Can you wear black to a wedding?

Question

Well, I don't want to go out and buy more clothes. I have lots of nice dresses in black and white and I figure it is not a good idea to wear white to someone elses wedding. Can I wear black? The weddings are in August, which is another odd thing. Can I wear black in August?

Answer 1

Black is perfectly acceptable at weddings these days. It never used to be as it was the colour of mourning.

I think the long dress sounds lovely. If you're too worried about it being all black you could throw in some colour by way of a shawl, wrap or cardigan, or some brightly coloured jewellery.

Answer 2

Traditionally, there are 3 colors that shouldn't be worn in their entirety to a wedding: white, red, and black.

The only person wearing all white should be the bride. A guest wearing all white would be seen as disrespectful as it would seem she (or even he) was trying to upstand the bride on her day.

The same can be said for all red because red is a very eye-catching color. Again, very disrespectful to the bride.

Wearing all black has a whole different meaning. Black is the traditional color of mourning as is considered inappropriate for weddings since they are happy occasions.

A lot of people are going to tell you it's OK to wear black, but there are still a lot of traditionalists out there, like myself, who would think it's disrespectful to the occasion.

Just because its summer and a wedding doesn't mean you have to get a pink of sea green dress. Get something in a color you feel comfortable in! Besides, I really don't think black would look all that great for a beach wedding especially.  

Answer 3

If it is in the morning or afternoon, it migt look odd, but you can do it if you like. It will be ok to wear at an evening or night ceremony. Just as long as you don't wear the same color as the bride, you will be fine.

Answer 4

The "little black dress" is the most versatile thing in a woman's wardrobe. So yes you can particularly if it is sleeveless or short sleeved and dressy.

Answer 5

Its fine for you to wear black.  But in August you might get a little hot.  

Answer 6

Okay, you definitely do not where white to a wedding.  Definitely not an all white dress.  

Black is another story.  At one time, black was a forbidden color at a wedding.  It was a sign of you being against the wedding.  However, that has now changed and black is fully acceptable to wear to a wedding.  Although, I do see some that have responded do not know it is now acceptable.  

I am a photographer and black dresses, pant suits, etc is very common attire for an evening wedding.  Many etiquitte sights of today, will tell you is acceptable for a wedding and a long black dress is just acceptable for an evening wedding.  

The wedding your cousin wants you to help, you could just ask her.  Tell her what you have, tell you know now a days many people wear black to weddings, but just wanted to be sure since you were going to be helping, if she had a problem with it.  If you are just a guest, as long as you are not dressed trashy or in a way that grabs attention, then you will be just fine.  If you are uncomfortable, add some color with shoes, accessories, scarf, etc.

Answer 7

Of course you can wear black.  Unless you are the bride. :)  LOL.  

Answer 8

wear the short one with some colorful heels. "the little black dress" is always accetable!

Answer 9

charlotte had a black dress in the s*x and the city movie at carries wedding..so movies learned us we can:p

Answer 10

NOT TO MY WEDDING YOU DON'T!!!!!  It's rude!

Answer 11

Yes of course you can wear a black long or short dress to the wedding no matter what time of year it is.  in warm weather you could pair it up with strappy black sandals, white or cool colored jewelryl...cooler weather pair it up with some s**y boots.  If the Wedding is in the daytime chose jewelry that will not be too sparkly, but for an evening wedding sparkle away!

I am curious as to why you would have to collect gifts and let quests know where their table is....usually guests can place their gifts on a separate table and I'm sure they card read their table number and find their name card or are you a Hostess at the hall helping out?  If so then don't worry about what you wear to work at this wedding, just go and wear something comfortable.