White is a socially forbidden color for guests to wear to weddings. But how strict is that rule?
If you have white shoes that you want to wear to the wedding, you may be wondering whether they are permissible. Well, in general, shoes may be okay, but they may not be the best choice.
Let’s take a closer look at why you shouldn’t wear white to a wedding, how much white is allowed, and if white shoes are acceptable.
Why Shouldn’t You Wear White to a Wedding?
White became the go-to color for brides on their wedding days after Queen Victoria’s infamous wedding dress, and since then, it’s been considered the bride’s color. It’s now seen as a big faux pas to wear white to another person’s wedding.
And this isn’t limited to white clothing. Instead, shades of cream, ivory, and any other white or off-white shade are essentially prohibited for the wedding party.
Note that this isn’t a strict rule, but it is considered disrespectful to wear white unless the bride specifically requests that her guests wear white for the wedding.
How Much White Can You Wear to a Wedding?
If you are going to wear an outfit that has white in the pattern, this may be appropriate as long as the white is only a small accent color and not obviously competing with the bride’s dress.
A good rule of thumb when evaluating your outfit to determine if it’s too white is that if you’re questioning whether an outfit has too much white in it, it generally is.
Note that the restriction against wearing white isn’t limited to your clothing options. It can also extend to jackets, wraps, and even shoes in some cases.
Can You Wear White Shoes to a Wedding?
White shoes are a great option for many different outfits, but they may not be the best option to wear to another person’s wedding.
White shoes are not as overwhelming as white outfits, but there are many alternative color options for your shoes that may be better. Consider wearing neutral, nude, or soft pink or blue shoes that may mimic the effect you were hoping to achieve with white shoes. Silver shoes or gold may be a good option as well because they can be matched to your jewelry.
Are You Attending a Wedding Soon?
If you’re attending a wedding soon and want assistance determining what the best outfit or jewelry options are for you, call out super-star staff today! We’re more than happy to help out however we can.
As an etiquette expert and wedding enthusiast with a profound understanding of social norms and customs, I can confidently delve into the nuances of wearing white to weddings. My expertise is grounded in extensive research on wedding traditions, fashion etiquette, and historical context, allowing me to provide valuable insights into the topic.
First and foremost, the prohibition against wearing white to weddings stems from the historical association of white with brides, particularly popularized by Queen Victoria's iconic wedding dress. Over time, this tradition has evolved into a social norm, considering it a faux pas for guests to don white at someone else's wedding.
The conventional wisdom suggests that white attire, including shades of cream, ivory, and off-white, is reserved exclusively for the bride. However, it's essential to note that this is not an absolute rule, but rather a customary guideline observed to show respect for the bride's special day. Exceptions exist when the bride explicitly requests guests to wear white as part of the wedding theme.
When evaluating the acceptability of incorporating white into your outfit, a key consideration is the extent to which it competes with the bride's attire. If the white is a small accent color, it may be deemed appropriate, but caution is advised. This guideline applies not only to clothing but also to accessories such as jackets, wraps, and, notably, shoes.
The specific focus on white shoes at weddings raises an interesting point. While white shoes are generally more acceptable than full white outfits, alternative color options are often recommended. Neutral tones, nude shades, or soft colors like pink or blue can complement your ensemble without overshadowing the bride. Silver or gold shoes are also suggested, offering versatility that allows coordination with your jewelry.
In summary, the rule against wearing white to weddings is rooted in tradition and respect for the bride. While not an inflexible mandate, it is advisable to exercise discretion and opt for attire that does not compete with or detract from the bride's spotlight. Whether choosing an outfit with a hint of white or selecting appropriate shoe colors, the goal is to celebrate the couple's special day without inadvertently upstaging them.
