Is Wearing White to a Wedding as a Guest Still Taboo?

For as long as anyone can remember, wearing white to a wedding as a guest is a big no-no, but are times changing? With many wedding traditions changing, is the long-standing tradition of “only the bride wears white” long gone? While there are always different circumstances, the short answer is that… it depends! 

The History of White Weddings

Fun fact: the tradition of a white wedding dress started when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. Queen Victoria chose an embellished lace white satin gown that was handcrafted in England. Once the photos were published, brides began to copy the Queen’s style by wearing white to their weddings. Since then, it’s typically frowned upon to wear white as a guest to a wedding. 

The Case for Yes 

As a general rule, you should always check with the bride if you think the white dress you chose is too close to the brides’ or if she would be upset. However, if there is white in or on the dress - a white lace or sheer overlay on a colorful, cocktail-length, for example - that would be appropriate wedding guest attire. Don’t show up, however, in a white, floor-length or full-skirted dress! 

Another way to wear white to a wedding as a guest is if it’s part of the theme. For example, some brides choose to wear a non-white dress and have their wedding party and guests wear white. Or some brides don’t care at all and encourage guests to wear what they want! 

Again, if you have to question whether your outfit is appropriate, check with the bride first!

The Case for No

On the flip side, there are certain circumstances when it’s absolutely not okay to wear to a wedding. The main being the bride explicitly asking guests not to wear white. And if they don’t explicitly state that guests can’t wear white, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose another color. 

Lastly, you don’t want to detract from the bride on their big day! The last thing you want is for someone to mistake you for the bride or be in photographs where guests think you’re trying to steal the spotlight. 

All in all, it’s respectful and customary not to wear white as a guest to the wedding unless the bride specifically asks you to wear white or she says it’s okay to wear it. 

What do you think? Do you think wedding guests should be allowed to wear white? Let us know in the comments!