Can you wear a white dress to a wedding?

Often, for a wedding, the bride wears white. Many guests wonder if it’s acceptable for them to wear white too.

A dress code dating back to the 19th century

The tradition of the bride wearing white was established only in the 19th century. In fact, well before that, brides often wore red, symbolising love and passion. Since the white dress became a symbol for brides, it has been completely forbidden for guests, particularly women, to wear a white dress. Why this restriction? Simply because the bride was meant to be the centre of attention, and no other woman was to outshine her with beauty or radiance. After all, white is a pure and bright colour that stands out easily in a crowd. Guests were thus expected to wear other colours, usually quite subdued options like black or grey, to avoid overshadowing the newlyweds on their special day.

Trendy White Dresses 2020

A somewhat outdated dress code

In 2020, some dress codes do indeed seem outdated, and the rule against wearing white to a wedding is one of them. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see several guests wearing white dresses or outfits without stealing the spotlight from the couple celebrating their special day. Just look at celebrity weddings, like that of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, where all guests were required to dress in white or black. Not to mention the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, where the maid of honour, who was also the bride's sister, wore a stunning white dress. In fact, it seems that in recent years, white has become the trending colour for significant weddings. This colour reflects purity and elegance and is perhaps the most beautiful and symbolic choice for an event like a wedding.

Beautiful White Dresses

Still, ask the bride's opinion

Even though it is now possible to wear white to a wedding, it’s still preferable to consult the bride. Some people who are quite conservative enjoy adhering to traditional rules. To avoid any potential upset, it’s wise to get her blessing before showing up in your lovely white dress, which might cause some friction. This is especially easy if you’re close to the bride, like being her sister, cousin, or best friend. Of course, if you’re attending a large and more traditional wedding, it’s more than advisable to skip white and leave that privilege to the bride. Additionally, be cautious about wearing beige or cream in these situations, as these colours are closely related to white. It’s not uncommon for some wedding dresses to combine white with one of these shades to make them even more unique.

When is it appropriate to wear white?

To avoid any serious faux pas, certain situations may allow you to wear white without worry. For example, this may be acceptable at a civil wedding with a small guest list. Or if the bride isn’t wearing white and has chosen to defy traditional dress codes for her special day. You could also wear white if your outfit is only partially white (like a skirt or bodice), drawing less attention. If your dress truly doesn't resemble a wedding gown and is complemented with accessories in bolder colours, you should be safe.


In conclusion, wearing white to a wedding is no longer prohibited in 2020. However, you should always make sure to respect the bride, along with her expectations and traditions. The goal is to avoid overshadowing her on this significant day. Always do your research before considering wearing white to such an important event. This will help you avoid any 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.

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