As a wedding guest, you want to look your best while also showing respect for the couple getting married. Your outfit choice requires some thought, especially when it comes to color. Light blue is a hue that sometimes gets a bad rap for weddings, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be off-limits.
The Meaning of Light Blue
Before deciding if light blue is wedding-appropriate or not, it helps to understand what the color represents. Here are some of the common symbolic meanings behind light blue:
- Calmness, peacefulness, and tranquility
- Openness, honesty, and communication
- Exploration, curiosity, and new perspectives
- Cleanliness, clarity, and understanding
- Intelligence, logic, and focus
As you can see, light blue has many positive connotations. It evokes a sense of calm and clarity. In color psychology, it’s linked to clearer thinking and communication. There’s certainly nothing offensive or over-the-top about the color.
Is Light Blue Inappropriate for Weddings?
Some traditional wedding etiquette rules advise against wearing blue to a wedding. The rationale is that blue was considered a sign of misfortune and instability in medieval Europe. Brides used to rhyme: “Married in blue, you’ll always be true.” But marrying in blue was seen as tempting fate.
These old superstitions around “unlucky blue” emerged in a very different era. They don’t reflect modern attitudes about blue clothing. Today, light blue is ubiquitous in fashion. It’s a top choice for everything from jeans to dresses and suits.
The only wedding color that’s consistently frowned upon is red. Red dresses traditionally signal the bridesmaids. Wearing crimson or scarlet could confuse guests and draw attention away from the bride.
Outside of bold reds, most colors are fair game at a wedding today. The old “blue taboo” has faded over the centuries. As long as the shade is muted and informal, light blue is unlikely to raise eyebrows.
Factors to Consider
There are a few factors to weigh when deciding if a light blue outfit is wedding-ready:
- The formality and time of day. Light blue works best for daytime weddings and more casual dress codes. Deeper shades of blue are better for formal evening weddings.
- The specific hue. Baby blue or powder blue are safer than bright turquoise or electric blue.
- The rest of the outfit. Light blue paired with understated neutral shoes, jewelry, bags, etc. is less likely to stand out.
- The couple’s preferences. If the engaged pair has specific outfit guidelines, it’s important to check with them.
Considering these factors will help gauge if a light blue ensemble falls within typical wedding guest dress code guidelines.
Outfit Inspiration
To give you an idea of light blue wedding guest outfits, here are some stylish and chic options:
For Women
- A light blue sundress with neutral wedge sandals and a beige handbag
- A powder blue pantsuit with nude heels and simple jewelry
- A baby blue cocktail dress with silver strappy heels and a sparkling clutch
- A long chambray shirtdress with tan wedges and a straw handbag
For Men
- A light blue button-up shirt with khaki pants and brown leather shoes
- A pale blue suit with a white shirt and blue tie
- Light blue chinos with a navy blazer, white shirt, and brown loafers
- A powder blue polo shirt with seersucker shorts and boat shoes
These pairings keep the light blue as the main focal point while anchoring the outfit with neutral and complementary tones.
Guidelines for Wearing Light Blue to a Wedding
Here are some top tips for stylishly wearing light blue to a wedding:
- Stick to softer pastel shades like powder blue, ice blue, or sky blue.
- Make it a SOLID blue, avoiding busy patterns or loud prints.
- Pair it with neutral shoes and accessories in beige, brown, tan, or gold.
- Add a wrap, cardigan, or blazer in ivory, gray, navy, or cream.
- Keep silhouettes classic and tailored vs. tight and revealing.
- Have another outfit option handy in case you need to make a last-minute change.
Follow this advice to enjoy the benefits of light blue while still showing taste and class at a wedding celebration.
Do’s and Don’ts
Here’s a quick summary of light blue do’s and don’ts for wedding guests:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| – Baby blue sundress | – Royal blue ballgown |
| – Powder blue blazer with khakis | – Neon blue suit |
| – Pale blue button-up shirt | – Turquoise cocktail dress |
| – Sky blue tie | – Blue sequin mini skirt |
| – Light blue pumps | – Blue platform heels |
The muted, subtle “do’s” honor the couple without drawing excessive attention. The bolder, brighter “don’ts” could be seen as distracting or disrespectful.
The Verdict
Old superstitions aside, light blue is generally acceptable to wear to modern weddings. The most important guideline is to keep the shade soft and pastel. Sky blue, powder blue, icy blue, and baby blue all work well for guest outfits.
To be safest, it’s wise to avoid bright cobalt, royal blue, or electric blue. But classic navy can be okay for suits or accessories. Just don’t wear a full navy outfit, or you may look like you’re part of the wedding party.
Consider the formality and time of the wedding when choosing your light blue outfit. A daytime beach wedding gives more leeway than an upscale evening affair. If you opt for a tailored powder blue dress or a pale blue suit, balance it with neutral accessories and layers.
Most of all, embrace the positive symbolism of light blue. Let it reflect a sense of calmness, clarity, and peace as you celebrate the joyful union of the happy couple.
Conclusion
Light blue is an uplifting color that conveys tranquility and openness. While rich blue was once considered taboo for weddings, today’s soft pastel blues are generally accepted for guests to wear. Opt for a muted shade like powder blue or baby blue paired with neutral accessories. Avoid bright royal blue or neon that may be distracting. Consider the wedding’s formality and the couple’s preferences too. With some thoughtfulness, light blue can be perfectly appropriate to wear to a wedding.
