Whether it’s a spring pastel theme or a black tie wedding, choosing which colour to wear to a wedding ceremony is a task that often comes loaded with questions. If you’ve ever wondered ‘can I wear black to a wedding?’ or ‘is it bad luck to wear red to a wedding?’ then you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, we’ll be looking at things to consider when picking out your wedding guest dress, from the dress code to the season and setting. Plus, we’ve rounded up our wedding guest dresses by colourway so that you can shop your top colour preferences in one place!
Things to consider when choosing the colour of your wedding guest dress:
Dress codes unlocked:
Formal: Darker colours like navy blue, emerald green, plum, or black are typically considered formal and appropriate for evening weddings.
Semi-formal: A wider range of colours is acceptable, including jewel tones, bold hues like magenta or coral, and softer shades like pastels or light blues.
Casual: Lighter colours and even some brighter patterns might be suitable for daytime or beach weddings.
If you need a bit of help understanding the confusing world of wedding dress codes then take a look at our guide.
Consider the season:
Spring/Summer: Lighter colours like pastels, pinks, yellows, and lavender are popular choices for a warm weather wedding.
Autumn/Winter: Jewel tones, darker shades like burgundy, wine red, or eggplant, and warmer colours like amber or mustard yellow are all flattering options for cold weather weddings.
Colours by location:
Beach weddings: Consider airy fabrics and flowy silhouettes in light, tropical colours like turquoise, coral, or light yellows.
Outdoor weddings: Earthy tones like sage green, olive, or rust can complement the natural surroundings.
Different colour options for wedding guest dresses
Black
Can you wear a black dress to a wedding? Yes, Black is no longer a strict no-no for weddings. It’s become a more accepted option, especially for formal evening weddings.
Blue
Blue comes in many shades, finding a perfect match for your skin tone and the wedding’s formality (formal navy to playful pastels).
Blue represents trust, loyalty, and serenity – fitting sentiments for a wedding celebration.
Burgundy
The richness of burgundy complements various complexions, making it an attractive choice for many people.
Perfect for Autumn/Winter weddings, the deepness of the colour aligns beautifully with the autumn and winter palette, adding warmth and sophistication to the occasion.
Can work for Spring/Summer too. Lighter shades of burgundy like mulberry can be beautiful for spring or summer weddings, offering a richer alternative to pastels.
Burgundy naturally exudes elegance and sophistication, making it suitable for formal wedding attire.
Pairs well with various accessories; Silver, gold, and rose gold jewellery perfectly complement the richness of burgundy, allowing you to personalise your look.
Not as common as black or navy: While a classic choice, burgundy offers a subtle yet distinct difference, allowing you to stand out in a stylish way.
Green
Green comes in a wide range of shades, from light and playful mint greens to rich and elegant emeralds, making it suitable for various formality levels and seasons.
Many green tones are universally flattering, complementing different skin tones and body types.
Green often symbolises growth, new beginnings, and good health, fitting the celebratory spirit of a wedding.
Compared to more common choices like black or blue, green can stand out and make you feel unique while still being appropriate.
Lighter greens are perfect for spring and summer weddings, while deeper shades shine in autumn and winter.
Grey
Grey comes in many shades, from light and airy to deep and sophisticated, offering options for various dress codes and seasons.
The neutral tones of grey can flatter many skin tones and body types.
Depending on the style and embellishments, a grey dress can exude elegance and sophistication.
Orange
Orange stands out beautifully and makes a memorable statement, perfect for someone who wants to express their unique style.
Certain orange shades like burnt orange or coral can flatter various skin tones and add a healthy glow.
From formal gowns to flowy sundresses, you can find orange dresses in diverse styles to suit the wedding’s formality.
Orange works well for summer and autumn weddings, reflecting the vibrant energy of those seasons.
Orange often symbolises joy, warmth, and creativity, fitting the celebratory spirit of a wedding.
Pink
Pink offers a vast spectrum of shades, from soft pastels to vibrant fuchsias, allowing you to match the formality and your personal style.
Many pink shades are universally flattering, especially for lighter skin tones, and can highlight features like tanned skin.
Pink often symbolises love, happiness, and femininity, perfectly fitting the celebratory spirit of a wedding.
Pink dresses come in all lengths and styles, from elegant gowns to playful minis, catering to various wedding settings and dress codes.
Purple
The vast spectrum of purple, from light lavender to deep plum, caters to both formal and casual weddings. You can find elegant gowns for black-tie events or flowy dresses for daytime celebrations.
Purple complements various skin tones and body types. Lighter shades offer a soft and romantic feel, while darker ones exude sophistication and drama.
Purple stands out beautifully, allowing you to make a statement while staying respectful of the occasion. It’s less common than traditional wedding colours, offering a chance to express your personality.
Depending on the shade, purple can symbolise royalty, luxury, creativity, and joy – positive connotations for a wedding celebration.
Red
Red is a powerful colour representing love, passion, and confidence. If it aligns with your personality and style, it can be a beautiful way to express yourself.
The shade and style of the red dress matter. Opt for a more subdued shade like burgundy or a dress with less attention-grabbing elements if you’re concerned about being too outlandish.
In some cultures, red is an auspicious colour associated with weddings. If the wedding reflects that culture, red could be an appropriate and even celebratory choice.
Teal
Teal is generally considered a slimming and universally flattering colour. It can work well on various body types and skin tones.
Complements various wedding themes: Teal can fit well with different wedding themes, from beachy and nautical to garden and even winter weddings depending on the shade and accessories.
Yellow
Cheerful and vibrant, Yellow is often associated with happiness, warmth, and optimism, which can be a lovely sentiment to bring to a wedding celebration.
Many shades of yellow can be flattering on a variety of skin tones.
Lighter shades of yellow are perfect for spring and summer weddings, while richer gold tones can work well for autumn events.
Compared to more traditional colours, yellow can help you stand out in a crowd (in a good way of course!).
