While wedding outfit trends seem to come and go, one question will always remain: can you wear black to a wedding? It's something that a lot of us automatically ask ourselves every single time we get an invitation through the door. And, while the rules surrounding it have softened over the years, there are still a few caveats and nuances that you should probably know about.
Herein lies the conundrum: black is eternally cool and flattering. But black is also worn to commemorate dead people – and weddings should feel like the exact opposite.
During the mid 1800s, black became the official colour for funerals here in the West. It was worn by loved ones in mourning, and so, rocking up to someone's big day in it was seen by many as a little too ominous (and a bit witchy). But a lot has changed in the past two centuries, and now, black is just fine. Still, the questions remain about wearing black at a wedding. So we caught up with these popular tailoring brands and wedding planners to find out if you can play prince of darkness at the rosy-cheeked white wedding.
Bottega Veneta Textured Suit Jacket
Can you wear black to a wedding?
Wearing black to a wedding is timeless. While that Barbiecore-inspired three-piece may look great right now, a few years down the line when the happy couple are looking through their photos, you'll stick out for the wrong reasons. If you're worried about being disrespectful, don't sweat it in the 21st century.
“Yes, it's absolutely okay to wear black to a wedding,” says wedding planner Matthew Oliver. “If you're not sure, most invitations will actually mention the dress code, but you can never go wrong with a classic black tux and a white shirt. Just make sure that you iron it properly though.” Oh, and make sure it's actually black tie.
“Wearing black to a wedding, either black tie or black-and-white themed, is a great choice especially for more formal settings,” says personal tailor Brook Harris. “It adds a touch of sophistication, authority, and class to the overall look, making a bold and powerful statement.” Again, the invite should definitely say black tie though.
Can you wear black to a summer wedding?
According to a 2022 study by The Knot, summer is the second most popular wedding season, with 28 per cent of couples getting married between June and August. For some, wearing black to a summer wedding may seem a little too formal, but there are no hard rules here.
“If the location lends itself to bright colours like the seaside or the beach, then black wouldn't be my first choice,” says Chenai Bukutu, director and lead planner at ByChenai Events. “However, that's not to say that you can't. 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. “The last thing you want is to feel hot under the collar. You might also want to explore other material options too. If the ceremony, breakfast, or reception is held outdoors in sunny weather, look for lightweight fabrics such as mohair or cool wool.”
Jil Sander Wool Gabardine Suit Jacket
When should you avoid wearing black?
Most of the time, it's totally fine to wear black to a wedding. But there are instances when it's an absolute no-no. Even though you've been saving that stealthy suit for a special occasion, it's important to understand that sometimes it's just not, well, suitable.
