Wedding guest dress codes aren’t always easy to parse out. (What exactly does “rodeo chic” or “upscale Coachella cool” even mean, anyway?) Still, no matter the level of formality of the event, there is one golden rule all guests need to follow: your attire should never upstage the couple. Event planner Denise Lillie O’Neal agrees unequivocally, sharing that “properwedding guest etiquettehas always been to avoid outshining or disrespecting a couple on their special day.”
For a long time, this placedcertain colors at the top of the “do not wear” list, with red being a hue many wedding guests were told to avoid at most celebrations. But as dress codes continue to evolve, the concept of red being a taboo shade has consequentially shifted, causing many to now ask: Can you wear red to a wedding?
Meet the Expert
- Denise Lillie O’Neal is the founder of Denise Lillie Engagements. Based in Sunnyvale, California, she specializes in fusion and cultural weddings and is a Brides Best Wedding Planner.
- Based in L.A. and N.Y.C., Gabrielle Hurwitz is the founder of Gabrielle Hurwitz Bridal Styling. She helps brides and grooms curate their wedding wardrobe, and also styles for commercial and editorial clients.
Ahead, read on to find out when the color red is appropriate for wedding guest attire, and, more importantly, when you should steer clear of this hue.
What Not to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest
Can You Wear Red to a Wedding?
Whether or not you can wear red to a wedding depends on the wedding itself and the fashion specifications dictated by the couple. Nonetheless, it is largely no longer considered afaux pasto wear red to most Western and secular nuptials. According to bridal fashion stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz, “As couples get more creative with their wedding designs, they’re alsogetting more creative with their dress codes.” This expansion of our understanding of what a wedding can look like has likewise expanded our choices in wedding guest attire.
“If the wedding or the couple is less traditional, or the dress code is a little more creative, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wearing red as a wedding guest,” adds Hurwitz. And while you might see rumors floating around the web that wearing red means you had a fling with the groom, ignore those. There are no hidden meanings to any colors of wedding guest attire.
When to Avoid Wearing Red to a Wedding
In certain cultures, notably South Asian and East Asian cultures, red is considered lucky and auspicious, and thus, has been traditionally incorporated into wedding day attire the same way white dominates bridalwear in Western cultures. This means that if you are attending an Indian, Chinese, or South Asian Muslim Wedding, or any other wedding where the color may have significant cultural meaning, “avoid wearing red because it could be part of the couples’ attire,” says O’Neal. At the same time, O’Neal notes that you may want to avoid shades of white, as some non-Western cultures associate the hue with death and periods of mourning.
When it comes to Western weddings, in particular, if you really want to err on the side of caution—or, as Hurwitz puts it, “avoid stares from the older guests”—it may be best to keep away from wearing red in churches, country clubs, and other more traditional settings."Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz.“Visually, it’s quite bold. In a photo, your eye is immediately drawn to the color, especially if it’s next to neutrals like white, black, gray, or beige.”
Additional Wedding Guest Style Tips
Now that you understand the basics, for those planning to wear red to a wedding, there are a few style tips to know in order to appropriately dress for the celebration. Specifically, Hurwitz points out that “for a fall or winter wedding, look for moodier shades of red like cranberry, crimson, ruby, or wine." Rich, heavy textures, such as velvet and jacquard, will also heighten the luxury of your look—especially for a formal or black-tie wedding.
On the other hand, for spring and summer nuptials, "consider brighter, happier shades of red like cherry, tomato, or orange-red,” Hurwitz suggests. What's more, floral and abstract patterns will bring a hint of whimsy to garden and vineyard settings, while flowy, lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and organza will feel romantic no matter the venue.
Lastly, the stylist recommends sporting subtle accessories and makeup to balance out a fully red look. “If you’re planning on wearing red to a wedding but want to be more subtle about it, consider toning down your accessories and beauty look,” she shares. “Avoid statement pieces that will draw even more attention to your outfit and keep your makeup more natural than over-the-top glam.”
Wearing White to a Wedding: Cool or Not Cool?
FAQs
If you're still particularly worried asking the couple, can you wear red to their wedding is the next best step. However, if no dress code information has been shared, red is not one of those colours that is particularly frowned upon for a wedding, particularly as this hue is naturally associated with love.
