the big debate

the big debate. wearing white to a wedding

Julia Braime

Photography by jen huang photography

Jen Huang Photography

In the world of weddings it has long been the cardinal sin for anyone other than the bride to wear white (well, in most cases ivory) to the wedding.

But as ceremonies evolve and traditions aren’t always followed, we’ve seen some bridesmaids enter the once forbidden

white wardrobe

for their attire.

So as the rules seem to be relaxing, does this finally mean that female guests should no longer worry about donning the pure hue for fear of stealing the bride’s thunder, or should it still be no go beyond the main wedding party?

Image by Shane Shepherd

Shane Shepherd

rachel says: all white now

As a girl that has a monochrome wardrobe mainly consisting of black, white and grey, I’m someone who struggles a little when it comes to what to wear to a wedding. In most cases I drag myself out of my comfort zone and end up buying a more ‘I’m going to a wedding’ vibrant outfit that is unlikely to see the light of day for more than just that one occasion.

So as I tire of spending money on obvious occasion wear I’m stating that actually, it’s ok to wear white to a wedding. Did anyone just hear a gasp? That’s the usual reaction when someone suggests such an absurd action, but seriously, I’m not going to turn up in a white A-line princess dress with jewel encrusted bodice now am I?

Because really when you think about it, that’s how ridiculous it is. A guest rocking up to a wedding in a standard white dress is not going to A. outshine the bride, or B. cause confusion – if you need a clue, it’s the one with the bouquet and the veil that’s getting hitched.

Plus it’s now ok for bridesmaids to wear white and a growing number of brides are actually ditching the traditional hue themselves, in favour of pretty pastel or soft metallic coloured dresses. What next, a guest can’t wear blush pink to a wedding just in case the bride happens to have picked that colour for their dress too?

So though perhaps not a top option for all seasons of the year, white is certainly alright for wedding guests to wear in my book.

Photography by Tessa Barton Photography

Tessa Barton Photography

julia says: it’s a white out

Let’s get this straight – wearing a white, ivory or cream dress is NEVER acceptable at a wedding, unless you’re the bride.  Or the priest.

This is the bride’s big day, an occasion that she has likely put a lot of effort into planning, dreamt about, stressed about, romanticised about and had some sleepless nights about.  She’s also likely to have put a lot of thought into choosing a dress.  Her style and fabric choices were almost limitless but (on the whole) there was probably only ever going to be one colour option.

As a guest, however, you had a lot more colour alternatives available.

I don’t care if it’s your favourite dress, if it shows off your tan or if it’s not even remotely bridal.  You just don’t do it.  It’s only polite.  It’s the rules.  It’s GIRL CODE for godsakes!

So unless the bride actively demands that all her guests turn up wearing white (*waves to the Bridezillas in our midst*), just don’t do it. Or do it, and be prepared for some death stares from the top table, for someone to suggest to your date that you might be desperate to tie the knot, and for that very same bride (and most of her bridesmaids) to turn up wearing white when it’s your turn in the spotlight.

It’s definitely cooler – and more colourful – to back off the “it’s all about me” vibes on someone else’s big day.

Found on stylemepretty.com, Photography by Amy Jo Royall

image source, photography by Amy Jo Royall

what you said on facebook:

Jane: “I’d hate it if anyone wore white to my wedding.”

Rachel: “I’m not really that fussed. I’m happy for my guests to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.”

Vicky: “I’d never wear white to someone else’s wedding, so I’d expect the same from my friends.  I’m a bit worried now!”

Kate: “I’d hope that everyone would be able to spot the bride anyway!”

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