Can You Wear White to a Wedding?

It’s arguably one of the hardest parts of attending your loved one’s nuptials: picking your outfit. After you’ve booked your accommodations, arranged your travel, and purchased a gift, you may find yourself still stuck on what to wear as you watch the duo say “I do.” Ultimately, what you choose to done will revolve around the affair’s dress code. Maybe the couple plans to host a black-tie celebration, leaving you searching for a floor-length gown, or their big day calls for cocktail-attire dress, giving you the opportunity to wear your favorite jumpsuit. However, regardless of the dress code, you may find yourself questioning whether a certain fashion faux pas remains applicable: Can you ever wear white to a wedding?

Historically, Western tradition dictates that guests should avoid wearing white to a couple’s big day. And while the rule still stands, it can be confusing to know how far it extends. For example, can you wear a printed white dress or jumpsuit? Or is any glimmer of the neutral hue completely unacceptable? Generally, it’s best to stay away from any outfits that feature the color, including a patterned gown. “So many brides are incorporating color into their wedding wardrobes now, so you wouldn’t want to show up in something too similar to the bride,” says Katie Hubbard, a bridal stylist.

Below, we answer all of these questions, speaking to industry experts about how to figure out whether or not your desired ensemble is acceptable for your loved one’s nuptials. Read on for more.

Can You Wear White to a Wedding?

In short, no. “The only time it is okay to wear white to a wedding is when the bride has said so,” says Katie Hubbard, a bridal stylist. “Otherwise, steer clear.” This standard also applies to all wedding-related events, such as the bridal shower, welcome party, and rehearsal dinner. Unless the couple has explicitly asked you to don a white ensemble, stay away from the neutral hue.

Can You Wear a Printed White Dress to a Wedding?

Even if you’re considering a printed white dress, the same standard applies. Avoid wearing anything white to your loved one’s nuptials. “As far as I am concerned, if the dress is white with a print over it, it still is white,” says Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert. “There is very little wiggle room when wearing a white dress. There will be multiple other times a guest can enjoy wearing her beautiful dress, but not on the bride’s wedding day.”

Luxury wedding planner and designer Nicole-Natassha Goulding agrees: “White is always a tricky color for weddings, and every bride may have different feelings on what guests can and can’t wear on their wedding day,” she says. “My rule of thumb usually is, if you have to question if the pattern or print has too much white, I would err on the side of caution and avoid it.” And when looking for the perfect outfit, stay away from anything with prominent white details. “White floral applique is a red flag when dress shopping as a wedding guest,” says Cindy Conroy, a fashion stylist. “The bloom detailing in conjunction with the white dress screams bridal. It’s way too much textured white.”

How Much White Is “Too Much White” at a Wedding?

Even though wearing white to someone’s nuptials is a fashion faux pas, there are some instances where donning a hint of the color may be acceptable. “If a guest wants to wear a dress that is predominantly a variety of other colors and only a small thread of white throughout the dress, it would be acceptable because it’s not the predominant color,” Gottman says.

When determining whether or not a certain outfit is okay, you’ll also want to consider the length of your outfit. “If you’re smitten with a long, printed white dress, steer clear,” Conroy says. “Someway, somehow, a floor-grazing hemline always reads bridal. No matter how much print is dotted throughout. You might think it’s fine, but you don’t want to find out that you’re wrong as you wait for the nuptials and an avalanche of side-eye begins.” Ultimately, if you’re unsure of whether or not an ensemble is okay, it’s best to select something else. “I always say if you are questioning whether it is too much white, it probably is,” Hubbard says.