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Hey, glamour queen! Remember, it's a wedding, not a cabaret performance. Keep your makeup subtle to ensure you look polished and respectful.While you might adhere to a strict dress code during the week or experiment with bold fashion choices on weekends, a wedding is not the ideal occasion to debut your latest trendy outfit or flaunt those expensive jeans. You already know better, don’t you?
Navigating wedding guest attire can sometimes be tricky. Perhaps that dress you’re eyeing has a hemline that’s a bit too short or matches the bridal party’s colors. Certain wardrobe choices can make you stand out for all the wrong reasons. To avoid becoming the talk of the wedding for your outfit, stick to this guide of 10 items you should never wear to a wedding, and you’ll keep those invitations coming!
While black is timeless and universally flattering, some believe it has no place at a wedding. Discover the rules and exceptions for wearing this classic shade to one of life’s most joyous celebrations.
10: Black
While tuxedos are typically black, and dark suits are common at weddings, black is traditionally considered inappropriate for wedding attire, particularly for women.
Black dresses often symbolize mourning and loss, but there's a distinction between wearing funeral attire to a wedding and donning an elegant black dress for an evening event. If the dress feels festive and stylish, it’s likely acceptable. Sequins or a chic black cocktail dress can work well for formal weddings. However, if the outfit could be mistaken for mourning attire, opt for something brighter and more celebratory.
Following the death of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, in 1861, she wore black every day as a symbol of mourning until her own passing in 1901.
9: Something Skimpy
Avoid wearing overly revealing outfits to weddings!
iStockphoto/ThinkstockA skimpy outfit is a guaranteed way to draw unwanted attention.
While it’s fine to flaunt a bit of skin occasionally, weddings are not the appropriate setting for such bold fashion choices.
You might not intend to outshine the bride, but wearing revealing attire can distract from her special day, so it’s best to avoid it.
8: Jeans and a T-shirt
No matter how informal the wedding or how relaxed the bride may seem, showing up in jeans and a T-shirt is never acceptable.
Whether the wedding is on a beach, in a backyard, or even if you’re not close to the couple, making an effort to dress appropriately is essential. Opt for a dress, khakis, or a button-up shirt for casual ceremonies. And remember, flip-flops are a definite no—choose pumps, heels, flats, loafers, or sandals instead. (The only exception is if the invitation specifically mentions a "flip-flop casual" beach wedding.)
Thong sandals have been around for thousands of years, but the modern flip-flop is thought to have evolved from the zori, a type of traditional Japanese footwear.
7: A Tux
Unless the event is black-tie or you’re part of the wedding party, avoid wearing a white dinner jacket.
Chris Clinton/ThinkstockOnly one person should be wearing a tuxedo today, and it’s not you (unless it’s a black-tie event, in which case you, the groom, and every other man present will be dressed to the nines).
Just as it’s rude to overshadow the bride, you shouldn’t try to outshine the groom either. While he might not burst into tears or complain to his friends if you look sharper, it’s still impolite. We know you can’t tone down your natural charm, but you can at least opt for a sport coat and let the groom keep the spotlight in his formal suit.
6: Bellbottoms and Other Dated Attire
Bellbottoms might be perfect for a retro night out, but wearing them to a wedding will make you stand out for all the wrong reasons. Save the disco vibes for the dance floor, not the ceremony.
That doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate vintage styles into your wedding guest outfit. A 1960s-inspired pencil skirt or a 1940s-style dress with an empire waist can be elegant and era-appropriate without stealing attention. Just ensure your choice aligns with the wedding’s formality—bellbottoms won’t work even at casual events, and a vintage sundress isn’t suitable for black-tie affairs.
In 1817, the U.S. Navy made bell-bottoms part of the standard uniform for sailors. The wide-legged design allowed sailors to roll them up while cleaning decks and made them easier to remove if they fell overboard.
5: A Tiara
It might seem obvious, but some guests still attempt to wear tiaras to weddings. Let’s be clear: Never wear a tiara to someone else’s wedding. It’s disrespectful to the bride and makes you appear attention-seeking and out of place.
This rule also applies to crowns, decorative headbands, or any accessory that could resemble a tiara or compete with the bride’s chosen headpiece.
4: A Prom Dress
For many teenage girls, prom serves as a precursor to a wedding, complete with food, dancing, and after-parties. It’s also common for some to spend a small fortune on a dress they’ll wear just once—many of which could easily pass as wedding attire.
If you still own your prom dress and it’s stylish and age-appropriate, wearing it to a formal event might be tempting, even years after high school. However, be cautious: there’s a fine line between a vibrant evening gown and a dress in white, champagne, or blush that could make you resemble the bride. When in doubt, opt for something more sophisticated and mature.
Before Queen Victoria’s 1840 wedding to Prince Albert, brides simply wore their finest dress, regardless of color. Her stunning white gown set a trend, leading to the tradition of brides wearing white on their wedding day.
3: A Pantsuit
Hillary Clinton famously traded her iconic pantsuit for an elegant dress on her daughter Chelsea’s wedding day.
Barbara Kinney via FilmMagic/Getty ImagesA wedding is a celebration, not a corporate meeting!
Leave the formal business attire behind and opt for something stylish and festive, like a dress or skirt. This is a joyous occasion celebrating love and unity, so choose an outfit that reflects the celebratory mood rather than a stiff, office-ready look. This applies not only to dark suits but also to pastel skirt-and-jacket sets, which might suit a dinner party but feel out of place at a wedding.
While many influential women favor pantsuits, even Hillary Clinton chose a vibrant dress for her daughter Chelsea’s wedding. If she can embrace the occasion with elegance, so can you.
Avoid business-like accessories as well—swap oversized bags or briefcases for a chic clutch, and steer clear of scarves that scream "office attire."
2: Anything Loud or Garish
The spotlight at a wedding belongs to the bride, not your flashy hat, dress, purse, shoes, or makeup. Wearing loud or outrageous outfits is a tactic some use to steal attention, but it often comes across as tasteless or attention-seeking. While your bold choices might not rival the bride’s white gown, they’ll likely be seen as disrespectful. You’ll definitely be talked about, but not in a good way!
1: White
If your dress resembles this in any way, it’s time for a wardrobe change!
iStockphoto/ThinkstockWearing anything that could be mistaken for a wedding dress is a big no-no. However, like the rule about black attire, this guideline can sometimes be bent—if done carefully.
A subtle off-white dress or skirt might be acceptable, but to avoid any issues, try to see the bride’s dress beforehand. Ensure your outfit is distinctly different—if she’s wearing a full-skirted gown, a sleek white evening dress might work. But if her dress is simple, choose another color. Even if white suits you best, you won’t enjoy the bride’s icy glare instead of her vows.
