We’ve already given the you the 411 on wedding dress codes so you know what to wear when you get your invitation. But are you aware of what NOT to wear? Here are several unspoken wedding dress code rules that everyone should be aware of. Break one of these and you might find a few stares come your way. So to be safe, take precaution when picking out your attire for your next wedding.
(1) Don’t wear white.
[From: A Timeless Wedding in France / Photo: Céline Chan Photographie]
Rule number one–and the most important one, too! Reserve this color for the bride. It’s her Big Day. Let’s keep her in the spotlight.
(2) Don’t wear red.
[From: An Intimate Rooftop Wedding at Wooloomooloo / Photo: Feel in the Blank]
Chinese brides also usually wear red at the reception. It would be best to also keep this special color for her second look for her and her alone. Allow her to shine in this lucky color.
(3) Stray away from bold and bright colors.
[From: Vibrant Colors Made This Lakeside Wedding Come to Life / Photo: Aviana Arden Photography]
Attention-grabbing colors will not do for a wedding attire. You don’t want to stand out too much, nor do you want to clash with the muted wedding theme colors. So unless the wedding theme is made of bright colors too, keep those neon yellow or bright pink dresses in the closet.
(4) Don’t discount the wedding venue.
[From: This Engagement Looks Like It Came Straight from a Fairytale / Photo: Peter and Veronika]
[From: Vibrant Colors Made This Lakeside Wedding Come to Life / Photo: Aviana Arden Photography]
Remember to keep the venue in mind when planning your wedding. You want to wear clothes that are appropriate. In the end, you might be the one who suffers from an unfitting attire. For example, wearing stilettos to a beach wedding will not be a great choice at all. A backless dress for an outdoor winter wedding will also just make you more uncomfortable. Double check the wedding venue and take it from there.
(5) Don’t match the bridal party.
[From: The Beautiful Flowers Made This Wedding Extra Elegant / Photo: Daniel Tam]
The bride tribe should shine, too. After all, they’re the chosen ones and the bride’s most loyal allies. They’re also matching for more reasons than to look cute with the bride. Bridesmaids have roles and responsibilities and they’re recognizable so that they can assist the bride or the guests anytime. Let the bride tribe own their own color, too.
(6) Avoid flashy accessories or showing too much skin.
[From: Vibrant Colors Made This Lakeside Wedding Come to Life / Photo: Aviana Arden Photography]
Keep it classy. You’re attending a wedding not a party. You don’t want to call attention elsewhere. All eyes should be on the bride and groom. Save your fancy accessories and revealing clothing for your next party, not wedding.
(7) Finally, when in doubt, don’t be afraid to consult the bride.
[From: The Beautiful Flowers Made This Wedding Extra Elegant / Photo: Daniel Tam]
Of course, if you have any doubts, or if you feel like the dress code isn’t 100% clear, feel free to ask the bride. She will appreciate the extra effort to come to her most special day appropriately dressed.
