Can you wear black to a wedding? In my opinion as an editor who has attended many, many weddings now, it’s a yes, but with a few rules, regs and caveats. I’ve personally worn black to three weddings over the past few years, and it hasn’t caused trouble yet. In fact, the formulas I’ve come up with have become really trusty, fail-safe outfits for those nuptials and events where you really don’t have a clue what to wear.
Unlike many other social engagements, weddings can often come with a specific set of guidelines and requests from the happy couple, but a lot of these have changed and evolved over time. Like many etiquette rules surrounding vows, engagements, gifts and more, appropriate wedding guest attire can often fall into a grey area. And despite many traditional regulations relaxing, this idea of whether black is suitable or not still comes up time and again as a question.
The answers will vary depending on the specific event and the people getting married, and when I’ve been unsure of my choices, I have asked the bride in advance. (All times it’s entirely not an issue, and they were surprised I even asked.) I’d say always do the following: Try to break up the black with fun accessories, don’t go OTT on flashing a lot of flesh, and be careful to opt for something that definitely feels “dressed-up” rather than your go-to work shirt dress.
In addition to my own tips on how you can navigate wearing black to a wedding, I asked a few cool fashion girls about their thoughts on the matter: “Anything but white is fair game, and black, in my book, is always chic and practical. I’ve lightened up a black cocktail dress for a summer wedding with coloured shoes, statement jewellery or red lipstick,” says super stylist Rachael Wang, echoing my thoughts entirely.
“I definitely think it’s appropriate to wear black to a wedding, especially if the attire is black-tie. I also think it depends on the location/aesthetic of the wedding,” says Who What Wear U.S.’s Lauren Eggertsen. “For example, I attended a black-tie wedding where the reception took place in a gorgeous ballroom, so a black dress seemed more than appropriate. If I were attending a summertime outdoor wedding, black might seem out of place.”
On the other hand, her colleague Erin Fitzpatrick would steer clear of turning to the dark side. “I definitely don’t think it’s a universal rule anymore, but I personally prefer to skip black dresses for weddings,” she says. “Since every wedding I’ve been to has been in the summer, it just feels right to choose something fun and colourful, which suits my style better anyway. Plus, for some reason, I still associate black with funerals rather than weddings, so I tend to steer clear of it.”
Shop the Best Black Wedding Guest Dresses
Reformation Elly Dress
The most beautiful silhouette. The skirt has a tulle lining which gives it the lightness of a cloud.
Sleeper + Net Sustain Party Shirt Feather-Trimmed Satin Dress
You basically are the party in this one.
Raey Halterneck Draped-Front Wraparound Silk Dress
Backless dresses always look stunning with updo hairstyles.
Chloé Bow-Embellished Velvet-Trimmed Wool and Silk-Blend Satin Midi Dress
Worried this will be too sassy? Grab a sleek blazer to throw on over the top, especially if you’re going to a religious wedding.
Mango Halter Neck Ruched Dress
Halternecks feature on the best dresses this year.
& Other Stories Slim-Fit Bias Cut Midi Dress
Simple and so elegant.
The Row Mono One-Shoulder Silk Gown
This dress was made for an elegant ceremony.
Reformation Le Marais Velvet Dress Es
Reformation never gets it wrong.
River Island Plus Black Frill Halter Shift Mini Dress
The frill detail make this high street wonder look so high end.
Bernadette Daffodil Floral-Appliquéd Point D’Esprit Tulle and Silk Crepe De Chine Mini Dress
Don’t disregard minidresses, especially when they have spot mesh detailing.
H&M Stand-Up Collar Lace Dress
This is very winter-appropriate and we are here for it.
16arlington Adelaide Asymmetric Feather-Trim Crepe Midi Dress
This has everything needed to make a perfect entrance!
Whistles Draped Velvet Midi Dress
Dress this midi up with gold accessories.
Veronica Beard Maelle Stretch-Silk Charmeuse Minidress
A sassy little number that’s perfect for an evening do.
Ghost Corinne Chenille Midi Dress
The texture of this midi dress is next-level.
Toteme Bandeau Cotton-Blend Midi Dress
Off-shoulder dresses are a key trend this year.
Rixo Celia – Black
Velvet makes any dress look the wedding guest part.
Elie Saab Pleated Taffeta and Crepe Gown