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Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Oklahoma City | Kristen Edwards
Attending a wedding or two this season and wondering what you should wear?
For wedding guests, there are sooo many dresses to choose from. Whether you prefer sleeveless or long sleeve, mini, midi, or floor-length, soft chiffon or smooth satin, the options are endless!
But no matter how great a dress looks and feels, it’s the wrong choice if it’s the wrong color.
Like it or not, there are off-limits wedding guest colors that you should always avoid.
Here’s our rundown of the five colors that guests should not wear to a wedding. We’re also recommending some gorgeous hues and outfit ideas that might be perfect for you!
1. White (& All Variations of White)
There are only a handful of “wedding rules” that guests should follow, and this is the most important one of all:
DO NOT WEAR WHITE, ivory, off-white, or any version of white or cream to someone else’s wedding!
Unless the couple is planning an all-white wedding and specifically requests that everyone arrive in white dresses and suits, wearing any variation of white is a no-no. The only person who should be in a white dress is the bride.
2. Ultra-Pale Neutrals & Pastels
The “don’t wear white” rule is so important that you should also avoid wearing any color that could be mistaken for white or ivory. Every version of beige, ecru, champagne, and similar hues is off-limits.
Pastel colors can be a beautiful choice for a spring wedding. But in certain lighting conditions, pale colors can accidentally be mistaken for white, even when they’re not.
Ultra-pale yellow can easily be mistaken for ivory. Light silver/pale gray often reads white, especially in direct sunlight. Pale pastels like blush pinks and misty ice blues can also look much lighter in bright lighting.
As a wedding guest, it’s best to choose deeper or more saturated colors so you don’t make an unintended fashion faux pas.
3. The Wedding Party Color
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Indianapolis | 2.0 Photography Co.
The happy couple will be the stars of the show, but the wedding party should stand out on the big day too. If you know what color the bridesmaid dresses are, choose something different.
This rule can be challenging. That’s especially true if you’re a plus one at the wedding of someone you don’t know or if the wedding party is wearing mixed and matched dresses.
If you know the bride, groom, or a wedding party member, ask them what the wedding colors are and avoid those hues. If you don’t know anyone in the immediate circle, you can always play it safe in a classic black dress.
Black wedding guest dresses are no longer off-limits! Read our post to learn how to nail the look & discover several stunning options.
4. Neon
Neon colors aren’t ideal for wedding guests. They give off a casual, sporty vibe and draw attention. Wear an eye-popping highlighter green dress, and you’re sure to have all eyes on you for all the wrong reasons.
Avoid neon hues and opt for deep colors or classic neutrals that will make you look elegant, polished, and chic.
5. Metallics
We love shimmer and shine, and metallics are suitable for certain types of weddings. But generally, it’s best not to be too flashy.
As a wedding guest, be mindful when choosing dresses in:
- • Glittery fabrics
- • All-over sequins that sparkle like crazy
- • Metallic gold, silver, and rose gold hues
Like neon colors, metallics can draw a lot of attention. Pale metallics, like certain shades of silver and gold, can even read white in certain lighting.
On their special day, the focus should be on the couple — not their guests. It’s always better to have a more subdued look so you don’t draw attention away from them.
Read our post — The Levels of Formal Wedding Attire: What to Wear — to help you decide on a dress style!
Wedding Guest Colors We Love
So, what colors are appropriate for wedding guests to wear? If the couple requests that you wear a specific color to coordinate with their theme, do so.
But what if the wedding invitation or wedding website doesn’t specify a color or shade?
Consider choosing a wedding guest dress in one of these always-appropriate color options:
Navy Blue
Sachin & Babi Kayla Gown
Many wedding guests find black to be the most flattering color, but for those who don’t like to wear black to a wedding, navy is a fresh alternative.
In crinkle georgette with a dramatic tie at the neck, the Sachin & Babi Kayla Gown in deep cobalt exudes elegance and sophistication. It features an A-line silhouette that’s perfect for wearing to any formal wedding reception.
Wild Rose
Jenny Yoo Bellini Dress
Wild Rose is a mid-tone shade that you can wear in any season. We love it in the Jenny Yoo Bellini Dress, an effortlessly chic satin midi slip dress with spaghetti straps and a flattering V-neckline.
This look is perfectly appropriate for any wedding with a semi-formal or cocktail dress code.
Mocha
Amsale 723S Dress
There’s something oh-so-chic about attending a formal event in a deep, dark, neutral shade like mocha. And this deep brown shade is simply gorgeous in the satin Amsale 723S dress. This floor-length gown features an elegant column silhouette with a sophisticated draped neckline.
It’s the perfect hue for a black-tie wedding. But if mocha isn’t for you, this look comes in 20+ colors, including wedding guest-approved hues like cayenne, slate, and violet.
Chambray
Jenny Yoo Nicolette Dress
Chambray is one of our favorite shades of blue. It’s not too pale or too dark, and it works for any wedding in any season. Chambray is ultra-chic in the Jenny Yoo Nicolette Dress, boasting a draped halter neckline, a bias-cut midi skirt, and an open back.
If you’re not in a blue mood, this dress is available in gorgeous colors such as eucalyptus, dark berry, and English rose.
Floral Print
By Watters Portobello Dress
Floral prints are a great option for wedding guests, especially for garden party weddings and outdoor events. In elegant brocade fabric with a deep floral motif, the By Watters Portobello Dress is stunning, featuring a slim silhouette, an off-the-shoulder neckline, and a sophisticated midi length.
When Choosing Wedding Guest Attire, Keep Cultural Traditions in Mind
Wedding traditions vary around the world, and not all brides wear white. If you plan to attend a traditional, cultural wedding, do your research so you don’t show up wearing the same color as the bride.
For example, don’t wear a red dress to a Chinese wedding. In China, red symbolizes joy, happiness, and good luck, so many brides wear red on their wedding day.
Red, peach, gold, and orange are among the most popular wedding dress colors for Indian brides. But this doesn’t mean you should wear white to an Indian wedding. In India, white is the color of mourning.
Do your research first if you know the wedding ceremony or celebration will be rooted in culture and tradition.
Shop our collection of wedding guest dresses in various styles & colors!
As a wedding guest, there are endless colors to choose from. So when you’re shopping for your wedding guest attire, keep these tips in mind:
- • Find a wedding guest outfit that meets the wedding dress code.
- • Choose an appropriate silhouette and fabric for the season, venue, and time of day.
- • And, most importantly, DON’T WEAR WHITE.
Follow us on TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for even more wedding inspo!
