Can you wear black to a wedding? In this blog post, we’ll answer this etiquette question so you know exactly what you can and cannot wear as a wedding guest. Read on for more and subscribe for the latest to your inbox.
Is wearing black to a wedding a major faux pas? With wedding season upon us, you’re probably wondering if you can wear black to a wedding as a guest. Since black is commonly known as a color you wear for things like funerals, you may think the color is completely off-limits. However, due to fashion changes in recent years, black is an acceptable color to wear to a wedding when done tastefully and at the right time of day. In this blog post, we’ll share the rules of wearing black to a wedding, how to wear it as a guest, and when to totally avoid it.
In addition, we’ll share some little black guest dresses to inspire you for the upcoming wedding. Who doesn’t love a new LBD in their closet?! I need one myself, so I made this list very thorough: there are black wedding guest dresses with long sleeves, short sleeves, sleeveless, midi, mini, floor-length, halter, cut-out, plus size, and more.
Let’s get started!
Can You Wear Black to a Wedding?
As a rule of thumb, yes, you can absolutely wear black to a wedding as a guest! Historically, though, it used to be a major faux pas.
The History of Wearing Black to Weddings
Decades ago, wearing black to a wedding was a big fashion mistake which is now an outdated rule. It was considered too dark and gloomy, more of a funeral attire outfit; however, modern etiquette rules dictate that wedding guests can wear black to a wedding! The classic little black dress or long-length black gown is a beautiful and elegant option when selecting wedding guest dresses.
Now that you know it’s OK to wear black to a wedding in most circumstances, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
When to Avoid Wearing Black
• Consider the time of day for the wedding
It is recommended to heed the advice of when to avoid wearing black: don’t wear it in the early afternoon if it is a brunch wedding.
Black dresses are best suited for evening wedding receptions, cocktail parties, and special events.
• Think about the bridal party attire
If you know the bridesmaids are wearing black dresses, you may want to avoid wearing black to a wedding and choose a different color instead. You don’t want to look like you’re rivaling the bridal party. :)
You’ll see many guests wear black to a wedding, especially at black-tie weddings and winter weddings.
Types of Black Outfits That Are Appropriate for Weddings
So go ahead: pick out the cutest little black dress and rock that thing! Here are some little black dresses we found from Lulus to inspire you. These are affordable, on-trend, and fashionable, all fitting in perfectly if you’re going to wear black to a wedding.
1. Black Cutout Midi Dress
This is one of the best black dresses for wedding guests this year! Highly-rated. Get it here.
2. Black Floral Maxi, $66
This high-low style is perfect for a wedding guest to wear! It features a black floral print that is appropriate to wear in all seasons.
3. Black Jumpsuit, $59
Can you wear a black jumpsuit to a wedding? Absolutely, especially when it’s this stylish! Get it here.
4. Ruffled One-Shoulder Long Black Dress, $89
The reviews speak for themselves! This is a beautiful black dress to wear to a wedding as a guest. Love the ruffles!
5. Sleeveless Black Bodycon Dress, $72
This is the ultimate little black dress to wear to a wedding!
6. One-Shoulder Black Maxi, $69
Go for the glam in this one-shoulder long-length maxi, perfect for evening wedding attire.
7. Floral Print Maxi, $89
Ooh, stylish! This is my new favorite print dress for wedding guests to wear, featuring a black and ivory allover floral print.
8. Black Off the Shoulder Mini, $64
Rock this cute bodycon dress at the wedding with a long sleeve look and an off-the-shoulder neckline.
9. Black Swiss Dot Long Sleeve Dress, $69
Love the Swiss dot fabric shown here and the cute flip out skirt! The long sleeves makes this the perfect black dress to wear to a wedding in any season.
10. Backless Midi, $59
Va-va-voom! This long sleeve backless dress features long sleeves and a midi length with high-cut neckline.
11. Black and White Polka Dot Dress with Puff Sleeve, $57
This classic look will never go out of style! The puff sleeves give it a little something extra.
12. Long Sleeve Polka Dot Dress, $65
This cute tiered dress is another twist on polka dots, this time with a long sleeve and a mini skirt style.
13. Long Sleeve Dress with Lace and Scalloped Hem, $59
This is the ultimate black dress to wear to a wedding! Love the scalloping on the hem and the lace on the neckline.
14. Long Sleeveless Maxi, $99
This dress is wildly popular amongst reviewers! It has a long length and elegant open-back style.
15. V-Neck Chiffon Maxi, $89
Wear a dress that goes with everything in this chiffon maxi dress featuring a slit on the leg and a v-neckline with wide straps.
16. Black Floral Print Midi with Sweetheart Neckline, $86
This cute dress is perfect for the next wedding you attend! Love the length here.
17. Scalloped V-Neck Bodycon, $50
Stylish and cute!
18. One-Shoulder Cut Out Maxi, $89
Go for elegance and style in this cut-out maxi with a long length and a one-shoulder neckline.
19. Black Stripe Mini-Dress, $55
Cute for summer, this mini dress is black with a black-and-white stripe tie on the back.
20. FLoral Print Jumpsuit, $65
Rock this jumpsuit at the wedding in black! It’s so stylish.
21. Flutter Sleeve Midi Wrap Dress, $55
This is the dress you’ll love to wear to a wedding! The flutter sleeves, midi length, wrap style… it’s perfect!
22. Off-the-Shoulder Mermaid Maxi, $89
For an elegant evening gown, choose this maxi mermaid dress with a sleek off-the-shoulder neckline.
23. Black Trumpet Maxi Dress, $88
I absolutely love the cut of this dress and the unique trumpet hem!
24. Ruffle Bodycon, $59
Sweet and stylish.
25. Black Lace Midi with Short Sleeves, $59
The eyelash lace on this dress is incredible!
26. Black Halter Maxi, $89
Go for a long and glamorous look in this black halter maxi.
27. Floral Print One-Shoulder Maxi, $119
This is such a stunning dress! Love the floral print and the one-shoulder neckline.
28. Tie-Shoulder Floral Print Midi, $79
Ooh, stylish! Loving the tiers on this tie-shoulder midi with a stylish floral pattern.
29. Ruffled Tiered V-Neck Dress, $92
This stylish dress hits right at the ankle for a chic and sophisticated fit.
30. Knotted Mermaid Maxi, $89
And last but not least, this knotted maxi dress fits with a mermaid cut and high neckline.
Want to see more dress ideas? Click here for the entire collection!
How to Accessorize a Black Outfit as a Wedding Guest
Now that you know what dress to wear, it’s time to add some fun accessories! Instead of wearing a black dress and black shoes and matching accessories, have fun with it: go bold with fashionable picks, like a hot pink clutch purse, or sequin gold bag, or carry a beaded clutch for an evening look.
For shoes, swap traditional black heels for something fun and brightly colored, or go with nude heels (they go with everything!)
Statement Earrings To Wear with a Black Dress
One of the easiest ways to dress up your look is to pick statement earrings to wear with a black dress. Here are some examples from Rustic Gem Jewelry.
As shown here, wearing black to a wedding as a guest is an easy way to look fashionable and stylish. Be mindful of the rules of etiquette and avoid wearing black when it is a certain time of day, as outlined above, when selecting which black outfits to wear. With a little creativity, you can accessorize to the max and look your very best at the wedding. Have fun!
Now it’s time to find your perfect little black dress: click on a photo above or link underneath a dress to shop now! You can find more styles here.