Is red acceptable to wear to a wedding? ›
"Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz. “Visually, it's quite bold. In a photo, your eye is immediately drawn to the color, especially if it's next to neutrals like white, black, gray, or beige.”
What colors to wear to a wedding as a guest? ›
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.
Is red okay to wear to a wedding reddit? ›
You can wear red to a wedding and you can wear that outfit to a farmer's market but unless the wedding is AT a farmer's market don't wear that red outfit to the wedding. The issue isn't the color - these are overalls, not a jumpsuit. This is definitely not wedding attire.
Is it okay to wear red to a Chinese wedding? ›
While red is the most common color for to-be-weds to wear at their own wedding, guests should avoid the hue. "If you are attending a Chinese wedding, wearing red is not recommended in most cases," advises Qiao. "While the color red is auspicious in Chinese culture, it is typically reserved for brides.
Why do people wear red on weddings? ›
It's believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Red is associated with Goddess Durga, who represents strength and power. For brides, adorning themselves in red symbolizes their readiness to take on the responsibilities of married life.
What culture wears red to weddings? ›
White wedding dresses are, for the most part, standard in the Western hemisphere. But, it's likely you've also seen some beautiful Indian or Chinese brides dawning glittering red skirts and veils down the aisle, too.
What is acceptable to wear to a wedding as a guest? ›
Semi-Formal: For daytime weddings, women can wear a knee-length or midi dress, while men can wear a lighter-colored suit. For evening events, opt for darker colors and more formal attire. Dressy Casual: Women can wear a casual dress or separates, while men should wear dress pants with a collared shirt and blazer.
What colour is taboo for wedding guests? ›
If you're a stickler for etiquette, then you should also avoid wearing colors similar to white, says bridal stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz. "That means ivory and cream, of course, but to be extra safe, I'd also think twice about silver, champagne, blush, and pale blue, which can read as white in photos," she says.
What is the most popular wedding dress color? ›
What are the Most Popular Wedding Dress Colors? The most popular wedding dress colors are shades of off-white and ivory, which are more universally flattering. However, we've also noticed that many brides opt for a gown with a lining in a shade of blush or nude to allow the details on their dresses to pop!
One potential explanation for the color red being associated with power is that this color is often used to draw attention. 9 This increased attention signifies that something is important, and power and importance often go hand in hand.
Can I wear bright red? ›
True clear bright red will always look fabulous. Winters (or Summers) who have a touch of warmth to them, like the Toasted or Deep Winters (or Sunlit or Toasted Summers), should find their touch of warmth in other places instead of their reds. Blush, eyeshadow, or some gold jewelry will be enough warmth for them.
Can I wear red to a Catholic wedding? ›
But there are zero color requirements in the Catholic Church for bridal dresses! No priest would care if the OP wore red.
Do Japanese wear red to a wedding? ›
Red and black are the colours 1 generally chosen for wedding kimono, but white is also a popular colour.
Can I wear red to a black tie wedding? ›
If the wedding is for a modern couple, you may also be able to wear brighter hues like red, pink, or yellow. One should also wear a tuxedo shirt, dark trousers, a black bowtie, and dark dress shoes. Instead of a tuxedo shirt, you can opt for a white dress shirt with a Marcella front.
Do you write your name on red envelope? ›
If you are giving a red envelope, there are a few points to remember. Unlike a Western greeting card, red envelopes given at Chinese New Year are typically left unsigned. For birthdays or weddings, a short message, typically a four character expression, and signature is optional.
What does wearing red mean? ›
This intense color has more psychological and emotional connections than any other color in the spectrum. Red is associated with passion, love, power, confidence, and anger.
Can you wear a red dress to a black tie wedding? ›
Black-Tie Attire for Women
As for colors, all colors are fair game except for white, off-white, or anything else that's even close to white. Apart from that, the only hue you might want to avoid is the color the bride has chosen for her bridesmaid dresses.
Can you wear red to a wedding in Italy? ›
Formal occasions: For formal weddings, women should wear a long dress or a formal suit. Opt for classic colors like black, navy, or red, and pair them with dress shoes and simple jewelry. Creative black tie: Women can experiment with color and pattern for creative black tie weddings.
