Wearing black to a wedding...?

Question

I know wearing black to a wedding isn't quite the taboo that it once was, but some people still think it isn't right.

My MIL was shocked by a friend of hers, who wore black to a wedding. "I can't believe she wore black to her own son's wedding!! You just don't do that!!" Then, less than a year later, my MIL ended up wearing black to a different wedding (not mine, thankfully). This wedding in particular was one that most of our family thought was a bad idea. Do you think she was trying to make a subtle point or did she just innocently have a change of heart regarding the proper etiquette of wedding attire? I'm thinking it was the former...

Thanks to everyone who is actually reading the details and answering the question that was asked. I'm so happy that some of you have been to formal/evening weddings, but that isn't really relavant here. Sheesh.

It was an all black suit, with a white cami worn underneath to an early afternoon wedding in the Spring. She buys outfits especially for the occasion (must be nice to have unlimited funds). In th past she has always worn pastels--blues, purples, yellows--to weddings, no matter the season.

Answer 1

After reading your post and additional details, I have to think she was trying to make some sort of point. If she knows wedding etiquette, then she knows you don't wear black to a spring afternoon wedding. Did she not like the family or disapprove of the wedding or something else?

Answer 2

It depends on where you live, the time of the day the wedding will be held at, the season...etc.

I am from the west coast and my husband is from the east coast. We had an early afternoon reception in San Francisco in aly spring and everyone wore pretty much pastels and such.

However, last week, my sister-in-law got married in NY state. She had an evening reception which was a lot more formal than my own and most of the guests (even those from the west coast) wore dark colored suits and dresses, a lot of black. I think that was fine because of the weather, the formality of the event, and the time of day.

Somehow a pastel pink dress just didn't seem appropriate for the circumstances.

I wore a dark brown dress with a black silk scarf and black hills.

Answer 3

For the Mother of the Bride, or Groom, to wear black is a bad idea...they should be wearing something more like an evening gown in gold, silver or a darker shiney color...blues and purples are popular also. To wear black as a guest isn't taboo and is actually welcomed during black tie optional affairs.

Your MIL might have been trying to prove a point, but she might have just been feeling hard-headed that day. People change their opinions all the time...so unless you ask her, you'll never know!

Answer 4

I have worn black to weddings, I do not think it is taboo or that it
means anything, the only taboo color to wear to a wedding is white. Black can be very slimming and flattering and that might be why she chose it, maybe she thought well if the other MIL can do it then I can too, No big deal! I believe that people look into things too much wear what you like, want and feel somewhat comfortable in.

Answer 5

I was at an outdoor, daytime wedding where the mother of the groom wore all black. Someone made a comment to her, and she was totally surprised to hear it was the wrong thing to wear. She said she wore it because she loved the outfit, and she thought she looked nice in it (which she did). Sometimes people do this without thinking, or without ill intent.

Answer 6

I went to a beautiful evening wedding where the colors were black and red. The entire wedding party (except the bride) was in black. Blood red roses on everything and the bridesmaids had red ribbon woven into their hair. The Groom and Groomsmen had red vests.
Not the best man...He was in his military dress formals.

Answer 7

Your MIL may have done either one. She may have found out that black can be tasteful if accompanied by other brighter objects to offset its color. She may have been trying to make a point to the couple that it may last but I am going to suspect that if she never has done that before, she may have done it just for fashion.

What i have learned is that people say everything, and they forget twice as much. So she may have said it was tacky but then found a wonderful dress to wear that was black.

Answer 8

I think that she was trying to make a point.This was like her own silkent protest to the marriage.She did nor approve of the marriage and she let her outfit do the talking.What she did is like wearing red to a funeral.

Answer 9

Well, when going to a wedding 'women' want to look their best; in saying that, most women -I've come to find out- believe they look best in black. For bigger women: they say it makes them look slimmer; for smaller/slimmer women: they say it makes them look professional or 'important'. I figure this to be possibly true in your MIL's case..she's probably doing it because of one of the above answers. It's probably not out of disrespect; that is, unless she is just that type of person. Hope I helped you out!

Answer 10

It's morbid. Don't wear black - it's supposed to be a happy event, not a funeral. My one sister in law - the best man's wife - wore a black dress to our wedding. She is very overweight so I know why she wore it; but it just seemed so drab. Don't do it!