Weddings are such special and happy occasions. That is why the unspoken dress code is bright colors and cheerful patterns to match the mood of the day. While you do not want to outshine the bride, you want to look your best.
So, what do you do, if looking your best involves a black dress? Would it be okay to wear it to a wedding? These are questions you’ve probably asked yourself occasionally.
Well, we’re here to give answers by looking at, the consequence of wearing black to a wedding and whether it’s allowed.
Is It Allowed to Wear Black to a Wedding?
A little black dress is a must-have in every girl’s closet. Aside from being full-proof, it’s flattering for any body shape and versatile in how you style it. Normally, a black outfit is the safest pick for most occasions. Weddings, however, are a more complicated occasion.
There are a lot of superstitions and unspoken rules that surround a wedding, so you can never be too sure as to what is allowed or not.
Additionally, black is normally associated with gloominess, mourning, and sadness. To wear black to a wedding, therefore, given it’s a jovial occasion may be awkward, to say the least. Traditionally, wearing black to a wedding was considered taboo. It was seen as a sign of bad luck. So, in your grandparent’s or parent’s time the notion wasn’t even entertained.
Today, however, many of the traditional wedding rules don’t apply or aren’t taken seriously.
Fortunately, the rule on wearing a black dress is one of those rules. Nowadays, wedding dress codes are more lenient, allowing you to stun in your beautiful black dress if you so wish.
Moreover, black is now deemed appropriate for bridesmaids’ dresses. In some completely untraditional weddings, the bride’s dress along with the theme of the wedding may be entirely black, if that happens to be her favorite color.
If you’re still doubting yourself on the black dress, then here are a few tips on the types of wedding you may want to avoid wearing black:
1.In a church ceremony.
Even today, churches will still recognize black as the color of mourning and associated with funerals or more somber events.
Additionally, if a couple decides to hold a church wedding ceremony, it means they or their families are religious people.
Either way, to keep from accidentally insulting someone’s religious beliefs, simply avoid wearing black.
If you really must wear something dark, then opt for a navy color or grey.
2.At a cultural wedding.
Just as churches still hold their beliefs about the color black, some cultures still view it as a taboo color. Especially at a wedding. It is therefore important to consider the beliefs of the couples and the family.
If you have even the slightest hunch, they might find the color offensive, then wear something else.
It’s important to dress appropriately unless you want to insult the host.
3.If black is the bridesmaid’s dress color.
Before attending a wedding it’s important to find out the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses.
You wouldn’t want to end up blending in with the bridal party.
So, if the bridesmaids are wearing black, tough luck, find something else to wear.
4.If there’s a strict dress code.
Some couples have a precise vision for how they want their wedding to look including the guests.
So, if a dress code is communicated and black is not included, avoid wearing black.
Stick to the dress code, it’s their special day at the end of it.
5.If you’re having second thoughts.
If you’re still second-guessing whether or not to wear the black dress, it better to avoid it altogether.
In a scenario you don’t know the couple well, then it’s better to avoid it.
Besides, you would not want to end up feeling uncomfortable during the wedding or offending the guests present.
Is It Bad Luck to Wear Black to a Wedding?
The short answer is that it depends on individual beliefs. The reality is that superstitions rely on personal beliefs to make them true. The more you believe in superstition the more likely it will be true for you.
Similarly, those who have a strong belief that black can bring bad luck to a wedding steer clear of black. This is because the superstition for them is true.
In the same way, some grooms wear black suits for the wedding and neither the wedding nor the marriage fails.
In the past, in England, couples would get married in their Sunday best clothes even if it was black. So, you see, it’s all a matter of faith.
Why is it bad luck to wear black to a wedding?
In the past, during traditional times, black was considered a big taboo. It was associated with sadness, gloom, evil, and death.
Therefore, introducing black to a jovial event like a wedding was considered bad luck.
It was seen as if the color black would taint the wedding and cause something or several things to go wrong.
That is why parents or grandparents do not entertain the notions of wearing black to a wedding.
How Do You Accessorize a Black Dress for a Wedding?
The beauty of black dresses is that they are like blank canvases. Their versatility gives you more room to play around with accessories.
Depending on what accessories you choose, you could transform the same dress from a formal to an informal outfit. You could also make the dress more vintage or bohemian for example.
But first, ensure that the dress you pick for the wedding is appropriate. Avoid over-the-top dresses like those with deep plunging necklines, long trans, or sequin. Once you’ve picked the best suitable dress for you, here is are some tips to help with accessorizing:
Consider whether the wedding is formal or informal. For a formal wedding, you can’t go wrong pairing your dress with a beautiful set of pearls or diamonds. For a more casual wedding, you can try pairing the dress with more bold statement accessories, like gold statement earrings or cuffs.
Keep in mind the design and formality of the dress. Some designs are dressy enough on their own and only require light accessories. Lace and satin dresses for example are fancy enough on their own.
For some dresses, the neckline will determine the type of necklaces to wear with them. For a turtle neckline, any accessory works but for V-necks or scoop necks, try wearing necklaces that stop mid-chest. That way the attention stays on your face.
Experiment with color.
As mentioned, black dresses are blank canvases, so don’t be shy to add a pop or two of color. The trick is to use multicolored jewel pieces, so that color blocking the shoes and purse is easier. Jewel-toned accessories like emerald green, ruby red, and sapphire blue are great colors for a formal wedding. You can also try darker colors for an evening wedding.
When in doubt keep it simple. If you’re having trouble matching colors, then keep it simple. Pair the dress with a black clutch and heels along with simple diamond jewelry.
You could also try bold architectural-shaped metal jewelry pieces and strappy heels, to spice up the dress just enough.
Conclusion
When deciding to wear a black dress to a wedding, keep the couple and their family in mind.
Consider the theme of the wedding and also whether or not you’ll be comfortable.
If you have any doubt, just opt for a different outfit and save your black dress for a different occasion.
Read more useful tips here or here!
Stephanie is a jewelry lover when she was a teenager. Her major was fashion design when she was in college. She is a jewelry designer at SOQ Jewelry and other design companies. Now she is also a writer for our website. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips.