Choosing what to wear to a wedding can be tricky. While you want to look your best, you also don’t want to upstage the bride or accidentally wear something inappropriate. When it comes to colors, there are certainly some hues that are better suited for weddings than others.
Avoid wearing white
First and foremost, avoid wearing white, off-white, cream or ivory. Traditionally, white is reserved for the bride at Western weddings. Wearing white to a wedding is widely regarded as taboo and can be seen as an attempt to upstage the bride on her big day. The only exception is if the bride has specifically requested that her guests wear white for her wedding.
Steer clear of black
You’ll also want to avoid wearing black to most weddings. In many cultures, black is associated with funerals and mourning. Because weddings are joyful occasions, black attire can come across as depressing and ominous. There are exceptions for very formal black tie weddings or for certain cultural traditions, but in general, save the black dress for another occasion.
Stay away from red
Red is traditionally seen as an attention-grabbing, bold color, so you’ll want to avoid red dresses and outfits. A bold red may take eyes off the bride, and red is sometimes associated with sexuality, so it can seem inappropriate for weddings. There are a few exceptions—in Asian cultures, for example, red is considered auspicious and is perfectly acceptable to wear to a wedding.
Skip shorts and mini skirts
When choosing a wedding guest outfit, we recommend avoiding shorts, short skirts and mini dresses, as these can come across as too casual and revealing for such a formal event. A short cocktail dress that hits just above the knee is likely fine, but anything too short risks being seen as inappropriate. Aim to select a dress or skirt length that is wedding appropriate.
Acceptable Color Choices
Now that we’ve covered what not to wear, let’s look at some color choices that are generally safe for weddings:
Neutrals
Neutrals like beige, taupe, gray and blush pink are almost always appropriate colors for weddings. They are versatile shades that can suit any season or dress code. Just steer clear of true white and ivory neutral tones.
Pastels
Soft pastel shades like mint, lavender, powder blue and pale yellow are ideal for summer and spring weddings. Pastels convey a sense of lightness and femininity.
Metallics
Metallic shoes, bags and accessories can add just the right amount of glamour to a wedding outfit. Opt for metallic shades like gold, silver, bronze and rose gold.
Jewel tones
Rich jewel tones like emerald, ruby, sapphire and amethyst are elegant choices that photograph beautifully. Just avoid tones that are too close to the bridesmaids’ colors.
Florals
An elegant floral print dress is always appropriate for weddings. Go for florals in muted neutral palettes or soft pastels.
Navy
Navy is an excellent choice that is dressy enough for formal weddings but not too somber or funereal. Navy suits and dresses are timeless and versatile.
Best Colors for Each Wedding Season
Below are some of the top color choices suited for each wedding season:
| Season | Best Colors to Wear |
|---|---|
| Spring | Pastels like powder blue, pink, mint green, pale yellow |
| Summer | Light tones like sky blue, blush pink, lavender, peach |
| Fall | Deep tones like emerald, ruby, gold, plum, mustard |
| Winter | Rich shades like royal blue, burgundy, deep green, metallic |
Tips for Men’s Wedding Attire
The suit and tie color combinations men choose can also make a statement. Here are some tips for guys:
- Wear a tasteful tie that complements your suit and shirt.
- Pair black suits with ties in colors like silver, gray, burgundy, navy blue or forest green.
- Tan and gray suits look great with pastel ties in pink, purple, blue and mint green.
- Navy and dark gray suits work well with red, yellow, pink and gold ties.
- Brown and beige suits can be worn with ties in deep green, rust, mustard or light blue.
Conclusion
Choosing wedding attire colors that suit the season, avoid upstaging the bride and convey elegance without being too revealing is key. As long as you steer clear of white, black and bold red, while selecting a color that complements your complexion, you’ll look and feel your best as a wedding guest. Pastels, neutrals, metallics, florals and rich jewel tones are all safe yet stylish bets for a wedding celebration.