Appropriate to wear black to a wedding?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I'm Parisian born and bred, not from the deep rural South in the US, and would never wear black to a wedding, unless that was the dress code. While black is very elegant, I think it's a very severe shade for weddings, which are supposed to be festive occasions. To me festive means not black. And I don't think much of menswear, to be honest. They don't have much choice and it's all drab.

So don't think of it in terms of city people vs country people or sophisticated vs unpolished. Most of the world doesn't do black for festive occasions, that's all.

Agree with all of this! I’m from Illinois- I know people in DC are too snobby for the Midwest, but we also have our culture and traditions we still adhere to

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's fine as you see I'm the replies, lots of people wear black. But personally I feel it's overdone and not festive or the kind of vibe I really wanted at my wedding. That said I didn't dictate what my guests could wear and at the end of the day no one is really going to pay that much attention to a random guest. Just sounds boring.

I’ll never understand this. So it’s cool for men to wear all black (and a white shirt!) but not women? We need to wear bright and cheery colors? For whom?

Are you aware that a wedding is a tradition with traditional cultures. Is it really the occasion to bring your “bucking the trend” attitude to your friend’s day? This is a ‘go along to get along’ situation. You do you - just don’t expect to get invited to many future events like this.

What traditional culture dictates the colors a women can wear to a wedding? I’m waiting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's fine as you see I'm the replies, lots of people wear black. But personally I feel it's overdone and not festive or the kind of vibe I really wanted at my wedding. That said I didn't dictate what my guests could wear and at the end of the day no one is really going to pay that much attention to a random guest. Just sounds boring.

I’ll never understand this. So it’s cool for men to wear all black (and a white shirt!) but not women? We need to wear bright and cheery colors? For whom?

Are you aware that a wedding is a tradition with traditional cultures. Is it really the occasion to bring your “bucking the trend” attitude to your friend’s day? This is a ‘go along to get along’ situation. You do you - just don’t expect to get invited to many future events like this.

Yes, the prospective brides from all over the world get together to see who dared wear black to a wedding so they know who not to invite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I'm Parisian born and bred, not from the deep rural South in the US, and would never wear black to a wedding, unless that was the dress code. While black is very elegant, I think it's a very severe shade for weddings, which are supposed to be festive occasions. To me festive means not black. And I don't think much of menswear, to be honest. They don't have much choice and it's all drab.

So don't think of it in terms of city people vs country people or sophisticated vs unpolished. Most of the world doesn't do black for festive occasions, that's all.

Do you not understand that culture and customs vary between urban and rural areas?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's fine as you see I'm the replies, lots of people wear black. But personally I feel it's overdone and not festive or the kind of vibe I really wanted at my wedding. That said I didn't dictate what my guests could wear and at the end of the day no one is really going to pay that much attention to a random guest. Just sounds boring.

I’ll never understand this. So it’s cool for men to wear all black (and a white shirt!) but not women? We need to wear bright and cheery colors? For whom?

Are you aware that a wedding is a tradition with traditional cultures. Is it really the occasion to bring your “bucking the trend” attitude to your friend’s day? This is a ‘go along to get along’ situation. You do you - just don’t expect to get invited to many future events like this.

What traditional culture dictates the colors a women can wear to a wedding? I’m waiting.

Not PP, but I grew up in the south, and the "traditional culture" there absolutely dictates what color you can wear to a wedding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No black.

Maybe get with the times. It's 2026 not 1926

Totally agree. Its OK to wear athleisure to this afternoon wedding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I'm Parisian born and bred, not from the deep rural South in the US, and would never wear black to a wedding, unless that was the dress code. While black is very elegant, I think it's a very severe shade for weddings, which are supposed to be festive occasions. To me festive means not black. And I don't think much of menswear, to be honest. They don't have much choice and it's all drab.

So don't think of it in terms of city people vs country people or sophisticated vs unpolished. Most of the world doesn't do black for festive occasions, that's all.

Do you not understand that culture and customs vary between urban and rural areas?

Even in urban areas, wearing black to a wedding is very unimaginative. I speak as New Yorker.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's fine as you see I'm the replies, lots of people wear black. But personally I feel it's overdone and not festive or the kind of vibe I really wanted at my wedding. That said I didn't dictate what my guests could wear and at the end of the day no one is really going to pay that much attention to a random guest. Just sounds boring.

I’ll never understand this. So it’s cool for men to wear all black (and a white shirt!) but not women? We need to wear bright and cheery colors? For whom?

Are you aware that a wedding is a tradition with traditional cultures. Is it really the occasion to bring your “bucking the trend” attitude to your friend’s day? This is a ‘go along to get along’ situation. You do you - just don’t expect to get invited to many future events like this.

What traditional culture dictates the colors a women can wear to a wedding? I’m waiting.

