Can You Wear a White Dress to a Wedding?

Often, for a wedding, the bride is typically dressed in white. As guests, we might wonder whether it is acceptable for us to wear white outfits as well.

A dress code rule from the 19th century

The tradition of the bride wearing white was only established during the 19th century. Before this, brides frequently wore red, symbolising love and passion. However, since white has been designated for the bride, it has been completely forbidden for guests, especially women, to wear a white dress. Why this prohibition? Simply because the bride must be the queen of the day and no other woman should outshine her with beauty or radiance. Indeed, white is a pure and bright colour that easily stands out in a crowd. Consequently, guests are expected to wear other colours, often quite subdued, like black or grey, to avoid overshadowing the couple celebrating their grand event.

An outdated dress code rule

In 2020, certain dress code rules seem a bit outdated, including the one about not wearing white to a wedding. Nowadays, it's not unusual to see several guests donning white dresses or outfits without stealing the spotlight from the couple of the day. A glance at celebrity weddings, like that of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, where all guests were required to wear either white or black, illustrates this change. Let’s not forget the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, where the maid of honour, the bride’s sister, also wore a stunning white gown. In recent years, it appears that white has become the trendy colour for significant weddings. This colour reflects purity and elegance, making it incredibly beautiful and meaningful for an event like a wedding.

Still, ask the bride for her opinion

Even though it's now possible to wear white to a wedding, it's still preferable to check with the bride first. Some individuals who are quite traditional prefer to adhere to the old rules. To avoid offending her, it’s best to get her approval before showing up in a lovely all-white dress, which might cause some issues. This is even easier if the bride is someone very close to you, like your sister, cousin, or best friend. It's clear that if you're invited to a large and more traditional wedding, it is highly advisable to skip wearing white and leave that privilege to the bride. Be wary not to wear beige or cream in such situations, as these colours are closely related to white. In fact, it isn't uncommon for some wedding dresses to combine white with one of these colours to make them even more unique.

When can you wear white then?

To avoid a major faux pas, certain occasions may allow you to wear white without any worries. For instance, during a civil wedding in an intimate setting. Or if the bride isn't wearing white and has chosen to break all the traditional dress code rules for her special day. You can also wear white if your outfit is partially white (like just the skirt or just the bodice), which will naturally draw less attention. If your dress doesn't look too much like a wedding gown and is accessorised with bolder colours, that could work too.

Bohemian White Dresses

In conclusion, wearing white to a wedding is no longer strictly forbidden in 2020. However, you must always ensure you respect the bride, along with her wishes and traditions. The aim is to ensure that you don’t steal her spotlight on such an important day for her. Always make sure to gather information before thinking of wearing white for an event of this significance. This will help you avoid any awkward situations and you can enjoy the moment to the fullest! If you're looking for the perfect white dress for your friend's wedding, we recommend our bohemian white dresses.