Can You Wear Black to a Wedding, Wedding Guests Wearing Black. Wedding Etiquette
I was raised to dress up when attending a wedding. And no matter the venue or time of day, a black dress—just like white—was never an option as a guest. I’m happy to say times have changed: These days, you can pretty much always wear black to a wedding, unless being told explicitly not to by the couple. It’s the universal neutral color—it looks good on everyone, it’s super versatile, and it can be chic and sophisticated or casual and fun. (It’s also increasingly popular among bridesmaids, with companies like David’s Bridal and BHLDN having whole sections dedicated to it.) As with most clothing, the formality of the garment really depends on the fabric and the cut, more so than the color. So, with that in mind—and with wedding season looming—here are some examples of how to wear black to a ceremony and reception all summer long, no matter the dress code or location.
Sunday Garden Wedding
Because of the time of day (usually afternoon) and location (outdoors, likely in the sun), a Sunday garden wedding tends to be a casual affair. A black dress in a cotton or jersey fabric would definitely work for this type of event.
Sophisticated City Wedding
There’s nothing more glamorous than a black-tie city wedding. People often ask me if black-tie means that they have to wear a long gown, and the answer is no, I don’t think you do. Certainly a long dress is appropriate, but the key to black-tie style is formality: As long as the dress feels sophisticated, the hemline—ranging from just above the knee to tea-length (which hits at midcalf)—is up to you.
Evening Winery Wedding
In my mind, a vineyard wedding is a chic affair, and the focus is often on the stunning, natural backdrop. To that end, I think a black dress can play well in this situation: not overdone, but still appropriate for the evening. A lace cocktail dress is a solid way to go.
Beach Wedding
While picking out a bright, colorful dress may seem like the obvious option, there’s something very elegant about wearing black to a beach wedding—so long as the dress is flowy. When breezes blow, your skirt should sway.
Conservative Wedding
When attending a ceremony in a house or worship, it’s best to lean on the more covered-up, conservative side with your attire. (Read: no skintight, above-the-knee numbers!) This can often be achieved by simply adding a sweater or jacket to your dress, but as a rule of thumb, if you’re look conjures comparisons to Audrey Hepburn, you’ve nailed it.
Country Club Wedding
A country-club wedding evokes classic, old-school style—probably since many of these venues have been hosting these kinds of celebrations for decades. Consider a dress with the same vibe: traditional, perhaps, but also celebratory, festive, and fun. If you can imagine yourself sipping from a champagne coupe and dancing the night away, these black dresses could be for you.
Visit wedding-style maven Julie Sabatino online at thestylishbride.com.