Can I wear a black dress to a wedding (an afternoon wedding)?

Answer 1

Of course you can

Answer 2

black is traditionally frowned upon for female wedding guests' attire. Not only is it normally connected with mourning, there is a traditional idea that wearing black to a wedding is either a statement of disapproval and/or a source of bad luck for the couple.

However, in the past 10-15 years, the practical application of this tradition has become much less-followed. The "little black dress" is almost a uniform of sorts for semi- and formal occasions in some social circles-- and especially for the more and more popular evening weddings, some brides actually approve of this sort of attire.

Since it was the bride, originally, that was likely to be offended by a female guest wearing black, certainly if the bride doesn't mind (or even encourages black attire, which is not as uncommon as one might think) , it's less important to follow the "no black" tradition.

Regional and social circle differences in what's considered "gauche" (as well as the feelings of the couple) DO play a part in this sort of decision. Whenever there's any doubt, I recommend people choose a color other than black-- and that they ALWAYS avoid white and off-white. And personally, I never wear black to weddings, even if the bride doesn't mind-- that's just my preference.

However, I think one can no longer say, definitively, that black is ALWAYS wrong for a wedding guest's attire.

Here are some web sites for suggestions:

http://weddings.about.com/cs/weddingguests/a/guestattire.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?Proper-Evening-Wedding-Etiquette-And-What-To-Wear-To-An-Evening-Wedding&id=268845

Answer 3

Yes, in fact black and white is very much in this year, even for mother of the bride and bridesmaids. Reason I know is because we have been wedding dress shopping and while the bride is getting changed I've been looking at these things. Also lots of colours tone in with black, as in spring white, summer most pastels winter red and burnt orange looks amazing in autumn.

Answer 4

I am a marriage celebrant and i find that people wear all sorts of things to a wedding> i think a black dress looks very smart. go for it

Answer 5

I would not recomend it! When my husband and I got married his mother wore a black dress to our wedding. It was a rather informal wedding, but I had a strong feeling that she did not approve of our marriage. So my answer is yes you can but only if you are trying to say something against the unity.

Answer 6

By all means! There is nothing better to see a nice, young lady dressed in a nice black dress at a wedding or at the reception. May I have this dance?

Answer 7

You can where whatever you want, I went to my friend's wedding last august and I wore a red dress. Everyone else wore casual clothes including jeans, It felt nice to of made the effort when no one else seemed to of.
As long as you feel comfortable wearing what you plan to, do it!!
xxxx

Answer 8

of course it depends on the dress though but in saying that im getting married my bridesmaids dresses are black they say black is the in colour at the moment and u can wear anything with black and the other added bonus is its very slimming lol be the stand out good luck

Answer 9

I've worn black to a wedding before, I think its quite accepted now - just try to lighten it up with light or bright accessories.

Better to wear black than white or cream in my humble opinion.

Answer 10

My mom told me as long as it isn't a "formal" wedding you can. I wore a black skirt to a friends wedding and it was fine. It is that old tale of not wearing white after Labor Day. It isn't so faux pah anymore.

Answer 11

well i am a interior decorator so i no my colors ive ran my own bussiness for over ten years
i say black is a mimimising color is black your flattering color?
if yes then go for it girl.

tip ps if your blonde
wear a medium knee lengh or more slimming black dress with black secrinsed shoes and a croche scarf around your arms.

please excuse my spelling

kirt j andrews