Is it appropriate to wear black to a wedding?

Question

I am going to a wedding this weekend. The wedding is at 2pm and the reception starts at 5:30. Is it appropriate to wear a black cocktail dress? If not why? And what would you suggest instead of black?

Indoor wedding

Answer 1

"It is now acceptable for female guests to wear black to weddings, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Black choices, however, should be more ornate than reserved, to give off an air of celebration rather than mourning. Sometimes, adding a little color (vibrant flower pins and scarves work wonderfully for weddings) rounds off the somber look well."

Answer 2

I asked a similar question and I'm told that times are changing but I think there will still be people who'll have a problem with it. Try not to wear the wedding colors either if you know what they are or you may be mistaken for part of the wedding party. Do you have any other color nice dresses you can wear? If not, there's your excuse to get a nice new dress.

Answer 3

If you are going to ultimately be at an evening reception, then I think black would probably be okay. As far as I know, and I am no expert, the only people who shouldn't wear black to a wedding are the bride and her mother.

Answer 4

Wedding guest style for her

+Informal Daytime: Short dress or suit (business attire OK for morning weddings)
+Informal Evening: Cocktail dress
+Semi-Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit
+Semi-formal Evening: Cocktail dress
+Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit. Hats and gloves optional.
+Formal Evening or Black-Tie: Long or dressy short cocktail (beading, glam accessories, wrap)
+Ultra-formal or White Tie: Long gown, extra glitz (furs, diamonds, etc.)

Do's and Don'ts for Her

-Don't wear white because it competes with the bride. There are plenty of other colors available.
-Don't wear black or sequins during the daytime.
-Don't worry about wearing the same colors as the bridesmaids or mothers. You can't possibly coordinate with everyone in the wedding party.
-Do wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respect for your host
-Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) doesn't belong at a wedding. If you have to ask if it's appropriate, it probably isn't.
-Don't wear opera-length gloves (to top of arm) with anything but sleeveless or strapless gowns.
+Do take off gloves to eat or drink.
+Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn't specify the formality of the event. A pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a little black dress for evening (after 6 p.m.) will take you almost anywhere.

Answer 5

Most of the weddings I've been to this year, more that 75% of the women wore black dresses.

Answer 6

I do wedding photography & I see people wearing black all the time, although I wouldn't recommend wearing white because people still believe that only the bride should wear white

Answer 7

I always wear black to a wedding. I think its classy and sexy. Nothing wrong with it. I even wore a black dress to a beach wedding. It was very pretty and flowed in the wind nicely.

Answer 8

Yes..it is definitely appropriate for a night wedding. Very classy.

Answer 9

Yes, black is fine because the reception is after 5:00 PM.
Before 5:00, you should not wear black.

Answer 10

It should be fine. I have a memorial service tomorrow to go to and I am wearing a white dress. But, then again I am pregnant & i don't have much to wear.