Is it acceptable to wear a white dress to a wedding?

Often, for a wedding, white is the colour worn by the bride. As guests, we often wonder if we are also allowed to wear white attire.

A Dress Code from the 19th Century

The tradition of the bride wearing white is a dress code that was established only in the 19th century. In fact, long before that, brides often wore red, which was a symbol of love and passion. Since then, white has been designated for the woman celebrating her marriage, making it completely forbidden for guests, especially women, to wear a white dress. Why this restriction? Simply because the bride was meant to be the queen of the day and no other woman should upstage her with their beauty or radiance. White is a pure and radiant colour that is easily noticed in a crowd. Thus, guests were expected to wear other colours, often quite subdued like black or grey, to avoid overshadowing the couple whose special occasion was being celebrated.

Trendy White Dresses 2020

A Dress Code That’s a Bit Outdated

In 2020, some dress codes seem quite outdated, and the rule about not wearing white to a wedding is one of them. It is now not uncommon to see several guests in white dresses or white outfits without stealing the spotlight from the couple of the day. Just look at the celebrities, such as in the wedding of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, where all guests were required to dress in white or black. Let’s not forget the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, where the maid of honour, who was also the bride's sister, wore a beautiful white dress. It seems that in recent years, white has become the trending colour for major weddings. This colour represents purity and elegance, making it one of the most beautiful and symbolic choices for a wedding.

Beautiful White Dresses

Always Consult the Bride

Even though it is possible to wear white to a wedding today, it is still preferable to ask the bride for her opinion. Indeed, some people are quite traditional and prefer to adhere to past rules. Therefore, to avoid potentially upsetting her, it’s best to get her blessing before showing up in your lovely all-white dress, which might cause some issues. This is especially easy if it’s someone very close to you, like your sister, cousin, or best friend. Of course, if you are invited to a large, traditional wedding, it is more than advisable to skip the white and let the future bride have that privilege. Also, be careful not to wear beige or off-white in such situations since these colours are closely associated with white. In fact, it is not uncommon to see some bridal gowns incorporate white with one of these colours to make them even more unique.

When Is It Acceptable to Wear White?

To avoid a major faux pas, there are certain situations where you can wear white without worry. For example, this can be the case for a civil wedding with a small gathering. Or if the bride is not wearing white and has decided to break with traditional dress codes for her special day. You might also opt for a partially white outfit (either the skirt or the top), which will draw less attention. If your dress doesn’t resemble a bridal gown and is accessorized with bolder colours, it could work as well.


In conclusion, wearing white to a wedding is no longer forbidden in 2020. However, you should always ensure to respect the bride, as well as her wishes and customs. The goal is to not draw attention away from her on this important day. So, always make sure to do your research before considering wearing white for such an important event. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings and allow you to fully enjoy the moment! If you’re looking for the perfect white dress to attend your friend’s wedding, we recommend our bohemian white dresses.

Need some inspiration? Discover how to style a white dress for weddings and other occasions. Explore Our White Dress Inspirations