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Updated Oct 14, 2024Wearing White to a Wedding Etiquette for Guest Dresses, Men's Attire & More
We answer your most-asked questions.
With couples embracing everything from backyard vows to themed nuptials, modern weddings are rewriting the rules—and the dress codes. Traditions are more relaxed, personal style is celebrated and what was once totally off-limits is now up for debate. So if you've found yourself wondering, "Can you wear white to a wedding?"—you're not alone. Figuring out what to wear is a little less black-and-white (pun intended), but with advice from The Knot editors and industry experts, we're breaking down what not to wear to a wedding, what's fair game and all the gray (or cream) areas in between.
In this story:
- Can You Wear White to a Wedding?
- Can Men Wear White to a Wedding?
- Can You Wear a White Floral Dress to a Wedding?
- When Can You Wear White to a Wedding?
- FAQ About Wearing White to a Wedding
Can You Wear White to a Wedding?
In general, it's not appropriate for guests to wear white to a wedding. "When you're a guest at a wedding, the most important thing to keep in mind is not to upstage or upset the bride," says wedding dress designer Madeline Gardner. "It's safe to stay away from any outfits that are predominantly white, cream or ivory." Surprisingly, it's generally fine to wear white shoes to a wedding—as long as the rest of the outfit steers clear of colors traditionally considered off-limits.
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Ultimately, if you're trying to figure out what colors not to wear to a wedding, we recommend referencing the couple's wedding website to learn what colors the attendants are wearing (for you to avoid matching with them), as well as the invitation for details about the season, time of day the ceremony is taking place and dress code. (You likely wouldn't wear dark colors to a spring wedding or pastels to a black-tie evening ceremony.)
Why can't you wear white to a wedding?
For brides in many cultures, the white wedding dress tradition (which really kicked off in 1840 when Queen Victoria chose a white dress for her own wedding) holds a special meaning as the color symbolizes youth, purity, innocence and new beginnings. Wearing white not only allows the bride to stand out—it also allows her to honor tradition and values passed from one generation to the next.
"That color is reserved for the bride to wear at the wedding," says Anthony Navarro, Creative Director of Liven It Up Events. "It is an unsaid rule that you should not wear white." Essentially, wearing a white dress or outfit to a wedding (as a guest) is usually considered improper.
Can Men Wear White to a Wedding?
When it comes to the wedding dress code for guys, the rules around wearing white can be a bit confusing. Are you asking yourself, "Can you wear a white shirt to a wedding?" or "Are white tuxedo jackets appropriate?" Assistant fashion editor Sofia Deeb says, "It's totally acceptable to wear a white button down under a suit or tux, but aside from that, men should limit the amount of white in their outfit."
For ultra-formal affairs, such as white-tie weddings, for example, the expectations are particularly specific, but "unless the dress code specifically calls for it, it's best to steer clear of all-white suits," she adds. "If you want to wear a lighter color, consider grey, tan or khaki instead," Deeb suggests."
Can You Wear a White Floral Dress to a Wedding?
So, exactly, how much white is too much for a wedding? The answer is it depends. The venue, time of day and year and dress code are all factors, not to mention the couple themselves. Ultimately, we would avoid floral wedding guest dresses that have a prominent white pattern or background. "As long as the outfit incorporates a colorful pattern or white only as a small accent color, you can wear it," confirms Shawne Jacobs, President and Creative Director of Anne Barge.
When in doubt, opt for a vibrant floral print or a darker hue so there's no confusion. If you find yourself second-guessing a specific look, it's probably best to avoid it altogether. Our favorite places to buy wedding guest dresses, like Lulus, Reformation and Eloquii, have wedding guest dress edits with tons of looks to inspire you.
Design: Falak Khoja
Safe to wear: Patterned dresses with white that *aren't white*. A patterned dress that features white, but the primary color is a darker or brighter color, is okay to wear. For example, a white dress with blue flowers is a no-go, but a blue dress with white flowers is good to go.
Beware: Sparsely patterned dresses with cream or white backgrounds and very pale dresses that may photograph white. If you can only tell what color a dress is from up close, it may be a risky choice. This gets even dicier when the pattern is subtle, making the pale color more obvious.
Wouldn't dare: Majority cream or white dresses with minimal or low-contrast patterns. A cream or white dress should be avoided at all costs, unless specifically told otherwise by the couple. This is one fashion faux pas you definitely don't want to make.
When Can You Wear White to a Wedding?
There are some instances when wearing white to a wedding as a guest is okay. For example, couples may ask all guests to wear white for a themed party. Such requests will be made clear on the wedding invitation and the couple's wedding website. Unless all-white outfits are explicitly required for the wedding day, wearing an outfit that's white or one that even features a white pattern is a bad idea, as doing so can appear rude or disrespectful to the couple.
FAQ About Wearing White to a Wedding
Still wondering how important is it not to wear white to someone's wedding? If you have a specific outfit in mind that features a different shade of white or you want to go the classic black-and-white route, there's etiquette for that, too.
Can you wear beige or cream to a wedding?
While there is a subtle difference between ivory vs. white, both should be considered off-limits. Deeb notes that, "As a wedding guest, you should avoid wearing any color that may photograph as white, including beige and cream."
"For a neutral color palette, opt for darker shades like tan or khaki instead," she recommends.
Can you wear black and white to a wedding?
As we said earlier, we advise steering clear of wearing white, off-white or ivory unless the couple says otherwise. That said, if you want to wear black to a wedding—such as a mostly black dress, top or skirt with just a bit of white—then that should be okay. And of course, the classic suit formula—a black jacket and pants with a white shirt—is always acceptable. If you're unsure, you can also check in with friends and family—and even the couple—to ask if your intended attire is appropriate.
Additional reporting by Monica Mercuri and Sarah Hanlon
