Is it wrong to wear black to a wedding?

@mamasan34 (6518)
United States
September 12, 2007 6:55am CST
My friend is going to a wedding and asked me this question. Is it wrong to wear black to a wedding if your a guest? I honestly don't see anything wrong with it, but what is the proper protocol? Does anyone know? How do you feel?
11 people like this
25 responses
@vsraovsr (734)
• India
12 Sep 07
It is a belief among people that White symbolises purity and black symbolises bad or negative things that happened or going to happen. Another thing is that it is only meant for the host of the occassion and not for the guests.So I feel that there is nothing wrong in wearing black to attend a wedding and all the more it is one of the eye-catching colours.
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
12 Sep 07
thanks for your answer. I really appreciate it. Everyone is giving such good comments on the topic! I will definitely have a good answer for her by the end of today lol!
2 people like this
@lynboobsy11 (11343)
• Philippines
12 Sep 07
For me there is also nothing wrong wearing black in the wedding specially if the wedding is at night. But to others who are supertitious believers it is not fine with them, and also is it fine with her if she is being out place when she is the only one who wears black.
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
12 Sep 07
that is something to think about! I don't think the couple is superstitious as to wearing black to their wedding. I don't think they would care but it is nice to consider it. I think the wedding will be in the early evening as well. I hope she isn't out of place lol! thanks!
2 people like this
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
12 Sep 07
i think you can as long as its tasteful...the key is that you dont want to be a focal point (because its the brides day). i would also add an accent of colour to your outfit...just my opinion
3 people like this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
12 Sep 07
I think the same, maybe a tasteful scarf or something to that effect. She hasn't given me too much information on the subject, but I guess it would be ok. Your right taking away focus from the bride on her special day would be wrong! Thanks!
2 people like this
• India
12 Sep 07
In our country black is considered as in auspicious dress so people will not wear black dress to ceremonies , weddings etc
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
12 Sep 07
thanks for the information. that is very interesting to know. Thanks for your comment!
2 people like this
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
12 Sep 07
I have worn black to many weddings. If you look good in it then wear it. I think in this day and age you can almost wear anything providing it's with good taste.
3 people like this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
12 Sep 07
Yes, times have changed and things aren't as formal as they used to be. I think that you can as well, as long as it is in good taste as you said. thanks!
2 people like this
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
12 Sep 07
I see nothing wrong with wearing black to a wedding. I've even seen brides maids dresses in black.
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
12 Sep 07
That is true. I didn't even think of that. Ceremonial values have changed so much and are continuously changing. they are not the formal hum drum ceremonies of past lol.
2 people like this
@maean_19 (4655)
• Philippines
13 Sep 07
Me either see anything wrong wearing black to a wedding ceremony. As far as I know, there's no law or rule prohibiting one to wear black but it is a tradition that black color delineate or implies mourning, perhaps that makes it improper.
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
13 Sep 07
I am not sure where that way of thinking came from but it is true that black does represent mourning or darkness for some reason. I think a lot of people are straying away from that line of thinking. thanks!
1 person likes this
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
13 Sep 07
These days, I don't think it matters what you wear to a wedding. I think as long as you feel comfortable in what you are wearing - then go for it! Afterall - men wear mostly dark suits at weddings, so what's the problem?
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
13 Sep 07
Good point Abbey! I didn't think of that. Today's society has become much more relaxed about such things I suppose! sometimes that is a good thing hahaha! Being that dresses can be expensive.
1 person likes this
@cefaz_21 (2596)
• Philippines
13 Sep 07
There is nothing wrong with that as long as there is no dress code written in the invitation or you knew the couple's tradition..like they say Chinese don't want black dress on weddings. It really depends on the bride & groom's cultures and traditions.
2 people like this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
13 Sep 07
For the United States, I think more people are straying away from the extremely formal format of weddings. More and more you see a more relaxed setting at some weddings. Even so, it is good to consult the bride and groom and find out how they feel. Thanks for the comment!
1 person likes this
@migenKC (792)
• Philippines
12 Sep 07
hmp.. i think there is nothing wrong wearing any colors on a wedding..but it depends on the beliefs of the couple to be and their family.. maybe they are superstitious.. "it must be respected" better to ask it on the bride or the groom if its okay..;) actually.. i want my wedding's motif to be black and white.. hehe.. ;) that would be very elegant..
2 people like this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
12 Sep 07
Yes a black and white themed wedding would be very elegant! Very pretty. I think you are right that the beliefs of the couple should be respected and they could be very superstitious. Those are things my friend should find out that is for sure! Thanks.
1 person likes this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
15 Sep 07
I got married at the magistrate's office here in our town. We had to marry quickly because my husband was leaving for Iraq in the next few months, so we didn't plan on a big wedding and we didn't know anyone very well here. We plan to do something special when he comes home next year.
