When it comes to weddings, guests shouldn't wear white. Right? Well, it turns out, that calls for some clarification.
By TAYSHA MURTAUGH, Country Living
A few years back, I attended a friend's wedding in a red dress. While
standing outside the venue, waiting to toss sprinkles at our
newly-wedded friends, I spotted her: a fellow guest who had worn a
white, lace dress. Internally, I rolled my eyes. "What was she
thinking?" I thought. "Doesn't she know proper etiquette?"
Weeks later, the wedding photos went up on Facebook. There, in the
pictures, it wasn't the white dress that bothered me anymore. It was mine. There, in a sea of white and black and blues, my classic red was more than a bit distracting.
[post_ads]Traditionally, the only off-limits color
for wedding guests has been white, for obvious reasons—no one wants to
take attention away from the bride. But times are a-changin'. Now, many
people simply don't see wearing white as a big deal.
Some brides and grooms are totally cool with it. They might even
request that their guests dress in white for a monochromatic color
palette for the rehearsal dinner or the ceremony —a trend that can be
traced back to royal and celebrity weddings alike.
Still,
there are mixed opinions on the subject: "White, unless you know the
bride and she's asked you to wear it or given you her blessing, is
typically out," says Carrie Goldberg, the Digital Travel & Weddings
Editor at Harper's Bazaar, "although I see no issue in a white skirt or top paired with something in color."
A
good rule of thumb? Steer clear of the shade, just to be safe, unless
it's patterned or paired with something else, as Goldberg suggests.
Context Is Key
But
white is not the only problematic hue, as I learned. Overly bold colors
(like fire engine red, neon green or yellow, hot pink and garish
orange) can be just as bad, for the simple reason that they'll stick out
like a sore thumb in wedding photos.
Charlottesville, VA-based wedding photographer Jen Fariello's
most-hated hues for wedding guest ensembles? Orange and hot pink.
"Especially if you are family or the date of a family member," she says.
"I think taking a cue from the invitation is always a great idea."
"If you get a paper suite with a vibrant, colorful
theme, go bold," Fariello continues, "but if you get a crisp, classic
vibe from the invitation, use that as a cue to go classy and subtle."
Take
culture into account as well. It's worth noting that red is an
especially risky choice for a Chinese wedding, where it's traditional
for brides to wear red.
[post_ads_2]
Stay Away From Words
Beyond
color, it's also considerate to think about patterns and logos. "I
don't mind red," says Southern California wedding photographer Rebecca Yale.
"I think it's a fun pop of color. I definitely agree with not wearing
all white unless you're otherwise instructed to do so. I'm pretty open
to any color or pattern. My biggest advice is just nothing with a big
logo or words on it. You'd think it wouldn't happen too much at
weddings, but I have seen it! Anything with a logo or words is very
distracting and draws the eye. Otherwise I don't think there's really
any color that's completely off-limits."
Bypass the Blue Jeans
Overall, though, the best rule of thumb is to simply make sure you clean up nice. To Denver, CO, wedding photographer Laura Murray,
the biggest wedding fashion faux pas is not a color, but a code: "As a
guest, I would avoid looking too casual," she says. "Even if it is a
casual wedding, I think having a somewhat elevated sense of attire is a
nice gesture. I have found it to be distracting in photos when one guest
shows up in jeans, while everyone else is dressed more formally ... As
for red, or other bold colors, I think it's great! I personally do not
find bold colors distracting in photos."
As for
me, I feel much better about that red dress now. I'll still probably
refrain from wearing it to future ceremonies, but I also regret ever
judging (however quietly) what other guests wore. You never know what's
been cleared with the couple beforehand, and anyway, who cares? At the
end of the (big) day, it's not about your dress or decorum but rather
about celebrating the love of two people.
More:
- 4 Epic Five-Course Menus for Your 4th of July Cookout
- 15 Festive 4th of July Drinks Perfect for the Whole Family
- 17 Tasty Appetizers to Try This 4th of July
