MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Podcasts
  • Beyond Beauty
  • Drive Time
  • Video
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Podcasts
  • Beyond Beauty
  • Drive Time
  • Video
Subscribe
Billie Eilish unrecognisable in 'Xanny' film clip
Watch 0:32

Billie Eilish unrecognisable in 'Xanny' film clip

{headline}

{headline}

What To Wear To A Wedding For Every Dress Code

What To Wear To A Wedding For Every Dress Code

6 Wedding Trends That Will Be Huge In 2019

6 Wedding Trends That Will Be Huge In 2019

Everything You Need To Know About Buying Or Designing An Engagement Ring

Everything You Need To Know About Buying Or Designing An Engagement Ring

The Best Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses On Instagram

The Best Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses On Instagram

{headline}

{headline}

What To Wear To A Summer Wedding

What To Wear To A Summer Wedding

The Most Extravagant Wedding Dresses On Instagram

The Most Extravagant Wedding Dresses On Instagram

What To Wear For Every Dress Code: Your Official Guide

What To Wear For Every Dress Code: Your Official Guide

{headline}

{headline}

The 5 Top Wedding Trends Of 2018, According To Pinterest

The 5 Top Wedding Trends Of 2018, According To Pinterest

This Popular Engagement Ring Tradition Is Apparently Completely Outdated

This Popular Engagement Ring Tradition Is Apparently Completely Outdated

Sara Donaldson Of 'Harper And Harley' Wed Over The Weekend

Sara Donaldson Of 'Harper And Harley' Wed Over The Weekend

A Swedish It-Girl Just Got Married In The Most Breathtaking Woodland Wedding

A Swedish It-Girl Just Got Married In The Most Breathtaking Woodland Wedding

Armenian Billionaire Weds In Incredibly Lavish Fairytale Ceremony

Armenian Billionaire Weds In Incredibly Lavish Fairytale Ceremony

The Best Bridal Looks From New York Fashion Week S/S 2018

The Best Bridal Looks From New York Fashion Week S/S 2018

This Is What A $10-Million Dollar Wedding Looks Like

This Is What A $10-Million Dollar Wedding Looks Like

  1. Home
  2. Bridal

Would You Wear Black To A Wedding?

An investigation - by Isabelle Truman
  • 15 Aug 2018
Would You Wear Black To A Wedding?

Choosing what to wear to someone else's big day can be a daunting task, especially when there's a confusing dress code written in tiny font at the end of the invite. Wearing white is almost always a no-no, but the big question is: is it ok to wear black to a wedding? 

Short answer: Yes. The times have changed when it comes to wedding etiquette and most couples wouldn't bat an eyelid - or think it was rude - if their guests chose to wear black to their nuptials, whether they fall in summer or winter.

“100% you can wear black to a wedding. I would not be offended at all if someone wore black to my wedding,” says bride-to-be Danielle Taylor, who also notes she thinks white is fine but more dependent on the style of the dress - “no ball gowns!”

However, there are still a few things worth considering - such as what shoes to wear, what type of dress, and what type of reception it is - before you dust off your favourite LBD... 

wearing black to a wedding

Maisie Williams wore a black jumpsuit to the wedding of Kit Harington and Rose Leslie

RELATED: The 5 Best Brands To Shop For Bridesmaids

1. The dress code

Dress codes can vary significantly depending on the kind of wedding reception you're attending - a white tie or black tie affair is likely for church or destination weddings, however, lounge suit, cocktail and even smart casual could appear if the bride and groom - and their event - is more laid-back, think a beach wedding or backyard BBQ. In regards to dressing in all black, we'd consider averting if it's more of a traditional, white tie affair, but say go for it if the dress code is more relaxed. For a guide to dress codes and their meanings, head here.

2. The type of outfit you're considering

If you're going with an all-black look, try to brighten up your look in other ways: coloured heels, a cute beaded bag, red lipstick, or a headpiece. No one wants to mistake a wedding guest for someone attending a funeral... 

3. Don't wear something super short

Modern as the bride and groom may be, a wedding is still a wedding. If you're opting for a darker hue, stay on the safe side with hemlines - or opt for a jumpsuit or pants and a cute top, if your only black dress is verging on being too short. 

reformation

Reformation, Winslow Dress, $248

4. What about for men?

This is an easy one: most suits are darker hues anyway, so men in black will be expected. Again, you could jazz up your look with a patterned pocket square or brown brogues, but this isn't essential. 

5. If in doubt, ask someone

You can never be too safe! If the above hasn't helped you come to a definitive answer - or if you're in a special circumstance, such as the mother of the bride or groom - don't be afraid to reach out to other guests to get a feel for the mood. Take a tally! Or just send a quick message to the man/maid of honour or bride/groom.

RELATED: Celebrities Who Made The Perfect Bridesmaids

  • Fashion
  • Fashion Trends
  • Wedding Ideas
  • Bridal
Isabelle Truman
Isabelle Truman
Isabelle Truman is a freelance writer based out of London, UK. She specialises in fashion, lifestyle and travel and knows a thing or two (read: everything) about both Meghan Markle and 'Sex and the City'.

Free MECCA MAX Gift- worth $111

When you subscribe to marie claire.

Subscribe Now
Free MECCA MAX Gift

Free MECCA MAX Gift- worth $111

When you subscribe to marie claire.

Subscribe Now
Free MECCA MAX Gift

Recommended to you

Billie Eilish unrecognisable in 'Xanny' film clip
Watch 0:32

Billie Eilish unrecognisable in 'Xanny' film clip

{headline}

{headline}

What To Wear To A Wedding For Every Dress Code

What To Wear To A Wedding For Every Dress Code

6 Wedding Trends That Will Be Huge In 2019

6 Wedding Trends That Will Be Huge In 2019

Everything You Need To Know About Buying Or Designing An Engagement Ring

Everything You Need To Know About Buying Or Designing An Engagement Ring

The Best Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses On Instagram

The Best Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses On Instagram

{headline}

{headline}

What To Wear To A Summer Wedding

What To Wear To A Summer Wedding

The Most Extravagant Wedding Dresses On Instagram

The Most Extravagant Wedding Dresses On Instagram

What To Wear For Every Dress Code: Your Official Guide

What To Wear For Every Dress Code: Your Official Guide

{headline}

{headline}

The 5 Top Wedding Trends Of 2018, According To Pinterest

The 5 Top Wedding Trends Of 2018, According To Pinterest

This Popular Engagement Ring Tradition Is Apparently Completely Outdated

This Popular Engagement Ring Tradition Is Apparently Completely Outdated

Sara Donaldson Of 'Harper And Harley' Wed Over The Weekend

Sara Donaldson Of 'Harper And Harley' Wed Over The Weekend

A Swedish It-Girl Just Got Married In The Most Breathtaking Woodland Wedding

A Swedish It-Girl Just Got Married In The Most Breathtaking Woodland Wedding

Armenian Billionaire Weds In Incredibly Lavish Fairytale Ceremony

Armenian Billionaire Weds In Incredibly Lavish Fairytale Ceremony

The Best Bridal Looks From New York Fashion Week S/S 2018

The Best Bridal Looks From New York Fashion Week S/S 2018

This Is What A $10-Million Dollar Wedding Looks Like

This Is What A $10-Million Dollar Wedding Looks Like

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Pacific Magazines
  • Partners
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Statement
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Pacific Magazines
  • Partners
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Instyle
  • Who
  • Women's Health

Pacific Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Men’s Health
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • Practical Parenting
  • 7travel
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
© 2019 Pacific Magazines
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Free MECCA MAX Gift- worth $111

Shop This Offer
Free MECCA MAX Gift