Atlanta Wedding Info - Ideas, Advice, Tips and Bridal Events

Rules for Wedding Guests’ Dresses

A wedding is NOT simply a fancy party to which you wear your favorite clothes. The wedding is a special event to the couple and their loved ones. Guests should dress to respect that fact and to celebrate their union. It is important that your attire not negatively affect the atmosphere of the celebration.

Here are some basic wedding attire etiquette rules for female guests:

Do not to wear white. It would seem like you are competing with the bride when all the focus should be on her. That includes ivory, candlelight, pale shell pink, and pearl grey. Better safe than sorry. Since current bridal fashions are sleeker than ever, and many older and second time brides dress in wedding suits, you might embarrass yourself (and the bride) in a white outfit. If you plan to wear white, choose carefully, and accessorize with color.

Do not wear black. You may only have one nice dress and you think black is slimming. Traditionally wearing black to weddings meant you disapproved of the marriage. Now some brides choose black for their bridesmaids to give them an opportunity to wear their dresses beyond the wedding. Guests should make sure you don't look like you're attending a funeral. Consider accessorizing your black dress with a brightly colored scarf or blazer.

Do not wear red. Wearing red is an attention-grabber and it is rude to try to take attention away from the bride. Red is also considered a "seductive" color. Traditionally wearing a red dress signified that you had slept with the groom.

Do not dress too sexy. Avoid dresses with low cuts or high slits. If you wear a dress with spaghetti straps or no straps at all and the ceremony is in a place of worship, you should bring a shawl, a wrap, or something to cover up with.