1 person likes this
@migenKC (792)
• Philippines
14 Sep 07
thank you also.. ;) may i ask you..what wedding motif of yours do you want? or are you married already? hehe... ;)
2 people like this
@sugarfloss (2139)
• Malaysia
25 Sep 07
Black Wedding Dress - Wear black to your wedding!
I think colour is just a colour when it comes to weddings.A friend of mine wore black to her wedding!And her theme colour was red and black!It actually looks grand!
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
25 Sep 07
I think today that many traditions have been for gone to meet with peoples personal likes and dislikes. It is always a good thing to ask the bride and groom how they feel about it. That sounds like fun that she did her wedding in black and reds. I am sure it was very lovely! Those are my two favorite colors! Thanks for responding.
1 person likes this
@jackxav (660)
• Philippines
12 Sep 07
I jave been to a few very expensive weddings,some wee ethnic,some were cathloic. If the wedding is fully traditional,strictly religious etc. you should never wear black to the church. At the reception it is acceptable and even favourable to wear black,espaecially if the reception is formal.God luck!
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
12 Sep 07
Thanks! I didn't get all of those conditions from her. She just asked if it were appropriate because she doesn't want to buy a new dress for the occasion lol!
2 people like this
@nyumix (1658)
• Belgium
13 Sep 07
I don't know if there is a proper protocol for a dress to wear to go to the wedding. But in my opinion, it is fine to wear black to go to the wedding party as a guest. Some women also wear black gown or dress to go there, and I don't think that it's bad. I often wear black dress since it will make me more comfortable with my big body.:)
2 people like this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
13 Sep 07
Yes black does have a slimming effect on the body haaha! I too choose to wear black very often because of that. Thanks for your comment!
1 person likes this
• India
12 Sep 07
If u r a guest its fine..if u r family's wedding v must n should follow such things bcos old people simple don say na?
2 people like this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
12 Sep 07
Yes I suppose if your a guest and not a member of the bridal party or family I suppose it would be fine! Thanks!
1 person likes this
• India
12 Sep 07
okk my pleasure frnd
1 person likes this
12 Sep 07
A couple of years ago a couple of good friends of mine got married. It was a goth wedding and the bride wore a stunning black dress, the groom wore a black velvet suit and the bridesmaids all wore black and purple.
2 people like this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
12 Sep 07
That sounds so pretty! I am pretty sure black was not an issue at the wedding then hahahah! That's cool that they did their own thing, individualized it for themselves and did what they wanted to make it their special day. Good for them!
1 person likes this
@kishusia (1066)
• India
1 Oct 07
I do not see anything wrong in wearing black in a wedding. There is no protocol. In Indian marriages people wear all types of dresses.
1 person likes this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
1 Oct 07
I am getting a lot of different responses by culture and different countries and I find this very interesting. I honestly don't see much wrong with it myself, but I guess it is really up to the couple who is being married. Thanks for the response!
@maybebaby (1230)
• Canada
13 Sep 07
I personally see nothing wrong with wearing black to a wedding. I think not wearing black is an odd tradition. I got married this year and had a few people ask me if I would mind if they wore black. I obviously didn't mind at all but I thought it was very nice of them to ask first. My advice would be to ask the bride. If she is very traditional it may bother her but it more than likely won't.
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
13 Sep 07
I think that is the best course of action, so there won't be any issues with who is offended and all eyes on a certain person and not the bride hahaha! Thanks!
1 person likes this
@LouieWpHs04 (4555)
• United States
13 Sep 07
It's really wrong to wear black to any wedding unless it is suggested by the person you got the invite from, or the beliefs of that particular wedding really enjoy it. But yeah. Black is generally associated as a black thing. Also, everyone will most likely be wearing the traditional clothing for that particular wedding & standing out that much like lets say. everyones wearing white and you're wearing black could be a very distracting thing for a wedding. I feel personally that any colour would be fine just as long as they dont stand out too much as I said earlier because that could be very distracting.
2 people like this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
13 Sep 07
It is very good of you to say that. It is important for a guest not to stand out from the wedding party. It is the bride and grooms day! Thanks!
1 person likes this
• Canada
13 Sep 07
Where I live, it is acceptable to wear black to a wedding. Black is even becoming a popular color for bridesmaid dresses. But I can see why some people still choose not to wear it to a wedding.
2 people like this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
13 Sep 07
Yes, I can see why a lot of people would hesitate to wear black, but your right it is becoming more acceptable in this society today.
1 person likes this
• Malaysia
12 Sep 07
i think not wrong lo..got what wrong if wear go wedding le?? me also ever wear black go wedding lo..my parent also din tell me that is wrong lo..that time my brother wedding also got people wear black colour go wedding lo..
2 people like this
@mamasan34 (6518)
• United States
12 Sep 07
Thank you so much for your comment! I agree that it is not so wrong to wear black to a wedding, as long as it is ok with the format.
1 person likes this