Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (2024)

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (1)

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Can you wear black to a wedding? In my opinion as an editor who has attended many, many weddings now, it's a yes, but with a few rules, regs and caveats. I've personally worn black to three weddings over the past few years, and it hasn't caused trouble yet. In fact, the formulas I've come up with have become really trusty, fail-safe outfits for those nuptials and events where you really don't have a clue what to wear.

Unlike many other social engagements, weddings can often come with a specific set of guidelines and requests from the happy couple, but a lot of these have changed and evolved over time. Like many etiquette rules surrounding vows, engagements, gifts and more, appropriate wedding guest attire can often fall into a grey area. And despite many traditional regulations relaxing, this idea of whether black is suitable or not still comes up time and again as a question.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (2)

(Image credit: Hannah Almassi)

Style Notes: Mismatched accessories and a shoulder-robed jacket make this form-fitting black dress feel less funeral and more fun—perfect for an evening of dancing!

The answers will vary depending on the specific event and the people getting married, and when I've been unsure of my choices, I have asked the bride in advance. (All times it's entirely not an issue, and they were surprised I even asked.) I'd say always do the following: Try to break up the black with fun accessories, don't go OTT on flashing a lot of flesh, and be careful to opt for something that definitely feels "dressed-up" rather than your go-to work shirt dress.

In addition to my own tips on how you can navigate wearing black to a wedding,I asked a few cool fashion girls about their thoughts on the matter: "Anything but white is fair game, and black, in my book, is always chic and practical. I've lightened up a black co*cktail dress for a summer wedding with coloured shoes, statement jewellery or red lipstick," says super stylist Rachael Wang, echoing my thoughts entirely.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (3)

(Image credit: Hannah Almassi)

Style Notes: Sometimes all you need to do is pick a silhouette that feels trend-driven and add gold accessories for a bit of sparkle. This was appropriate for thepretty outdoorsy wedding I went to, as it was knitted but backless for a bit of sass.

"I definitely think it's appropriate to wear black to a wedding, especially if the attire is black-tie. I also think it depends on the location/aesthetic of the wedding," says Who What Wear U.S.'s Lauren Eggertsen. "For example, I attended a black-tie wedding where the reception took place in a gorgeous ballroom, so a black dress seemed more than appropriate. If Iwere attending a summertime outdoor wedding, black might seem out of place."

On the other hand, her colleague Erin Fitzpatrick would steer clear of turning to the dark side. "I definitely don't think it's a universal rule anymore, but I personally prefer to skip black dresses for weddings," she says. "Since every wedding I've been to has been in the summer, it just feels right to choose something fun and colourful, which suits my style better anyway. Plus, for some reason, I still associate black with funerals rather than weddings, so I tend to steer clear of it."

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (4)

(Image credit: Hannah Almassi)

Style Notes: Country weddings often call for floral dresses, but that works for black floral dresses too.

Shop the Best Black Wedding Guest Dresses

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (5)

Reformation

Elly Dress

The most beautiful silhouette. The skirt has a tulle lining whichgives it the lightness of a cloud.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (6)

Sleeper

+ Net Sustain Party Shirt Feather-Trimmed Satin Dress

You basicallyare the party in this one.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (7)

Raey

Halterneck Draped-Front Wraparound Silk Dress

Backless dressesalways look stunning with updo hairstyles.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (8)

Chloé

Bow-Embellished Velvet-Trimmed Wool and Silk-Blend Satin Midi Dress

Worried this will be too sassy? Grab a sleek blazer to throw on over the top, especially if you're going to a religious wedding.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (9)

Mango

Halter Neck Ruched Dress

Halternecksfeature on the best dresses this year.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (10)

& Other Stories

Slim-Fit Bias Cut Midi Dress

Simple and so elegant.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (11)

The Row

Mono One-Shoulder Silk Gown

This dress was made foran elegant ceremony.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (12)

Reformation

Le Marais Velvet Dress Es

Reformationnever gets it wrong.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (13)

River Island

Plus Black Frill Halter Shift Mini Dress

Thefrill detailmake this high street wonder look so high end.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (14)

Bernadette

Daffodil Floral-Appliquéd Point D'Esprit Tulle and Silk Crepe De Chine Mini Dress

Don't disregard minidresses, especially when they have spot mesh detailing.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (15)

H&M

Stand-Up Collar Lace Dress

This is very winter-appropriate and we are here for it.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (16)

16arlington

Adelaide Asymmetric Feather-Trim Crepe Midi Dress

This has everything needed to make a perfect entrance!

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (17)

Whistles

Draped Velvet Midi Dress

Dress this midi up with gold accessories.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (18)

Veronica Beard

Maelle Stretch-Silk Charmeuse Minidress

A sassy little number that's perfect for an evening do.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (19)

Ghost

Corinne Chenille Midi Dress

Thetexture ofthis midi dress is next-level.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (20)

Toteme

Bandeau Cotton-Blend Midi Dress

Off-shoulderdresses are a key trend this year.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (21)

Rixo

Celia - Black

Velvet makes any dress look the wedding guest part.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (22)

Elie Saab

Pleated Taffeta and Crepe Gown

The detailing on the bodice is stunning.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (23)

& Other Stories

Ruffled Off-Shoulder Midi Dress

Puff sleevesadd something special.