Is this a serious question?

If so, I’m sorry for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's fine as you see I'm the replies, lots of people wear black. But personally I feel it's overdone and not festive or the kind of vibe I really wanted at my wedding. That said I didn't dictate what my guests could wear and at the end of the day no one is really going to pay that much attention to a random guest. Just sounds boring.

I’ll never understand this. So it’s cool for men to wear all black (and a white shirt!) but not women? We need to wear bright and cheery colors? For whom?

Are you aware that a wedding is a tradition with traditional cultures. Is it really the occasion to bring your “bucking the trend” attitude to your friend’s day? This is a ‘go along to get along’ situation. You do you - just don’t expect to get invited to many future events like this.

Yes, the prospective brides from all over the world get together to see who dared wear black to a wedding so they know who not to invite.

Perhaps you should only attend non-traditional weddings. They exist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's fine as you see I'm the replies, lots of people wear black. But personally I feel it's overdone and not festive or the kind of vibe I really wanted at my wedding. That said I didn't dictate what my guests could wear and at the end of the day no one is really going to pay that much attention to a random guest. Just sounds boring.

I’ll never understand this. So it’s cool for men to wear all black (and a white shirt!) but not women? We need to wear bright and cheery colors? For whom?

Are you aware that a wedding is a tradition with traditional cultures. Is it really the occasion to bring your “bucking the trend” attitude to your friend’s day? This is a ‘go along to get along’ situation. You do you - just don’t expect to get invited to many future events like this.

What traditional culture dictates the colors a women can wear to a wedding? I’m waiting.

Is this a serious question?

If so, I’m sorry for you.

You can’t answer it, can you, because there is no answer. I’m still waiting, if you have something. If not, I’ll assume you’re a nut who is 70+ and staunch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's fine as you see I'm the replies, lots of people wear black. But personally I feel it's overdone and not festive or the kind of vibe I really wanted at my wedding. That said I didn't dictate what my guests could wear and at the end of the day no one is really going to pay that much attention to a random guest. Just sounds boring.

I’ll never understand this. So it’s cool for men to wear all black (and a white shirt!) but not women? We need to wear bright and cheery colors? For whom?

Are you aware that a wedding is a tradition with traditional cultures. Is it really the occasion to bring your “bucking the trend” attitude to your friend’s day? This is a ‘go along to get along’ situation. You do you - just don’t expect to get invited to many future events like this.

What traditional culture dictates the colors a women can wear to a wedding? I’m waiting.

Most of them! There is this thing called Google. Ask your question there and you can target specific cultures or countries, so you don’t have to take our word for it.

[Anonymous]

I would look for a different dress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d be offended if someone wore black at my wedding. It’s the color of sadness and mourning.

Are 84? That's absurd.

I’m 42. It’s inappropriate in my social circle. I suppose if you only had one dress I would be understanding.

Oh please. It's inappropriate in your social circle of one. It's fine, OP especially if you add the pink/red accents. Sounds cute!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No black.

Maybe get with the times. It's 2026 not 1926

Good manners never go out of style. Let’s add don’t wear overly bold colors or revealing clothing. No beach wear or flip flops. Geez, some people really must have grown up in the tenement housing with no one to teach them the basics.. should we add don’t eat with your hands (except foods designed to), no vulgar language, and no overly aggressive gestures. It’s appropriate to bring a gift.

These social norms are to ensue people are comfortable, which is what good manners mean. Buy a book; there are plenty.

If you want to ensure people are comfortable, don’t make them go out and buy clothing to please you. Let them wear the stuff they already own.

Oh, and the reference to “tenement housing” really shows your class. The people you are trying to emulate would never say it.

I emulate no one - anonymous board and all that. And most people have something appropriate in their closet. I wouldn’t expect anyone to go out and buy something new - where did I say that? I’m sure OP has an appropriate dress in a different color. A 430 wedding is not a black tie event - church clothing would work.

Wearing a black cocktail dress is very different from wearing black tie, sweetie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I'm Parisian born and bred, not from the deep rural South in the US, and would never wear black to a wedding, unless that was the dress code. While black is very elegant, I think it's a very severe shade for weddings, which are supposed to be festive occasions. To me festive means not black. And I don't think much of menswear, to be honest. They don't have much choice and it's all drab.

So don't think of it in terms of city people vs country people or sophisticated vs unpolished. Most of the world doesn't do black for festive occasions, that's all.

Do you not understand that culture and customs vary between urban and rural areas?

DP
Of course they do! So it’s appropriate to know the culture of the wedding you attend, the venue, and the local traditions. Even amongst the different regions and cultures in the US.

Just the same - I’d wear something different to a British, Indian, and Chinese weddings. And since I’m American the polite thing to do is to see what the culture of my friend and the location would dictate.