What Colors Do You Wear For A Wedding?

Prof. Caterina Mayer 04 Aug 2025

Choosing the perfect outfit for a wedding can be a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider, from the formality of the event to the time of year. And one of the most important decisions you'll make is what color to wear.

While there are no hard and fast rules about wedding attire, there are some general guidelines you can follow. For example, it's generally considered inappropriate to wear white or ivory to a wedding, as these colors are traditionally reserved for the bride. Black is also considered to be a bit too somber for a wedding, unless it's a black-tie event.

Once you've considered the formality of the event and the time of year, you can start to think about what colors you might like to wear. Here are a few tips:

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about what colors to wear to a wedding:

Question 1: What colors should I avoid wearing to a wedding?
Answer: It is generally considered inappropriate to wear white or ivory to a wedding, as these colors are traditionally reserved for the bride. Black is also considered to be a bit too somber for a wedding, unless it is a black-tie event.

Question 2: What colors are appropriate for a summer wedding?
Answer: For a summer wedding, you can wear light and airy colors such as pastels, floral prints, and bright colors. Avoid wearing dark colors, as they can be too heavy for a summer wedding.

Question 3: What colors are appropriate for a winter wedding?
Answer: For a winter wedding, you can wear jewel tones, dark colors, and metallics. Avoid wearing light colors, as they can be too stark for a winter wedding.

Question 4: What colors are appropriate for a formal wedding?
Answer: For a formal wedding, you should wear more formal colors such as black, navy, or gray. You can also wear jewel tones or metallics.

Question 5: What colors are appropriate for a casual wedding?
Answer: For a casual wedding, you can wear more casual colors such as pastels, floral prints, or bright colors. You can also wear jeans or khakis.

Question 6: What colors are appropriate for a beach wedding?
Answer: For a beach wedding, you can wear light and airy colors such as pastels, floral prints, and bright colors. You can also wear white or ivory, as long as it is not too formal.

These are just a few general guidelines. Ultimately, the best way to choose what to wear to a wedding is to consider the formality of the event, the time of year, and your personal style.

Here are a few additional tips for choosing what to wear to a wedding:

Tips

Here are a few tips for choosing what to wear to a wedding:

Tip 1: Consider the formality of the event. If the wedding is black-tie, you should wear a formal gown or tuxedo. If the wedding is more casual, you can wear a cocktail dress, pantsuit, or dress shirt and slacks.

Tip 2: Consider the time of year. If the wedding is in the summer, you can wear light and airy colors such as pastels, floral prints, and bright colors. If the wedding is in the winter, you can wear jewel tones, dark colors, and metallics.

Tip 3: Consider your personal style. You should wear something that makes you feel confident and beautiful. If you don't feel comfortable in a dress, you can wear a pantsuit or skirt. If you don't like to wear bright colors, you can wear a more muted color.

Tip 4: Don't be afraid to ask the couple for advice. If you're not sure what to wear, you can always ask the couple for advice. They will be happy to help you choose an outfit that is appropriate for their wedding.

By following these tips, you can choose the perfect outfit for any wedding.

No matter what you choose to wear, the most important thing is to be respectful of the couple and their wedding. Avoid wearing anything that is too revealing or too casual. And most importantly, have fun!

Conclusion

Choosing the right outfit for a wedding can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. By following the tips in this article, you can choose an outfit that is appropriate for the formality of the event, the time of year, and your personal style.

The most important thing to remember is to be respectful of the couple and their wedding. Avoid wearing anything that is too revealing or too casual. And most importantly, have fun!

Here is a summary of the main points:

It is generally considered inappropriate to wear white or ivory to a wedding, as these colors are traditionally reserved for the bride.
Black is also considered to be a bit too somber for a wedding, unless it is a black-tie event.
For a summer wedding, you can wear light and airy colors such as pastels, floral prints, and bright colors.
For a winter wedding, you can wear jewel tones, dark colors, and metallics.
For a formal wedding, you should wear more formal colors such as black, navy, or gray.
For a casual wedding, you can wear more casual colors such as pastels, floral prints, or bright colors.
For a beach wedding, you can wear light and airy colors such as pastels, floral prints, and bright colors. You can also wear white or ivory, as long as it is not too formal.