Figuring out what to wear as a wedding guest can be problematic, especially since most guests don’t want to stand out awkwardly or wear the wrong outfit. Most guests err on the side of caution and avoid some colors – like wearing white to a wedding – but knowing what color is best can be confusing.
However, there’s a new trend emerging where couples are asking guests to wear a certain color to the wedding. Letting guests know what colors you’d like them to wear (or avoid) in order to coordinate with color palettes can be helpful in avoiding an awkward moment, like overdressing for the occasion or wearing the same color as the bridesmaids. Whoops! Some wedding photographers or decorators are even suggesting a particular shade to tie into the overall aesthetic of your wedding.
But is this going too far?
Is it polite to ask guests to wear certain colors to your wedding, or should you be content that they are attending at all? Some think this color request from wedding guests is overstepping on etiquette and we’re here to discuss it. Let’s find out if it’s polite – or not.
Wedding Color Dress Codes: Nice or Annoying?
Asking wedding guests to wear a specific color has become a popular trend in recent years. Having a color dress code for a wedding can create a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. It can be fun to participate in a specific dress code, but there are nice ways to ask – and then other ways that can come across as demanding.
While the dress color trend for guests isn’t one I’d participate in myself, and I don’t think you should dictate color to guests, that doesn’t mean you won’t want to do it anyway. Weddings are all about getting to pick and choose the things that make YOU happy. So if asking guests to wear certain colors aligns with your vision, great – but be sure to follow these etiquette tips first. Otherwise, guests may be insulted at your request.
Here are some ways to implement a dress color code without turning off your guests.
Why Have a Color Dress Code for a Wedding
Some couples are implementing a color dress code to match the wedding theme, the vibe, or create a specific ambiance. If this is something you plan to do, follow these essential rules to make it as pleasing and easy-to-follow for guests as possible.
Be Clear From the Start
Don’t wait until the last minute to ask guests to wear certain colors to your wedding. Many guests shop for outfits early, so knowing the dress code and color as soon as possible is extremely helpful for planning purposes. Once you put the dress code out there, be consistent with it; don’t make any changes.
Offer Options
Many guests aren’t staring down Pinterest boards and looking through color wheels for your wedding like you are. Asking guests to wear sage or wine red may sound like an easy task to some, but others may find it easier to ask for shades of light green, pastels, or “garden party dresses” rather than a specific shade of green. This allows guests a little wiggle room to find something they like and want to wear in a variety of options.
It can also be helpful to choose a color most people already own, like navy blue or black. It’s so much easier than asking for a neon shade of hot pink that no one has, wants to wear, or will ever wear again. 😉
Make The Dress Code Known
When choosing a color, select a shade that complements the wedding theme and venue. Then, mention it to guests by including it on your wedding invitations (as an enclosure card), just as you would with any dress code. In addition, make a note of it on your wedding website where guests can’t miss it. The best place is likely on your details page or RSVP page of your website.
Keep Requests to a Minimum
If dress color is a big deal to you, ease off on any other requests you may have from guests such as “no boxed gifts”, requesting guests to do this tacky thing (ugh), requiring guests to stay at a specific hotel, RSVPing for wedding events all weekend, etc. You have to pick and choose what is most important to you or risk appearing like a Bridezilla. Guests will typically be happy to follow one or two requests, but more than that and you might scare them away from coming to the wedding altogether.
Choose Careful Wording
This is essential: when asking guests to wear certain colors to your wedding, use wording for the dress code request in a polite and respectful manner. For instance, “The couple requests guests to wear semi-formal attire in black and red” or “Please wear cocktail wedding attire in navy blue” or “We’d love it if all guests could wear comfortable beach attire in light blue”. For some Halloween themed weddings, invitations state, “Please wear a costume to the wedding if you wish to participate, or any fall outfit will do!”
Communicate Concisely
Keep it as simple as possible by being clear and concise. Be very specific on color or types of colors you are hoping for guests to wear. It is helpful to include a color palette on your wedding website with swatches so guests are not arriving in mismatched outfits.
Dealing With Potential Pushback from Guests: Be Flexible!
Realize you’ll need to be a little flexible when it comes to wedding colors worn by guests. While it may seem like an amazing idea to you, now all guests will be happy with the color dress code and may decide not to participate. This is OK. Focus more on the fact you have guests coming to your wedding than worrying about what they wear. And while most will honor your requests, some may try and get it slightly wrong – and again, that’s OK! Be happy knowing they’ve tried their best. 😊
It is most important you to keep this focus: you have guests coming to your wedding! That should be enough. Participating in the color dress code is a bonus!
To summarize, it can be helpful to have a color dress code for a wedding but it is not a requirement nor should it be seen as a mandatory rule for guests to follow. While it can be helpful to know what colors to wear – and which ones to avoid – guests ultimately have the final say in what they decide to wear.
If you want to follow this dress color trend, be sure to do it with flexibility in mind. Some guests may skip the color code altogether, miss the mention of it on your invitations, or simply don’t have that color in their closet and that’s OK. Don’t be upset if anyone chooses to not participate, but celebrate the fact that some of your family and friends will be happy to knock it out of the park!
As I mentioned, it’s not my thing – but I’d love to hear from those who are participating. Are YOU having a color dress code at your wedding? Why or why not? If you’re implementing a color dress code for a wedding, let me know about it in the comments or join the discussion on Instagram.
