Can You Wear Black to A Wedding? | Fab Frocks (2024)

If there’s one thing we know for sure when we’re shopping for a wedding guest outfit, do not wear white. Under any circ*mstances. But can you wear black to a wedding?

In age-old etiquette books, you might find some outdated reasons for not wearing black to a wedding. But now, it can be a chic and simple way to do wedding guest attire.

When it comes to black, it’s all about how you do it. Black can be sultry and sexy. Even though a little bit of this is fine for a wedding guest outfit, you don’t want to attract too much attention. So, steer away from anything too saucy and plunging and stick to contemporary and simple cuts.

How to wear black to a wedding

Here are our top tips on styling a black wedding guest outfit.

Choose a black print

This season’s on-trend dark floral prints or a classic polka dot. Black prints are a great way to wear black to a wedding. Prints break up the darker hue. This gives you more of a classic wedding look while keeping you in your favourite palette.

Opt for feminine details

Sometimes black can look and feel heavy. To combat this for a wedding outfit, opt for feminine details. Ruffles and ruching will keep your look soft and chic.

Embroidery injects touches of colour and detail. This works beautifully when layered with sheer fabrics, such as tulle.

Choose lightweight fabrics

Unless your wedding is in the depth of winter, lightweight fabrics tend to work best when opting for black. Fabrics like chiffon and silk create soft and feminine lines. Team this with feminine details, such as ruffles for wedding outfit perfection.

Try some sparkle

A little sparkle can brighten up any black wedding guest outfit. Opt for sequins or beadwork on a black dress as the perfect wedding look.

Wear a black jumpsuit

A black dress isn’t your only option if you’re considering black for a wedding this year or next. How about a chic and stylish black jumpsuit? Now, the perfect wedding outfit alternative to a classic dress, choose a sleek wide-leg jumpsuit and opt for luxe accessories. Statement earrings or a crystal belt will keep your look ultra-feminine.

Add bright accessories

If black is your go-to, why not brighten up your head to toe look with a pop of colour? Colourful shoes or a bright clutch add just the right touch of on-trend colour to any wedding outfit.

Check with the bride

One of the best ways to work out if you can wear black to a wedding is to simply check with the bride. Every bride will feel differently about this. Some won’t have a care in the world if their guests turn up in black. But asking outright gives your bride the chance to suggest brighter choices.

Wearing black to a wedding is no longer a fashion faux-pas. So, if it’s your favourite palette, embrace the dark side. Dress your black wedding guest outfit up with just the right details and accessories to make it work.

For more inspiration of what to wear for a wedding this year, browse the latest Fab Frocks collections. You’ll find wedding guest outfitsfor every venue and time of year.

Can You Wear Black to A Wedding? | Fab Frocks (2024)

FAQs

Can You Wear Black to A Wedding? | Fab Frocks? ›

Wearing black to a wedding is no longer a fashion faux-pas. So, if it's your favourite palette, embrace the dark side. Dress your black wedding guest outfit up with just the right details and accessories to make it work.

Is it OK to wear some black to a wedding? ›

However, in today's modern-day age, wearing black to a wedding is completely acceptable, and in many cases, it's even encouraged. “Black is often considered the most formal, polished, and flattering color,” explains wedding expert Ashley Smith.

Is it allowed to wear a black wedding dress? ›

Yes! There's no religious, legal, or moral reason to stop you wearing a black dress or gown on your wedding day. Your wedding dress can be any style or colour you like, including black.

Can I wear black and white polka dots to a wedding? ›

Yes, you can wear polka dots to a wedding. Polka dots can be a fun and stylish choice for a wedding guest outfit, offering a touch of playfulness and elegance. Opt for smaller and more refined polka dot patterns for formal weddings, while larger and bolder dots may suit casual or outdoor ceremonies.

What colors are not appropriate to wear to a wedding? ›

Leave all white, ivory, and champagne-hued shades alone, unless the invitation specifically designates an all-white dress code. "White and ivory are such a stark, prominent color that when you are the only one, as the bride, wearing it, all eyes are on you," says Avrumson.

What to wear to a wedding as a guest female? ›

Women wedding guests should wear a full-length dress, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line style. High heels are strongly recommended. Feel free to accessorize with opulent jewelry and even elbow-length white silk gloves.

What to wear to a 5 pm 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.

Can you wear floral to a formal wedding? ›

Can you wear a floral dress to a formal wedding? The short answer: Yes! Floral wedding guest dresses come in so many different styles, from festive frocks to sexy slips. No matter the dress code of the event you're attending, you're bound to find a floral wedding guest dress that's perfect for the occasion.

Can I wear a backless dress to a wedding? ›

Backless gowns are on-trend and are perfect for a wedding—with a wrap for the ceremony, and with everything else under wraps.

What is the color dress code for a wedding guest? ›

Neutral shades are timeless options that won't detract from the wedding's formal atmosphere. For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green.

Is it okay to wear a floral dress with a white background to a wedding? ›

There's an easy way to gauge if your floral ensemble is appropriate or not for a wedding. "If it's a pattern with a white base or a print with white in it, I would suggest sticking to a rough visual ratio of 75 percent color to 25 percent white," says Gabrielle Hurwitz of Gabrielle Hurwitz Bridal Styling.

Is it OK to wear a white top and black skirt to a wedding? ›

Every rule has its moments to be broken, says Atlanta-based event planner Megan Seaton. "In this case, I find only one: It is OK to wear white if, and only if, the couple has specifically requested that white attire be worn," she says. "In this case, the attire will be specifically mentioned in the invitation.

Is it impolite to wear black to a wedding? ›

As long as the event calls for a particular level of formality and you won't upstage the couple or the wedding party, it's safe to wear black to the wedding.

Can I wear black to a spring wedding? ›

Though it's technically OK to wear black at any time of the day, Aleece says it's better suited for late afternoon and evening weddings in the fall and winter, along with formal and black tie weddings in the early spring.

Is black OK for a Catholic wedding? ›

In Catholic weddings, there are no specific restrictions on the color of the wedding entourage's attire. While traditionally, black has been associated with mourning and may not be the most common choice for a wedding, it is ultimately a matter of personal preference and the couple's wishes.

How to add color to a black dress for a wedding? ›

Consider bold and colorful jewelry pieces such as oversized earrings, statement necklaces, or stackable bracelets. These accessories can provide a pop of color or unique shapes that contrast with the black dress, creating a chic and playful vibe.

Can a guest wear cream to a wedding? ›

It's also best to keep your distance from pure white's cousins, such as cream, ivory, and beige – no matter how good you look in the dress, you'll run the risk of poor etiquette.

Is it appropriate to wear black to a funeral? ›

Do I Have To Wear Black To A Funeral? Black is the safest bet, but you don't have to wear a solid black outfit. Consider other darker and solid colors when thinking of what to wear at a funeral. Dark gray, navy, and dark blue are other acceptable options for a funeral.

Can you wear a black jumpsuit to a wedding? ›

Here's the scoop: Unless there is a strict dress code, or the couple requests gowns and suits exclusively, Stitch Fix style expert, Alicia Lloyd tells InStyle you can absolutely wear a wedding guest jumpsuit.

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