Can You Wear a White Dress to a Wedding?

Often, for a wedding, the bride wears white. This raises the question of whether guests can also wear white outfits.

A Dress Code from the 19th Century

The tradition of the bride wearing white was established only in the 19th century. In fact, before that, brides often wore red, a symbol of love and passion. Since white has been designated for the bride, it became completely forbidden for guests, particularly women, to wear white dresses. Why this restriction? Simply because the bride should be the center of attention, and no other woman should overshadow her beauty or radiance. After all, white is a pure and bright color that easily stands out in a crowd. Guests were thus expected to wear other colors, often quite subdued like black or gray, to avoid upstaging the newlyweds celebrating their big day.

An Outdated Dress Code

By 2020, some dress codes feel a bit outdated, and the rule about not wearing white to a wedding is one of them. It’s no longer uncommon to see several guests in white dresses or outfits without stealing the spotlight from the couple on this memorable day. Just look at the celebrities, like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, where all the guests were required to dress in white or black. Also, during the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the maid of honor, who is the bride’s sister, wore a stunning white dress as well. It seems that in recent years, white has become the go-to color for major weddings. This color reflects purity and elegance, making it one of the most beautiful and symbolic choices for an occasion like a wedding.

Still Ask the Bride’s Opinion

Even though it is now possible to wear white to a wedding, it’s still advisable to ask the bride for her opinion. Some individuals are rather conservative and prefer to stick to traditional rules. Therefore, to avoid offending her, it’s better to get her blessing before showing up in your lovely all-white dress, which might cause you some trouble. It will be easier if the bride is someone very close to you, like your sister, cousin, or best friend. Obviously, if you’re invited to a large and traditional wedding, it’s more than recommended to skip the white and leave that privilege to the bride. Also, be cautious not to wear beige or off-white in these situations, as these colors closely resemble white. In fact, it’s not uncommon for some wedding dresses to combine white with one of these colors to make them even more unique.

When is it Appropriate to Wear White?

To avoid a major faux pas, certain occasions may allow you to wear white without worry. For example, at a civil wedding with a small guest list. Or if the bride isn’t wearing white and has chosen to break all the traditional dress codes for her special day. Additionally, if your outfit is partially white (either the skirt or the top), it will attract less attention. If your dress doesn’t resemble a wedding gown and is accessorized with bolder colors, that will help too.

Bohemian White Dresses

In conclusion, wearing white to a wedding is no longer forbidden in 2020. However, you should always strive to respect the bride, along with her wishes and traditions. The goal is not to steal her spotlight on this significant day. So always make sure to check before planning to wear white for such an important event. This will save you from any embarrassing situations, and you can fully enjoy the occasion! If you’re looking for the perfect white dress for your friend’s wedding, we recommend our bohemian white dresses.