Can you wear a white dress to a wedding?

Often, for a wedding, white is the colour worn by the bride. This raises the question for guests: do we have the right to wear white attire too?

A dress code dating back to the 19th century

The wife wearing white is a dress code that was only established in the 19th century. Indeed, before that, brides often wore red, symbolising love and passion. Since white has been designated as the colour for the woman getting married, it has been completely forbidden for guests, particularly women, to wear a white dress. Why this prohibition? Simply because the bride was meant to be the queen of the day, and no other woman was allowed to steal the spotlight with her beauty or radiance. White is a pure and bright colour that easily stands out in a crowd. Thus, guests were expected to wear other, often quite subdued colours like black or grey, so as not to outshine the wedding couple.

An outdated dress code

In 2020, some dress codes seem somewhat outdated, including the one that forbids wearing white to a wedding. Indeed, it’s now not uncommon to see several guests donning white dresses or white outfits without overshadowing the couple at this memorable event. Just look at the celebrities, such as at the wedding of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, where all guests were required to dress in white or black. And we cannot forget the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, where the bridesmaid, who was the bride's sister, also wore a stunning white dress. It seems that in recent years, white has become the key colour for significant weddings. This colour reflects purity and elegance, making it incredibly beautiful and symbolic for an event like a wedding.

Do still ask the bride’s opinion

Even though it is now possible to wear white to a wedding, it is still preferable to consult the bride. Some rather conservative individuals prefer to stick to traditional rules. Therefore, to avoid offending her, it is best to get her permission before showing up in your lovely all-white dress, which might cause some issues. This is especially easy if she is someone close to you, like your sister, cousin, or best friend. Of course, if you are invited to a large and more traditional wedding, it is more than advisable to forego white and leave that privilege to the bride. Also be cautious about wearing beige or cream in these situations, as these colours closely resemble white. In fact, it's not uncommon to see some wedding dresses combining white with one of these colours to make them even more unique.

When is it appropriate to wear white then?

To avoid a social faux pas, certain occasions may allow you to wear white without worry. For example, this could include a civil wedding with a small guest list. Or if the bride is not wearing white and has decided to break all the customary dress codes for her important day. Additionally, if your outfit is partially white (either the skirt or the bodice), it will likely attract less attention. If your dress doesn’t resemble a bridal gown at all and is accessorised with bolder colours, it should be acceptable.

Bohemian White Dresses

In conclusion, wearing white to a wedding is no longer forbidden in 2020. However, you should always make sure to respect the bride, as well as her wishes and customs. The aim is indeed not to steal her thunder on this important day. Therefore, always ensure to check beforehand if you're considering wearing white to such a significant event. This will save you from potential awkwardness and allow you to fully enjoy the moment! If you're looking for the perfect white dress to wear to your friend's wedding, we recommend our bohemian white dresses.