We all know that weddings can be fun and enjoyable, but that doesn’t mean we should forget the traditions that make weddings what they are.
When it comes to weddings, there are certain practices that should always be followed, from the giving of the rings to the bride and groom having the first waltz on the dance floor. But when you’re a guest, you also need to make sure that you don’t upstage the star couple, especially when it comes to the clothes you wear.
These days, guest etiquette dictates that you should never wear colors that draw focus from the bride and groom, as this can be seen as selfish and misguided.
So if you are going to a wedding and are wondering what colors to avoid, then we have compiled a list of everything you need to know. By avoiding these colors, you can make sure that you are the perfect wedding guest, while also ensuring that the bride and groom remain the focus and stars of the party.
What Colors Should You Not Wear To A Wedding?
In the world of wedding attire, there are certain colors that should always be avoided by guests, whether that be because of their traditional significance or their association with the bridal party.
Down below, we have outlined the various colors you should not wear to a wedding, from the obvious choices to other colors that may shock and surprise you. So if you have a wedding coming up, then you should never wear…
White
It’s the obvious choice, but white should be avoided by wedding guests at all costs. Why? Well, the answer to that question is rather simple – because white is the bride’s color and should only be worn by her.
Statistics show that over 80% of brides wear white gowns to their weddings, which means guests who also wear the color could be accused of attempting to upstage the bride. Something that should be avoided if you want to portray yourself as the perfect wedding guest.
Black
Although black is a common color associated with Western ceremonies, it should be avoided when it comes to attending a Hindu wedding.
In Hindu culture, black is often associated with bad luck and misfortune, which means wearing the color can deeply upset the bride and groom. Instead, you should wear something bright and colorful, as Hindu weddings are known around the world for their beauty and vibrancy.
Ivory
These days, clueless wedding guests will often justify wearing white by saying their outfit is ivory. However, this does not mean that wearing the color is still acceptable, especially if the bride chooses to walk down the aisle wearing a similar shade or hue.
So if you have your eye on an ivory outfit, then we recommend that you buy something else to wear. You should also avoid wearing all other shades of white, which can include eggshell, vanilla, bone and cream.
Champagne
In recent years, it has become a popular trend for the bride to wear a gown that is not the traditional white, with dusky and metallic hues often being cited as the most popular colors of choice.
Because of this, you should avoid wearing anything that features a champagne color, especially if the bride is a fashion-forward woman who does not care for tradition.
Golds and silvers should also be avoided as these colors now feature heavily on bridal gowns and may be worn by the whole bridal party.
Neon
Because weddings are commonly known for their pale and delicate palettes, it is not advisable to wear bright neons or primary colors to the ceremony, as this could be viewed as an attempt to steal attention away from the newly-married couple.
To avoid this outcome, you should instead wear muted or pastel colors that do not stick out in a crowd, as this will allow you to enjoy the celebration without having to be concerned about your reputation or appearance.
Metallic
When it comes to attending a daytime or informal ceremony, you should always avoid wearing outfits that feature too many beads of sparkles, as this can also be seen as an attempt to draw attention away from the bride and groom.
However, if you are attending a formal or evening ceremony, then sparkly gowns are usually considered okay. Just make sure that your dress does not outshine the bride’s and you should find yourself in the wedding guest good books.
Pastels
Traditionally, pastel colors are considered the best colors for wedding guest attire, as they are both muted and attractive and will not draw focus from the bridal party.
Pastels are also commonly associated with Spring weddings and can look beautiful when worn under natural light. However, there are some pastel shades that could be considered too light, with their final appearance registering as white in photographs and portraits.
For this reason, you should always wear pastels that show up in photographs and avoid colors that look pale or white under a camera’s flash.
Denim
We all know that denim can be extremely fashionable, especially when worn with the right combination of shirts and shoes.
However, this does not mean that denim is acceptable to wear when it comes to weddings, as the color is often associated with casual wear and may be considered too laid back for a formal occasion.
The only exception to this rule is a denim jacket, which can be worn to keep yourself warm and dry during an outdoor or casual ceremony.
Bridesmaid Colors
If you are not a bridesmaid, then wearing the same color as the bridal party can make you look like a wannabe, which can make the overall ceremony awkward and uncomfortable.
Because of this, you should always check with the bride to see what color the bridesmaids’ dresses are, as this will help to avoid any confusion or mishaps.
However, if you are unable to reach the bride, then you should be able to decipher what color the dresses will be from context clues, such as the color of the invitations or party decorations.
Red
If you are attending a Chinese or Hindu wedding, then another color you should avoid wearing is red. But why is this?
Well, in both Chinese and Hindu culture, red is seen as a sacred color and will often be worn by the bride on her wedding day.
So wearing the color as a guest could be seen as an attempt to upstage or disrespect the bride, which could upset the bridal party and make the overall ceremony extremely uncomfortable.