FAQs
Whether or not you can wear red to a wedding depends on the wedding itself and the fashion specifications dictated by the couple. Nonetheless, it is largely no longer considered a faux pas to wear red to most Western and secular nuptials.
What does it mean if your wedding dress is red? ›
The colour of love, the bride who wears red is bold, passionate and full of desire. Not for the fainthearted this is a bold statement to make on your wedding day.
What color should wedding guests wear? ›
If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate. For a more glamorous look, pastels such as lavender, light pink, or pale blue will add a touch of elegance to your outfit.
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."
Can you wear a red dress to a black tie wedding? ›
Black-Tie Attire for Women
As for colors, all colors are fair game except for white, off-white, or anything else that's even close to white. Apart from that, the only hue you might want to avoid is the color the bride has chosen for her bridesmaid dresses.
Can I wear bright red? ›
True clear bright red will always look fabulous. Winters (or Summers) who have a touch of warmth to them, like the Toasted or Deep Winters (or Sunlit or Toasted Summers), should find their touch of warmth in other places instead of their reds. Blush, eyeshadow, or some gold jewelry will be enough warmth for them.
What does a red dress symbolize? ›
It's the color of love, passion and blood. It incites to make a scene. A woman dressed in red will be certainly noticed. Wearing red she is expressing character, independence, strength, determination.
What does a black wedding dress mean? ›
Some may be concerned about what it means to wear a black wedding dress. While the traditional white wedding dress was meant to symbolize innocence, a black wedding dress depicts elegance, power, mystery, and individuality.
What does it mean to wear purple to a wedding? ›
Meaning: Purple is associated with wealth and opulence. Once worn exclusively by nobility, purple was often used to convey one's status in society, so you could make your ladies look like royalty in purple bridesmaid dresses.
Can I wear a red dress to a wedding? ›
Summary. To answer the main question of the article, yes you can wear red to a wedding in most circ*mstances. However, in some situations you may want to check with the marrying couple that red is acceptable to wear as a guest and it won't go against their culture or distract from their big day.
I have advised readers that while bare legs are fine even at the most formal events, hosiery also is perfectly acceptable as long as it's skin tone and sheer. I've just returned from a wedding where I wore my new bargain ($10!) black sequined mini and consignment store jeweled black shoes (also $10).
What do you wear to a 5 o'clock wedding? ›
The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.
What is too white for a wedding guest? ›
Except in select cases (which we'll cover below), the experts agree that wedding guests should still stay away from white dresses—and especially any that are long, that are lacy, or that read even slightly bridal. "The bride may or may not wear white (maybe ivory, maybe champagne), but it's her color for that day.
Is it okay to wear black to a wedding? ›
As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," says bridal stylist Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride. Make the shade work for you—at any type of wedding—with these ideas for choosing the right fabrice, length, and accessories.
Can a guest wear ivory to a wedding? ›
White or Ivory
Don't do it. While it may sound like the number one wedding guest faux pas that everyone should know, some people forget (or, worse, ignore) the rule, so we're here to reiterate that white, or a white dress with patterns, is off-limits.
Is it OK to wear wedding colors as a guest? ›
The colour scheme, when it comes to what to wear, is designed for the bridal party i.e. the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, pageboys etc. Unless you're in that bridal party, you'd be best to steer clear of trying to match them. Think of it a bit like a stage show.
Can I wear red to a wedding on Reddit? ›
The general rule is to not wear anything that will take attention away from the bride. Really really bright colors like fire engine red and neons and whites used to be frowned upon, but many people now don't care. I think most reds are fine, but my personal preference is to not wear fire engine red.
Why is red the color of power? ›
One potential explanation for the color red being associated with power is that this color is often used to draw attention. 9 This increased attention signifies that something is important, and power and importance often go hand in hand.
Is it okay to wear red to a Chinese wedding? ›
While red is the most common color for to-be-weds to wear at their own wedding, guests should avoid the hue. "If you are attending a Chinese wedding, wearing red is not recommended in most cases," advises Qiao. "While the color red is auspicious in Chinese culture, it is typically reserved for brides.