Weddings are steeped in tradition, and as guests we have always been expected to follow the rules. If you wear black, it’s too sombre for such a joyous occasion, and if you wear white – heaven forbid – you’re trying to upstage the bride. But is this really still the case? It’s not unheard of these days to see the ubiquitous little black dress making an appearance at wedding ceremonies and nobody bats an eyelid.

So if wearing black has been given the thumbs up, how about white? Would it be frowned upon or would the bride not blink an eye? Many of us have spent hours agonising over what to wear to a good friend’s wedding. Have you ever eyed up your stunning white silk dress only to end up putting it to the back of the wardrobe as a diplomatic gesture and swapping it for a bright colour? The times are they a-changing?

We are all creatures of habit and most of us of tradition too, so it appears not! The bride should be the only one in the spotlight on her wedding day and should be the only one to wear white.

“So what can I wear?” you may ask yourself. Don’t fret – help is at hand. There are seemingly limitless ranges of wedding guest dresses such as those at  and the selection of original styles and colours is simply breathtaking.

Brides Who Go Against Tradition

These days, some brides choose not to wear white – they either don’t find white flattering or they don’t like the traditional connotations attached to the colour. So you may question if it’s all right to wear your white dress to a wedding when the bride is wearing a totally different colour. Have you ever eyed up your stunning white silk dress only to end up putting it to the back of the wardrobe as a diplomatic gesture and swapping it for a bright colour? The answer is still an emphatic no! The rule is: play safe, steer away from white.

Fashion experts at Vogue have plenty of advice on the right outfit guests should wear to nuptials.

Surely There Are Exceptions?

Before making the judgement call, think about these possible situations:
– The wedding is not at all traditional. The bride is a good friend and she is 100% all right with you wearing white.
– Only the background of the dress is white; the rest is colourful.
– The unusual scenario where all guests are requested to wear white!