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (24)

Nobody's Child

Black Organza Sleeve Zora Midi Dress

Is there anything more fabulous than an exaggerated sleeve?

Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (25)

The Vampire's Wife

The Light Sleeper Tinsel-Embellished Chiffon Dress

The Princess of Wales regularly wears The Vampire's Wife dresses to formal occasions.

NextUp:These 35 Wedding Guest Dresses Are Next-Level Beautiful

This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval (2024)

FAQs

What's the rule on wearing black to a wedding? ›

"It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings." Ryncarz agreed that it is wise to gauge the attire of the wedding attendants. "When wearing black to a wedding, keep the outfit in line with the dressiness of the bridal party and wedding as a whole," she said.

Can you wear a black dress for a wedding yes or no? ›

"You can always wear black, no matter where you are, but it depends on how it's executed," she says. "Black is the most versatile and flattering color for any woman to wear. But because black absorbs heat, if you wear it to a beach wedding you'll want to wear a light fabric."

Are black wedding dresses acceptable? ›

Though, some brides might be worried that they can't wear a black wedding dress for their ceremony; that it goes against tradition and wouldn't be accepted. Well, we are here to tell you that you absolutely can wear black wedding dresses! Wedding traditions are evolving and with that, acceptable wedding dress colors.

Can you wear a black and gold dress to a wedding? ›

What is the black and gold dress code for a wedding? - Quora. What is the black and gold dress code for a wedding? Black and gold attire for a wedding usually means formal or semi-formal attire. Guests are expected to wear elegant and stylish attire with black and gold detailing.

Why can't you wear red to a wedding? ›

Turns out, wearing red to a wedding means to some that “you've slept with the groom.” “Old Wives' Tale, but yeah,” Mitchell explained. However, both wedding planners agreed on a more modern reason for not wearing red: It could be seen as a way to grab the attention away from the bride.

Is a black wedding dress taboo? ›

Previous generations considered black to be taboo for weddings or a sign of bad luck for the marriage. In recent years the norms around wedding attire have changed and now it's very common to see wedding guests in black ensembles.

Can mother of the bride wear black? ›

It's acceptable and even fashionable to wear black year-round, sequins for daytime and a co*cktail-length dress to a black-tie wedding. My one style rule when it comes to weddings is be spirited!

Can you wear black and white to a wedding as a guest? ›

“How about a black-and-white dress?” We advise against wearing white to weddings, but a printed dress with a hint of white or ivory is definitely approved. A black-and-white dress is a classic choice, as long as the pattern isn't too distracting.

What does a black dress mean in a wedding? ›

The black gown symbolized ensured her loyalty to the bride's devotion to her husband until death. Nowadays, black wedding gowns are the first choice for women who want to wear an unusual yet intense look. They are seen as fashionable and symbolize elegance, power, sensuality, mysteriousness, and Intellect.

What culture wears black wedding dresses? ›

In the West, black lace wedding dresses were the traditional choice of Roman Catholic brides in Spain. And both Scottish and Finnish cultures had black wedding gowns as part of their bridal traditions.

What do you wear to a 5 pm wedding? ›

The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.

Is it OK to wear black to a summer wedding? ›

If you want to add some fun to your outfit but you still want to wear black, perhaps go for something with a print or a pattern.” “Wearing black to a summer wedding is completely acceptable, but just be mindful that darker shades can retain heat,” says Harris.

How do you accessorize a plain black dress for a wedding? ›

A bold scarf or necklace draws the eye to the top half of your body and can break up a monochromatic look. Pick a necklace or scarf that has a lot of color or a fun pattern. For instance, pair a black A-line dress with a red, white, and black printed scarf and red pumps. Add some simple earrings and a single bracelet.

What accessories to wear with a black dress? ›

How to Style a Little Black Dress
  • Hats and Hair Accessories. Hats and hair accessories are a fun way to complement any black dress. ...
  • Jewelry. ...
  • Belts. ...
  • Scarves. ...
  • Hosiery. ...
  • Shoes. ...
  • Handbags. ...
  • Button Down Shirt.

Is there a superstition about wearing black to a wedding? ›

Traditionally speaking, wearing black to a wedding is considered taboo. Whether it's a sign of mourning, a symbol of evil, or a sign of bad luck for the marriage, our parents and grandparents likely wouldn't have even had to consider whether black at a wedding was appropriate.

What color dress should you wear to a wedding? ›

If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate. For a more glamorous look, pastels such as lavender, light pink, or pale blue will add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

What should a man wear to a wedding as a guest? ›

Basically, wedding guests are off the hook if they absolutely cannot wear a tuxedo. A dark suit and tie would be acceptable black tie optional wedding attire for men, but wear a tux if you can. Prefer to dress it down? Try a black satin necktie or a black and white bow tie in a pattern.

Can you wear black to a wedding as mother of the groom? ›

The Best Colors for Mothers of the Groom to Consider

In general, jewel tones and earthy hues, like emerald green and burgundy, work well, in addition to universally flattering colors like black and navy. Valiente also adds, "Wear a flattering color that compliments the color palette of the wedding."

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