There’s an unwritten rule that you don’t wear white to someone else’s wedding. And while it’s slowly falling away in modern times, the whole point is that you never try to outshine the bride. Clearly, someone didn’t get the memo…
A woman has told how her half-sister rocked up at her brother’s wedding, not just wearing white – but wearing a full-on wedding gown! The same one she’d worn to her own nuptials years earlier. The guest claimed she had nothing else to wear, despite having nine months to organize an outfit. People aren’t buying her excuse, and many think it’s simply a case of her catching main character syndrome.
We all know you should never try to outshine the bride on her big day
Image credits: Asal Mshk (not the actual photo)
Why then did one guest rock up wearing a full-on wedding dress, thinking it was totally acceptable?
Image credits: Taylor Friehl (not the actual photo)
Image credits: National Cancer Institute (not the actual photo)
Image source: ttalgibell
Wondering what is and isn’t acceptable wedding attire? Here’s what the experts say…
Choosing what to wear to a wedding isn’t just about looking your best. It’s also a way to show respect to the couple. Of course, your outfit will depend on things like the dress code, venue, time of day, season, and any cultural traditions.
“Wedding attire etiquette for guests isn’t about following rigid rules; it’s about aligning with the formality of the occasion, dressing modestly when required, and avoiding outfit choices that could unintentionally upstage the couple or distract from the event,” say the team from Adrianna Pappell, a luxury fashion brand specializing in wedding and evening wear.
On the subject of upstaging, it’s generally frowned upon to wear white or ivory to someone else’s wedding. Those colors are reserved for the bride. Similarly, if you aren’t one of the bridesmaids, you should avoid wearing an outfit that matches the wedding color palette too closely – that’s provided you know the color scheme beforehand.
There was once a time that female guests were told to steer away from black too, as it was more of a funeral color. But nowadays, wearing black to a wedding is considered acceptable, and is even seen as trendy, chic and formal.
“Today’s weddings are more diverse and personal than ever. That means more flexibility in fashion choices but also a greater need to read the room and dress accordingly,” notes the Adrianna Pappell site. “When in doubt, go for a classic, elegant look that can be dressed up or down depending on the setting.”
“Red wine and bad footing”: People were mortified as the woman gave a few more details
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