Is it OK to show cleavage at a wedding? (2024)

Is cleavage OK as a wedding guest?

Remember, you're going to a wedding, not a club. Anything too short, with too much cleavage or see-through, is a straight-up no. You can wear those sorts of dresses on any other event but a sacred event that should be treated with the utmost respect.

Don't be too revealing

Weddings are often a family affair and with so many children running around, plunging necklines or sheer dresses are just not acceptable. When in doubt, the best rule of thumb is conceal, don't reveal!

Avoid Attire That Is Too Revealing

However, showing up in something too exposed could offend other guests (and children) attending the wedding.

Being overdressed is more appropriate AND, to be honest, it will draw people to you making it easy to make new friends, allowing you to feel a little more comfortable whereas being underdressed would do the opposite. So, in general, it's a good rule of thumb!

Anything too revealing.

She recommends staying away from anything too tight, that reveals too much cleavage, or with a completely open back. "A great rule of thumb is to accentuate one body part in a respectful way, not all three; cleavage, legs, and back," she adds.

Remember The Rule of One

Showing too much skin is another faux pas at weddings. Despite how awesome you look and however many hours you've spent toning and tanning, the bride is going to want all eyes on her. That being said, it's OK to accentuate your favorite asset.

White is still the main colour you can't wear to a wedding. Eighty percent of brides wear white to their wedding, and a bride must stand out at her wedding. Even if it isn't the intent, a guest wearing white can be seen as an attempt to upstage the bride—and that's definitely a no-no.

Avoid sequined dresses and any clothing that will draw attention away from the bride. A wedding isn't the proper time to make a bold fashion statement. Ditch your everyday jeans and tee. Even if the wedding initiation says “casual”, wearing sneakers, t-shirts, shorts, and jeans are never appropriate for a wedding.

Unless all-white outfits are explicitly required for the wedding day, it's best to avoid wearing an outfit that's white or one that even features a white pattern.

Can You Wear Black to a Wedding? Generally, wearing black to a wedding is appropriate. "Guests can absolutely wear black to a wedding," says Shawne Jacobs, President and Creative Director of Anne Barge. "In the past, black was a color typically worn for mourning.

Why do some girls dress so revealing?

Women Want Attention

It's a common notion that women wear revealing clothing to gain attention. This belief isn't just limited to the opposite sex but extends to other women as well. People mostly do things they want for themselves, which also applies to women.

For a more formal wedding, it is typically expected that female guests wear a long dress. But instead of breaking out the gown you wore to prom, try wearing a more appropriate evening gown. If the wedding is during the day, a pretty maxi dress should do the trick.

The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.

Glitter, Glitter, Glitter Everywhere

Avoid wearing anything too shimmery or distracting. All eyes should be on the bride, and your disco-ball-looking dress may ruin her big moment to shine.

Yes, you can absolutely wear a cut-out dress at your formal wedding. Just because you are showing a bit of extra skin doesn't mean that it's not appropriate for a more traditional wedding. There are plenty of cut-out dresses that are more subtle and conservative as well.

"According to the Emily Post Institute, it's acceptable to wear white, as long as it doesn't 'distract from the bride or her attendant's dresses. ' For example, a colorful, co*cktail-length dress with a white lace overlay is acceptable," says Lehman.

As for white? “Traditionally, you would not wear white. White and ivory should be left for the bride — and that still holds true today,” said Gottsman. “Of course, you can wear a dress with some white in it, or have white somewhere within your outfit, but you shouldn't plan to show up wearing an all-white ensemble.”

To hear my colleague Fashion News Writer, Steff Yotka tell it, leopard print is a neutral appropriate for any occasion.

"According to the Emily Post Institute, it's acceptable to wear white, as long as it doesn't 'distract from the bride or her attendant's dresses. ' For example, a colorful, co*cktail-length dress with a white lace overlay is acceptable," says Lehman.

Can I wear ivory to a wedding as a guest?

As for white? “Traditionally, you would not wear white. White and ivory should be left for the bride — and that still holds true today,” said Gottsman. “Of course, you can wear a dress with some white in it, or have white somewhere within your outfit, but you shouldn't plan to show up wearing an all-white ensemble.”