A Stylist-Approved Guide to the Best Colors to Wear as a Wedding Guest

And the worst.
Kate Boswell
by
Kate Boswell
Kate Boswell
Kate Boswell
Content Optimization Specialist
  • Kate strategically updates articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a focus on key fashion content.
  • Kate is passionate about product recommendations, shopping guides and trends in the fashion and beauty space.
  • Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Kate was the Managing Editor at Rank & Style, where she owned editorial and digital content strategy operations.
Updated Feb 04, 2025

While the rules are usually pretty clear when it comes to what to wear as a wedding guest, the same can't always be said for what colors to wear as a wedding guest. Different weddings call for different color palettes, and a color you'd wear to a low-key beach wedding might not translate well to a black-tie affair in the city. To help us settle the dos and don'ts once and for all, we tapped wedding stylist Beth Chapman for her best advice. "I always encourage people to use their fashion choices as a way to have fun and show what they love," she says. "That said, you also want to be appropriate." Ahead, we're diving into exactly what that means with a guide to everything you need to know about what colors to wear to a wedding as a guest. From a few go-tos no matter the dress code to shades you should always steer clear of, read on for our top tips.

In this article:

    What Colors to Wear As a Wedding Guest

    So, what colors can you wear to a wedding? According to Chapman, the easiest way to determine what's appropriate is by using the dress code as a guide. A black-tie wedding typically calls for darker tones like black, navy, emerald green or burgundy, while less formal affairs allow for much more flexibility. "If the wedding is cocktail, semi-formal or casual, the sky's the limit with color," Chapman says.

    Colors to wear as a wedding guest infographic
    Design: Tiana Crispino for The Knot

    The time of year is also an important thing to keep in mind when deciding what to wear to a wedding. Fall and winter both lend themselves to deeper, moodier palettes, while spring and summer are the perfect seasons for pastels, brights and lighter hues. You can consider the time of day as well—darker suit colors and dresses work well for evening ceremonies, while lighter ones are a good choice for mornings and afternoons.

    The Best Colors to Wear to a Wedding

    While a certain color may be appropriate for one wedding and inappropriate for another, there are a few options that you can almost always count on. Chapman has two major go-tos. "In my book, you can never go wrong with black and navy. Both are safe choices if you're concerned about how dressy you should be," she says. Ahead, we're diving into an expert-backed guide of the best colors to wear to a wedding.

    • Black: As Chapman says, you can typically wear black to a wedding of any kind—just make sure your outfit choice is appropriate for the season and dress code.
    • Navy: Navy is another color that works just as well for formal weddings in the winter as it does for casual weddings in the summer.
    • Jewel Tones: Deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, burgundy and dark purple are great color options for evening ceremonies and fall and winter celebrations.
    • Brights: Bold shades of orange, yellow, green, blue and pink work well for summer weddings and afternoon celebrations.
    • Pastels: Shades like light blue, baby pink, pale yellow and mint green are great for spring weddings as well as earlier ceremony times.

    Acceptable Neutral Colors for Wedding Guests

    Now that you have an overview of the most appropriate colors to wear to a wedding, you might still be wondering: What neutral colors are appropriate for a wedding guest? According to Chapman, darker neutrals like camel, beige and champagne are completely acceptable. The most important rule of thumb is to steer clear of anything white or ivory. "Even an ivory ground print can be a bit polarizing," says Chapman. "When in doubt, avoid it."

    How to Know What Colors Not to Wear to a Wedding

    If you're still not sure whether a color is appropriate for a wedding, there are a few key ways you can find the answer.

    Consider the Season, Dress Code and Time of Day

    As mentioned, the season, dress code and time of day can greatly affect a wedding's color palette. For example, you'll likely want to avoid vibrant colors for a black-tie wedding and pastels for a ceremony in the winter unless the couple has requested otherwise.

    Ask What Color the Attendants are Wearing

    While matching with the bridesmaids isn't the worst wedding attire faux pas, you should try to avoid it if possible. "If you are not close enough with the couple to ask what color the attendants are wearing, you may want to check out the wedding website," says Chapman. "The colors reflected are usually the colors of the wedding."

    Check the Couple's Wedding Website

    Some couples may request that guests wear colors of a certain palette or theme. For example, if a couple having a December wedding requests "festive attire," it's likely the perfect occasion to wear red to a wedding. After all, unique wedding dress codes are only becoming more and more popular. If this is the case, there's a good chance you'll find more details about what not to wear to the wedding on the couple's wedding website.

    Reference the Invitation

    If you're still in doubt and aren't comfortable asking the couple, use the vibe of the invitation itself as a clue. "If it feels super formal, you should follow suit in your attire," Chapman says. "If the invitation is colorful and feels less formal, use that as a guide when selecting your fashion. This is a great indicator that you can have fun with color and style when choosing what to wear to the wedding."

    FAQ About Colors to Wear to a Wedding

    Still have questions? We're covering the most commonly asked wedding guest color questions below.

    Can you wear beige to a wedding?

    Beige is an acceptable neutral to wear as a wedding guest—just be sure it's a darker shade and can't be mistaken for white or ivory.

    Can you wear a white shirt to a wedding?

    While wearing white to a wedding is generally inappropriate, there are some exceptions. One of them is when you're sporting a suit or tux with a classic white shirt underneath.

    Can you wear cream to a wedding?

    Cream may be darker than white or ivory, but it's still a shade you should avoid.

    Can you wear black and white to a wedding?

    Another exception to the no-white rule is a black and white print. "Black and white is great, as long as it is in keeping with the formality noted on the invitation or wedding website," Chapman says. "What I would avoid is a pattern that has a white or ivory ground (the base color of the print)."

    Can you wear silver or gold to a wedding?

    Silver and gold are both completely acceptable colors to wear to a wedding, as long as they aren't overly flashy or light enough to compete with the bride's attire.

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