Is it acceptable to wear a black dress to a wedding reception?

Question

Or is it too 'funerally.' I'm sure that's not a word, but it best conveys what I'm trying to ask here.

It's a halter dress with a detailed waistline.

Answer 1

The only time it's acceptable to wear a black dress to a wedding is if you're recently bereived (and that does include the reception). Otherwise, No. No way. No black, no white. For women.
Black is the colour of death. It's bad luck to wear it to a wedding, christening, baby shower, etc.

Answer 2

It really depends of the type and time of the wedding. An afternoon wedding, no. An informal wedding, no. An outdoor garden wedding, no. A formal evening wedding, yes.

Take your cue from the invitation you received if it was informal, than I would guess black would not be okay. If the invitation was very formal I would say black is okay.

I would be careful not to look to morbid. Lighten the look up with a splash of color and keep you hair and makeup light, in other words no tight bun or heavy eye make up. These can look "funereally" as you said. Also, no black hose go for a natural color this will also lighten the overall look.

Finally, if you are still concerned call and ask. It is better to be safe than sorry. I had several people call and ask prior to my wedding and I had no problem with black. My wedding was in the evening, aboard a yacht. Having the guests in black made for wonderful pictures!

Answer 3

It's acceptable, but I have a few opinions on it:

1) No solid black dresses unless the wedding is a formal evening one.

2) Patterns good. Colorful accessories to break up the "bleakness" of the black are good too. Fierce shoes, purse, wrap make the dress celebratory.

3) The style of the dress can make all the difference. If it fits you and the weather, those are definate plusses.

4) And for all that is holy, please don't wear what I saw at a friend's wedding - a gal in a solid black sundress with a bright red hat.

Answer 4

I am a goth and even I wouldn't do it. It's not how I feel necessarily, but it just isn't considered appropriate, unless it's a Halloween themed wedding, or extremely, HUGELY formal (we're talking white tie, here) and it's a sequined cocktail dress or something. This is, of course, if we're talking reasonably traditional, western weddings. Other cultures have their own rules. Black detailing is fine, but a mostly black dress will offend some of the older attendees.

Answer 5

I'm sure there are etiquette books that will answer that question or even the Internet may have the answer but
I doubt if the Bride will even notice and I'll bet half the dresses there will have black in it.

Black is flattering and slimming and unless it's a VERY snobby wedding, I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 6

Yes it is appropiate to a where a black dress to a wedding reception if the reception is in the evening.

Answer 7

I would wear a black dress to a wedding but I've heard that wearing red is a no-no.

Answer 8

As a last resort, I guess it'd be ok - can you dress it up with a light, bright coloured scarf and/or accessories?

Keep a happy face on and you won't look like you're at a funeral for sure.

Answer 9

A little black dress is always appropriate. The only color I would never dare to wear would be white. You don't want to compete with the bride.

Answer 10

well i think there's nohting wrong bout wearing black dress in a wedding reception. If you can carry it well, why not. Unless you knew that the family of the couple are conservative bout that matter.........