Is it OK to wear black to a wedding? Here's what experts think (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to wear black to a wedding? Here's what experts think? ›

"When wearing black to a wedding, keep the outfit in line with the dressiness of the bridal party and wedding as a whole," she said. 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 you wear a black dress or ensemble to a wedding? In short, yes, but the key is in the styling. You want to avoid looking like you dressed for a funeral, and your outfit should feel like it was chosen with a special occasion in mind!

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.

Be Upfront from the Beginning. If you're going to request a certain dress code or color from your guests, be upfront about this from the beginning. That means notifying them of this on the invitation or even the save the date.

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.

"Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz. “Visually, it's quite bold. In a photo, your eye is immediately drawn to the color, especially if it's next to neutrals like white, black, gray, or beige.”

In terms of color, black is a safe and classic choice, but don't be afraid to experiment with other hues. Nude, metallic, and red shoes can all add a pop of color and interest to your outfit. Remember to also consider the length and style of your dress.

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.

As the old saying goes, it's better to be overdressed than underdressed. Despite weddings today being overall less traditional and formal than that of older generations—black-tie is optional these days, as is wearing a tuxedo or dark suit—no one wants to arrive to the venue in sneakers to see everyone else in heels.

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.

What does black attire mean on a wedding invitation? ›

Black Tie usually indicates an evening wedding where men wear tuxedos with black bow tie and women wear formal floor-length gowns. Black tie does not mean you must wear black. However, traditionally men would wear a bow tie and black tuxedo.

When jargon such as “Black Tie Preferred” or “Black Tie Requested,” is used, this indicates that the host wants to put on a formal affair, but does not want to leave out those who cannot afford a tuxedo.

Basically, wedding guests are off the hook if they absolutely cannot wear a tuxedo. A dark suit and tie would be acceptable black tie optional wedding attire for men, but wear a tux if you can. Prefer to dress it down? Try a black satin necktie or a black and white bow tie in a pattern.

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.

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).

Fit-and-flare Wedding Guest Dresses For Women Over 60

Fit-and-flare dresses whether knee-length or longer are chic and flattering. It has a defined waistline and fits closer to the body but is not too tight which makes it uncomfortable. This forgiving silhouette fits every body type.

Consider a vibrant blazer, a faux fur jacket, or a colorful shawl to add a pop of color and texture. These pieces not only keep you warm but also create a stylish and dynamic contrast against the black dress.

Black, never for a day time wedding (or anytime of day in Greece where, like most mediterranian countries, black is for funerals; and not white because you do not want to compete with the bride.

What colors work best for a black tie wedding? The only real color that's off-limits as a wedding guest is white, but there are some color schemes that work best for black tie weddings. "Most guests will stick to darker hues like burgundy, black, navy and gray.

The black gown symbolized ensured her loyalty to the bride's devotion to her husband until death. Nowadays, black wedding gowns are the first choice for women who want to wear an unusual yet intense look. They are seen as fashionable and symbolize elegance, power, sensuality, mysteriousness, and Intellect.