Can I wear all black to a wedding?
By maezee
@maezee (41988)
United States
July 28, 2011 2:15am CST
I was talking to one of my friends about this wedding that's coming up this weekend, and she proceeded to ask me what I was wearing. Not sure why it mattered to her, but I went ahead and showed her my outfit. Black semi-short shorts with a low-cut silk black ruffly top. She immediately told me, "no, no, no! You can't wear all black to a wedding!!!" I have only been to a couple. Okay, since I've turned 18, only been to ONE other wedding, and I was an usher in that wedding (so I had to wear white and purple and black, but not all black). Anyway apparently, in my friend's opinion, wearing all black is something you should only do at funerals.
Now, I guess that makes sense. The wedding isn't black tie necessarily but it is encouraged that all guests 'dress up'. Now, I have tons of cute summery dresses but none that don't show a whole bunch of cleavage (too much)... And the last thing I need is a bunch of guys oggling at someone else's wedding.
Is it wrong to wear all black at a wedding?
I mean, is it a bad omen? Is it rude? Is it too similar of a funeral thing? What do you think - is my friend nuts?
2 people like this
12 responses
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
1 Aug 11
Wearing all black in a wedding does not seem to be appropriate. Not because it is bad omen but because white is the color of wedding so if you will wear black you seem to be contradicting the color of the wedding. Besides, black is associated with mourning so if you will wear that color during a wedding when every one should reflect happiness along with the couple, you will look out of place. You may wear all black in other occasions but not during the wedding if only to show you are sharing with the happiness of the new couple. You don't need to wear white or follow the wedding motif if you are not part of the entourage but at least wear a happier color.
@Shar19 (8231)
• United States
29 Jul 11
I was always brought up to never wear all black or all white to someone else's wedding. It's disrespectful. Also I don't think shorts or even capris are appropriate either unless it's a beach wedding. A nice pair of black, creme or white slacks or a skirt would be nice with a top of another bright color would look really nice. Also if you want to wear the summer dress why not wear a camisole underneath it to cover up all the cleavage. Just some ideas for you. Have a great time!
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
28 Jul 11
You can always wear any color you want in a wedding, including black, but the problem is you'd stick out of the crowd. Picture everyone wearing white and you're the only one wearing black, that's just ridiculous.
@besthope44 (12123)
• India
28 Jul 11
Hi Maezee, I wonder why they restrict colours for each occasion. I would say black is best colour and it adds up more beauty on a beautiful wedding. I dont believe in those sentiments. There is nothing wrong in wearing black, but if its friends wedding and she says not to wear, then you can respect her feelings. Other than that, black is best colour to wear on happy occasions.
@abatencila (970)
• Philippines
29 Jul 11
If that is my wedding, I will not also allow my guests to wear something black. During my brother's wedding, we actually indicate it to the invitation that you can't wear black during the occasion. I guess it will be happy to see colorful colors or more pleasant colors during your wedding.
We just have to make the celebrants happy for following their 
rules.
We just have to make the celebrants happy for following their rules.
@EnvyDoll (3)
• Canada
28 Jul 11
I've been to a couple of weddings and though the universal agreement seems to be that black is frowned upon, I think that if you choose lighter and flowier fabrics it will keep the outfit looking just as summery as if you chose any other colour. Or maybe you could add some big statement pieces in terms of jewelry to make the outfit stand out :]
Good luck and have fun at the wedding!
@Galena (9110)
•
28 Jul 11
I wouldn't have a problem with it.
if you're not sure though, maybe e-mail or phone the couple and just ask their opinion. if they're okay with it, go ahead. when I was on wedding planning websites, some people seemed to have a real problem with it.
I on the other hand, wanted my guests to wear whatever they felt happy and confident in. some quests wore black. and that didn't bother me one way or the other.
maybe if you do want to wear black, maybe get some bright accessories to add to it, but it's up to you really. if they haven't specified in the invite not to wear black, then they probably don't care much one way or the other.
@LadyDulce (830)
• United States
28 Jul 11
I don't see a problem with wearing all black as long as the material is appropriate for the season. The only thing I can see a problem with is the shorts... maybe upgrade to dress slacks or a skirt? For some reason shorts seem far too casual to be worn to a wedding, unless it's a backyard BBQ-type affair.
@kripa_db (578)
• India
28 Jul 11
I think black just depicts a universal color of sadness. So people usually do not wear that color to a happy occasion. My father too does not like that color and even i make sure i do not wear any black color dress when i go for an event. So i can understand your friends sentiment. Maybe you can just ask your parents and friends what they think about it and know their opinion too. It could help you take a decision.
@whitewingspeak (888)
• Philippines
28 Jul 11
Hi maezee!
Usually, in a formal wedding ceremony, they couple have to decide for a motif. This is to guide the visitors to what color to wear. But in your story, looks like there is no color motif there.
Black isn't very happy color, although in some occasions, black looks elegant.
In Chinese people, black is avoided during a happy celebration. I am not superstitious but it;s quite awkward to wear that color in a wedding.
@pepperpopper (376)
• Philippines
28 Jul 11
It all depends on you, but i think that's kinda weird. Why don't u try to mix it up with white. It will look like "rock" motiff. And wear sneakers, that's cool.
