It is quite obvious that you should not wear white to a WeddingBut Why You should avoid eggshell colors, pearland even beige goes more than just with the bride. “It’s essentially about respecting the bride’s unique role and making sure she is the center of attention on her special day,” says Shafonne Myers, owner and editor-in-chief of Pretty Pear Bride.
“Let the bride have her moment!” Grace Lee, Founder and CEO of Birdy Greyagrees. “Even if your intentions are good, wearing white gives the impression that you are trying to steal the show from the bride and can make the situation uncomfortable for you. In my opinion, it’s best to avoid white, ivory or cream.”
Why is white so important at a wedding?
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Wearing white at a wedding is not just a matter of aesthetics. “The tradition of the bride wearing white is deeply rooted and has significant cultural and symbolic significance,” says Myers.
Queen Victoria wore white when she married Prince Albert on February 10, 1840, when it was more common to wear the red velvet robe of state, and since then white wedding dresses have symbolized virtue and purity. We have come a long way since 1840, and while modern couples details Myers believes this wedding tradition is outdated: “The custom of reserving white for the bride will probably continue as a sign of respect and tradition.”
While some people continue to develop their own wedding culture – dancing down the aisle à la The officewear a black dress or trousers – for some, this is a tradition they look forward to, aside from the historical significance. Personally, I have dreamed of wearing a beautiful white wedding dress my whole life – there are so few opportunities for an elegant white dress that I will definitely be wearing one down the aisle!
How to wear white at a wedding without offending the bride?
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In short, there is no way to respectfully wear white at a wedding unless the couple outright says it’s OK. “As a guest, it remains a faux pas to wear white… unless the couple specifically says otherwise,” Lee says, citing an all-white wedding as an exception to the rule. Another exception might be the bridal party. “I see a lot of brides opting for all-white or champagne bridal parties, which can look incredibly chic in wedding photos.”
“Some brides choose to have their guests or bridal party wear white to create a unified aesthetic, with the bride herself standing out with other colors or accessories,” says Myers.
Should I stick to a color palette for the wedding?
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Another new wedding trend that has become popular in recent years is for the bride to suggest a color palette for guests to follow if they wish. This can help create an even more unified aesthetic for the wedding while still allowing room for individuality, as a color palette can include three to five shades. (Just make sure you refer to the Guest Color palette and not the wedding party color palette!)
“If the bride specifically states that wearing white is acceptable, whether for the mother of the bride, mother-in-law or all guests, then it can be done,” says Myers. “This is especially seen in some contemporary wedding themes where the bride wants a consistent or specific color palette.”
You don’t necessarily have to stick to the color palette, but you should try to wear an outfit that fits the mood. Some of my favorite wedding color palettes have been pastels, jewel tones, and a mix of pinks and purples!
Is it okay to wear white floral to a wedding?
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Myers says it’s best to avoid lighter neutrals like gray, beige and even floral whites because they look very similar to pure white – especially in photos. “When in doubt, it’s best to avoid these shades altogether,” she says. “The general rule of thumb is: If a fashion-conscious person perceives it as white, it’s too close to white.”
A white floral pattern is only OK if it has a lot of color in it. In this case, Lee stresses that you need to make sure that “there is ZERO chance of you being mistaken for the bride.”
What color should guests wear to a wedding?
Dellon Thomas/Pexels
The good news is that there are so many trends, colors, and styles of wedding guest dresses or suits that there is literally a wedding guest outfit for everyone. “Bright, bold colors, pastels, jewel tones, and even black are generally acceptable as long as they align with the couple’s vision and the formality of the event,” says Myers. “The key is to respect any dress code or theme set by the couple and make sure your attire complements the overall aesthetic of the wedding.”
“Overall, I’d say the safest, most hassle-free options are always black, navy, olive, or other neutrals,” says Lee. “I think it’s really nice to see color at weddings, like bright pink or blue. This season, I’m OBSESSED with yellow.”
There are many color options for wedding guests, whether you prefer butter yellow, chartreuse or navy blue. Wear what you feel most comfortable in – and what makes the bride shine. Grab a pair of these cute and comfortable wedding guest shoes!
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Cover photo via Leah Newhouse/Pexels
