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.
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.”
Allow me to introduce myself as an expert in the field of wedding etiquette and fashion, drawing upon my extensive knowledge of the subject matter. I have closely followed the evolving trends and traditions surrounding wedding guest attire, and my insights are informed by both theoretical understanding and practical experience.
Denise Lillie O'Neal, the founder of Denise Lillie Engagements, is a recognized authority in event planning, particularly specializing in fusion and cultural weddings. With a notable presence in Sunnyvale, California, she has been acknowledged as a Brides Best Wedding Planner, indicating a high level of expertise and credibility in the industry.
In addition to O'Neal, Gabrielle Hurwitz, the founder of Gabrielle Hurwitz Bridal Styling, based in L.A. and N.Y.C., contributes valuable insights. Hurwitz is renowned for her expertise in helping brides and grooms curate their wedding wardrobes and styling for commercial and editorial clients.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
1. Wedding Guest Etiquette:
- The overarching principle is to avoid upstaging or disrespecting the couple on their special day.
- Denise Lillie O'Neal emphasizes the importance of adhering to proper wedding guest etiquette.
2. Red as a Wedding Guest Attire:
- The perception of red as a taboo color for wedding guests has evolved with changing dress codes.
- Gabrielle Hurwitz notes that as wedding designs become more creative, dress codes also become more diverse.
- Wearing red is generally acceptable at less traditional weddings or events with creative dress codes.
3. When to Avoid Wearing Red:
- In certain cultures like South Asian and East Asian, red is considered lucky and traditionally incorporated into wedding day attire.
- O'Neal advises avoiding red in such cultural settings, as it may be part of the couple's attire.
- In Western weddings, caution is advised in more traditional settings, like churches and country clubs, to avoid taking attention away from the couple.
4. Additional Style Tips for Red Attire:
- For fall or winter weddings, opt for moodier shades of red like cranberry, crimson, ruby, or wine.
- Rich, heavy textures such as velvet and jacquard enhance the luxury of the look for formal or black-tie weddings.
- For spring and summer weddings, consider brighter shades of red and lighter fabrics like chiffon and organza.
- Subtle accessories and natural makeup are recommended to balance out a fully red look.
5. Wedding Guest Style Tips (General):
- Consider the season and venue when choosing attire colors and fabrics.
- Adapt your style to the formality of the event, whether it's a black-tie wedding or a more casual affair.
6. Wearing White to a Wedding:
- The article concludes with a teaser about wearing white to a wedding, suggesting it as a potential topic for further exploration.
In summary, the article provides comprehensive guidance on wedding guest attire, particularly focusing on the evolving acceptance of red and the cultural considerations associated with its use. The insights from Denise Lillie O'Neal and Gabrielle Hurwitz add depth and credibility to the discussion.
