Can I wear black to a wedding?
While wearing black to a wedding may have been considered a major faux pas in the past, in modern times, it’s acceptable and even encouraged at some black tie affairs. It’s an elegant, timeless dress hue that’s endlessly flattering on all body types — though it’s important to also consider the venue and time of year when picking out a dress. For a daytime beach wedding or a destination wedding in the tropics, you may want to opt for something more appropriate for the venue.
Can I wear white or off-white to a wedding?
Traditionally, wearing white is meant to represent purity and is just for the bride on her wedding day. These days, wedding gowns come in countless similar shades — like off-white, ivory, cream, and even the palest of pinks — and it’s expected for the guests to avoid those colors, unless otherwise stated on the invitation. Wearing a white dress with florals can be acceptable depending on the specific dress, though if you’re at all unsure whether or not your outfit may be appropriate, it’s probably best to trust your instinct and choose a different color.
What do wedding dress codes actually mean?
More often than not, couples will include a dress code on the invitation or their wedding website if they’ve made one. If for some reason you’re having trouble finding that information, looking at the venue’s vibe or time of day when the wedding takes place will help you curate the perfect outfit for the occasion.
- Black Tie: A black tie wedding is the most formal evening affair, with women expected to wear floor-length gowns that are sophisticated and elevated. While a black dress is always appropriate, other rich hues like navy, burgundy, emerald green, and more are acceptable.
- Formal: Formal weddings are still an elegant affair, albeit a bit less rigid than black tie. If your invitation says formal, floor-length gowns or chic cocktail dresses are expected from guests.
- Cocktail: Weddings with a cocktail dress code are a lot more playful than formal weddings in that cocktail or midi lengths, as well as shorter dresses above the knee, are welcome. Floor-length gowns aren’t as typical, though a longer dress with lightweight fabrics can be acceptable.
- Semi-Formal: Semi-formal falls somewhere in between a “casual” and “cocktail” dress code. Most often, it means that elegant cocktail, midi length, or skirt sets made from materials like satin, cotton, chiffon, or linen. Certain subcategories like “farm formal” or “garden party” may fall within this code.
- Casual: A casual dress code is the most lax of all, though it’s still imperative to be dressed appropriately for the event. Sundresses, maxi dresses, and even skirts are welcome and can be paired with flats or wedges. That being said, rubber flip flops, jeans, and sneakers are considered a major no-no.
Can I wear the same dress to multiple weddings?
It is entirely socially acceptable to wear the same dress to multiple weddings. That being said, it’s always a good idea to slightly change things up for the photos by trying a different hairstyle, adding unique accessories or shoes, as well as considering the venue and season.
What should I wear to an outdoor or beach wedding?
Outdoor and beach weddings tend to be on the more casual side by nature (unless otherwise stated on the invitation), and therefore, flat shoes for the terrain are acceptable. Lighter fabrics made from linen, chiffon, or cotton are the best breathable options, and a softer color palette that avoids deep hues like black are ideal. “Casual” still means elevated in the world of weddings, so it’s best to avoid sneakers, denim, flip flops, and the like.
How should I dress for a wedding with cultural or religious traditions?
When attending a religious or multicultural wedding, it’s important to consider two main things: respectful modesty, as well as the colors you can and can’t wear (for example, white and red are two colors reserved for the bride at a Chinese wedding). If there’s any doubt on the specific dress code, you can always ask the couple to be sure you’re dressed appropriately.
