pure' in order to wear a white dress is rather outdated. Many brides choose to wear white on their wedding day, even if they aren't a virgin, or even if they have children already. These days, white is merely chosen because it's traditional.

After walking down the aisle, the bride usually takes her place on the left side of the altar. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, when grooms kept their sword-fighting right hand open for combat with those trying to rescue the bride, who was often kidnapped before the wedding.

First, get the wording right. Your wedding guests will be looking for your dress code—but might not love being told exactly what to wear. Thus, you should be careful with your phrasing. Alongside your attire, try something along the lines of, "Please indulge us by dressing in white, if you don't mind."

Dear Sorry: Keep in mind that anyone can ask anything. And yes, it does seem that brides (and/or their moms) are increasingly asking/expecting/demanding that their guests must wear a specific color and style of clothing to the wedding – as if their guests are some sort of bridal pep squad.

Couples usually specify the guest code at the bottom of their invitations and on their wedding website, so if you've been invited to a formal affair, black is a resounding “yes.”

Another way to wear white to a wedding is to opt for white separates instead of a white dress. A white blouse or skirt paired with a colourful blazer or shoes can be a great way to incorporate white into your outfit without looking like you're trying to steal the bride's thunder.