What Colors to Wear (and Avoid) as a Wedding Guest

When attending a wedding, choosing the right outfit is essential—after all, it’s a celebration of love, and you want to show respect for the couple while looking stylish. One of the most important factors in choosing a wedding guest outfit is the color of your attire. While it’s tempting to wear your favorite bright or bold hues, there are certain colors that are perfect for weddings and others that may raise eyebrows. Here’s a guide on what colors to wear and avoid as a wedding guest to ensure you look elegant and respectful on the big day.

Colors to Wear as a Wedding Guest

1. Soft Pastels

Pastel colors such as blush pink, lavender, mint green, and baby blue are classic wedding guest options. These soft, feminine shades are both flattering and sophisticated, making them a great choice for spring and summer weddings. Pastels also exude a sense of warmth and joy without stealing attention from the bride.

Why it Works:

Pastels are light, airy, and perfect for daytime or garden weddings. They complement the romantic ambiance while still allowing you to look elegant.
They’re versatile and can be paired with a variety of accessories, making them a great choice for many wedding themes.

2. Jewel Tones

Rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, and amethyst purple are stunning choices for wedding guest dresses, particularly for fall and winter weddings. These vibrant shades are bold yet classy, and they look great on all skin tones.

Why it Works:

Jewel tones add depth and sophistication to your outfit, making them ideal for evening or formal weddings.
They bring a sense of luxury and elegance without overwhelming the wedding’s aesthetic.

3. Navy Blue

Navy blue is a timeless and sophisticated color that is always a safe bet for wedding guest attire. This deep, elegant hue works well in both daytime and evening weddings and can be dressed up or down depending on the style of the event.

Why it Works:

Navy blue is universally flattering, easy to accessorize, and versatile enough for a variety of wedding themes and seasons.
It has the elegance of black but is softer and more approachable, making it a popular choice for wedding guests.

4. Earth Tones

Warm earth tones like burnt orange, terracotta, mustard yellow, and olive green are excellent for autumn weddings. These colors evoke a sense of coziness and are perfectly suited for outdoor or rustic-themed weddings.

Why it Works:

Earth tones blend beautifully with nature and fall foliage, making them perfect for boho-style or rustic weddings.
They’re subtle yet striking, giving you a chic and understated look.

5. Metallics

Metallic shades like gold, silver, and copper can be a dazzling choice for evening or formal weddings. Whether it’s a metallic dress or just a touch of metallic in your accessories, these shimmering hues will make you shine without being over-the-top.

Why it Works:

Metallic colors give your outfit a modern and polished feel, adding a touch of glamour.
When done tastefully, metallics can enhance your look and make you feel special without upstaging the bride.

Colors to Avoid as a Wedding Guest

1. White or Off-White

While this one might seem obvious, it’s worth emphasizing: wearing white, ivory, or any shade of off-white is a definite no-no unless the couple specifically asks for guests to wear this color. The bride should always stand out in a white or ivory gown, and you don’t want to risk taking attention away from her.

Why to Avoid:

White is reserved for the bride, and wearing it can appear disrespectful or as though you’re attempting to outshine her.
Even light off-white or champagne shades can be too close to the bride’s dress color, so it’s safer to avoid them entirely.

2. Black (in Some Cases)

Although black has become more acceptable as a wedding guest color in recent years, it’s still important to consider the context of the wedding. Black can be perceived as too somber for some weddings, especially if they are daytime or more casual. However, black can be a great option for evening, formal, or winter weddings.

Why to Avoid (Unless Appropriate):

Black is often associated with mourning, so wearing it to a joyous celebration could come across as inappropriate, especially if the wedding is more casual or held in a lighthearted setting.
If the couple has a specific dress code, make sure to follow it, as some couples may not want guests wearing black.

3. Neon or Extremely Bright Colors

Neon hues and overly bright colors can easily draw too much attention and may clash with the overall aesthetic of the wedding. A neon yellow or electric pink dress could distract from the bride and take away from the beauty of the day.

Why to Avoid:

Bold, neon colors can be too loud and attention-grabbing, which may unintentionally take the spotlight off the bride and her gown.
Bright colors that are too flashy might feel out of place, especially in more formal or traditional settings.

4. Red (in Some Cases)

Red is a stunning, powerful color, but it can be a tricky choice for wedding guest attire. In some cultures, red is seen as the color of luck and celebration, while in others, it may be perceived as too bold or attention-seeking.

Why to Avoid (Unless Specified):

Red is a very attention-grabbing color, and depending on the context, it might not feel appropriate for a wedding, especially if it’s a smaller, more intimate celebration.
In some cases, the bride may prefer that guests don’t wear red, as it can draw too much attention and overshadow her.

5. Super Casual Colors (Like Denim or T-Shirts)

While the bride and groom may be relaxed about the dress code, showing up in a casual denim outfit or a t-shirt with a fun graphic print is usually not appropriate for a wedding. Even if the wedding is laid-back, it’s important to maintain a sense of respect for the occasion by dressing more polished.

Why to Avoid:

Casual outfits like denim jeans or graphic t-shirts don’t reflect the celebratory nature of a wedding.
Weddings typically call for a more formal or semi-formal level of attire, and dressing too casually may come across as disrespectful or thoughtless.

Conclusion

Choosing the right color for your wedding guest dress is all about balance—selecting hues that allow you to look chic while respecting the bride and groom’s special day. Opt for colors like soft pastels, jewel tones, navy, and metallics to create an elegant, timeless look. Avoid wearing white, off-white, or colors that could overshadow the bride, such as neon or bright red. Ultimately, the goal is to blend in, celebrate the love between the couple, and feel confident and stylish while doing so. When in doubt, always consider the formality, season, and theme of the wedding, and you’ll find the perfect color to wear.