Although it’s fun attending a wedding, it also requires considerable effort, including choosing a suitable wedding present, arranging a hotel and most importantly, selecting the outfit!
As far as color goes, it’s clear that many people have been thinking of wearing red at a wedding. The colors are beautiful and romantic.
Red is a vibrant color. But who should be wearing red to a wedding? The wedding invitation should give you a clue about the dress code.
Is Wearing Red at a Wedding Considered Bad Etiquette?
The question may have been brought up because you saw someone wearing red. You might need clarification about the etiquette and want to know when it is appropriate and inappropriate.
It is generally considered inappropriate to wear red for a wedding because of its associations.
Red is famously considered sexual. In addition, red can be seen in some cultures to be unlucky and is best avoided.
The color black at a wedding used to cause controversy since it is often associated with a funeral or mourning ceremonies. Today wearing black is no longer taboo. Red too, is losing its associated taboos.
Asian wedding ceremonies and Chinese weddings would consider bright red as poor etiquette.
In western weddings, red is thought to take attention away from the bride. But many believe it’s an outdated school of thought that urges all wedding attendees to refrain from wearing something loud and flashy to a wedding. Still, it is polite to err on the side of caution. Will the crimson dress offend your wedding host? If so, you should go with another option.
You will also find wedding attire inspirations from our other popular posts:
- Can you Wear White to a Wedding?
- Can You Wear Red to a Wedding?
- Top Tips for Black-Tie Optional Wedding Guest Attire in 2023
How To Wear Red Without Stealing the Show
The most significant way to find out if an outfit will suit a wedding may be through creative thinking. Dress up and pretend to be beside the bride. Would anyone’s eye immediately turn to you or not?
Here are some of the best ways to wear red without stealing the show.
Check with the Couple First
Reaching out and asking for approval to wear red is the best way to avoid any awkward moments at weddings. It’ll be as easy as texting or calling to ask what’s acceptable. If you can’t contact the bride or groom, get a hold of a bridesmaid.
If a couple says red isn’t favored, respect their answers! Whatever you wear at a wedding, the day reflects the couple’s happiness and everyone who comes along should respect those wishes.
Consider Formality
Weddings sometimes have different levels of formality, which is an additional consideration when choosing a red dress. You must ensure your dress respects the dress code.
Red Lipstick and Accessories are Ok
You can sport red at a wedding as long as it’s tasteful and elegant. You want to avoid offending the couple or event’s cultural traditions.
Red is known to be sexy, sultry, risque and mischievous. You must exercise good judgment if you decide to wear red. Other wedding attendants may perceive your outfit as an unintentional statement. If the attire is too loud, the color might scream, “look at me!” When you choose a wedding guest’s dress, go with a classic and conservative dress that only slightly pushes the boundaries.
Wedding Appropriate Red
It is ok to wear red. However, finding an appropriate red can be a journey.
A muted cranberry is a fantastic color for a red outfit. Darker shades of red are great on the wedding day. As long as the shadow of red is not loud, it should be ok.
According to fashion editors, another great idea is to go with a slightly muted color.
Everything that Glitters is not Gold
Wearing anything too glittery should be avoided. Keeping your bride’s big moment in mind is critical and your gown with a disco-ball theme could be distracting. Etiquette experts suggest considering other colors, but the most important thing is to honor the couple’s big day.
The red color might symbolize the passions and happy moments of the day in your mind.
Is Red Part of the Wedding Theme?
If red is part of the theme of the wedding, it could be appropriate to wear. However, if the bride plans to wear red during the wedding, steer clear.
What Colors are Inappropriate to Wear to a Wedding?
Once you understand the dress code of the wedding you are attending, you can move on to choosing your attire. It’s not just about discovering the best guest attire for your figure. You must also consider the best color to wear to a wedding.
It used to be a faux pas to wear black to a wedding, but some modern weddings opt to go with an all-black wedding theme.
There are still some colors you should avoid. The last thing you want is to irk the bride with your outfit choice. Therefore consider these colors a no go for your next wedding.
White or Any Version of White
Typically white is left to the bridal gown. Therefore, this is probably pretty obvious, but you can’t wear white to a wedding. Modern weddings are pushing the envelope of what a marriage can look like, but as a wedding guest, it is best to always steer clear of upsetting the bride.
Most likely, at the wedding, the bride will be wearing white. At all-black weddings, she might wear a black gown; in this case, you still do not want to stick out in a white dress.
Keep in mind that this includes all shades in that color. Ivory to alabaster are colors you should skip. If you add small amounts of white or a white accessory, that’s fine. The point is to avoid a mostly white outfit.
Gold
Dressing up as an Academy Award statue is fine, but you should save that number for another event. Not only is gold a flashy choice that may keep eyes glued to you instead of the happy couple, but it may also rival what the bride is wearing if she’s opted for a champagne or light gold dress. This goes for other metallic shades, like rose gold and silver.
Light Pastels
Sorry pastel lovers, but all ultra-light colors are off-limits to wedding guest attire. Yes, a lavender or a mint green is delicate, but when the pastels are close to white, you should swap it for something else.
Is your look too light? Try snapping a pic of it in the sun. If you can barely make out the hue of your outfit, it’s time to go back to the drawing board.
Neon
A wedding is not the place to imitate your favorite 80s star! Skip the highlighter shades and go for something more subtle for your wedding guest attire so that eyes stay on the happy couple, not you. You can wear that neon dress, skirt or shirt to a more appropriate activity, like glow bowling or a rave.
Final Thoughts
When is the appropriate time to don red to a wedding? Red will stand out at a black-tie wedding.
At a Chinese wedding, the family adheres to the tradition of not wearing red to a wedding.
When dressing up for someone’s special day, you want to look your best. Consider different colors if you feel uncomfortable wearing red to a wedding. Wedding guests can choose to wear their favorite colors but avoid whites, pastels, neons and gold dresses.
The color red is appropriate for certain wedding conditions. If you still have questions, consult the couple who sent you the wedding invitation.
As a multi-passionate creative and a self-proclaimed frequent flyer of weddings, Kiara combines her love for the wedding industry and experience as a professional wedding photographer with her writing abilities to share tips, tricks, and helpful information with couples. She is the owner of Switech Studios a popular wedding photography business. With tons of insider information from behind her camera lens on how to have the best wedding possible, Kiara’s in-depth knowledge is sure to put you on the road to wedding planning success.
