It takes place to the finest of us: You fall in love with a spectacular cream- or ivory-colored gown that would be simply perfect to use to that wedding event you have coming up in a few months. “The tradition of the white wedding event dress began when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840,” discusses Kimberly Lehman, wedding and event coordinator at Love, Laughter & Elegance. Since that notorious celebration, it’s generally been frowned upon for anyone other than the bride to use white to a wedding.
Is it still a no-no for wedding event visitors today? We asked eight wedding planners from all various parts of the nation to give us their most unbiased and unfiltered recommendations.
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Do not risk it.
” Out of respect to the bride and the legacy of tradition, go with another color,” states Lindsey Sachs, wedding event organizer and owner of COLLECTIVE/by Sachs. By not wearing white, you won’t end up the subject of conversation among other curious visitors and, most notably, your closet option won’t detract from the bride-to-be who should have to be honored on her wedding day as the leading girl in white.”
It’s no longer taboo to use white!
” According to the Emily Post Institute, it’s acceptable to use white, as long as it doesn’t ‘sidetrack from the bride or her attendant’s dresses.’ For example, a colorful, cocktail-length gown with a white lace overlay is appropriate,” says Lehman. “A casual sheath gown likewise works well, but if the dress is white and floor-length or full-skirted, it will not work. If a guest or attendant has any doubt about appropriate clothes, it’s generally best to check with the bride-to-be, and follow her desires.”
Just when it’s part of the theme.
” There’s only one situation in which it’s fine to wear white to a wedding which’s when the couple asks you to. A good friend of mine prepared a wedding where the bride-to-be wore a fuchsia dress and the couple asked all of their guests to wear white. I personally think that’s such an enjoyable concept and a great method to turn custom on its head,” Leah Weinberg, wedding organizer, owner, and executive planner at Color Pop Events, says. “It also produced truly striking pictures. I’ve also seen couples have their wedding celebration wear white. Plainly the rule of not wearing white to a wedding event doesn’t use to smaller information like white stripes or polka dots, however my guideline is this: If you’re picking a clothing and the concern pops into your mind of whether this is excessive white to wear to a wedding, then don’t use it.”
Never!
” The bride may or may not wear white (perhaps ivory, perhaps champagne) but it’s her color for that day. You don’t wish to be mistaken for the bride-to-be in a white or lace gown,” Brandi Hamerstone, owner and wedding planner at All Events Planned, states. “You do not want to stand with the bride-to-be and look as though you were attempting to look bridal on somebody else’s day. Even when or if that wasn’t your intention, that’s what people (and potentially the bride) will think and who wants to be ‘that’ person?”
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I’ve seen it at almost every wedding event.
” After preparing numerous wedding events, I’ve noticed that there are constantly a minimum of one or two individuals using something along the lines of white at every wedding event. Beyond the wedding, it can likewise be improper to use a white dress to the wedding rehearsal dinner or bridal shower as you would not desire somebody to error you for the bride-to-be,” says Wendy Collins, catering sales and conference services manager at Stowe Mountain Lodge. “Not that I advise it, but if you need to wear white, I would follow a couple of rules to keep the glancing looks from other guests at bay. Don’t wear a floor-length or strapless gown and attempt to keep away from a high neck line with lace. Do include a bright pop of color like a belt, earrings, chunky declaration precious jewelry, and keep away from updo-style hair.”
White’s for the bride only.
” While lots of wedding event traditions are going away, I feel strongly that wearing white or ivory should be reserved for the bride-to-be only. You can’t tell me that with so lots of colors out there that the only attire you can use to a wedding is a white one.”
Tradition stands in this case.
” White is still scheduled for the bride-to-be( s) or groom( s) only. Naturally, there’s almost always an exception to the rule, and in this case I discover just one: It is alright to use white if, and only if, the couple has particularly requested that clothes be worn,” Megan Seaton, wedding planner at Molly Mae Events, says. “For example, I had a wedding event where all bridesmaids wore a white gown, which was a particular request of the bride. Another example is when couples toss a ‘White Wedding’ or ‘Black and White Party.’ In this case, the clothes will be particularly discussed in the invitation. If it’s not on there, don’t risk it.”
There are definitely exceptions.
” If the wedding clothing is all white and it has actually been requested, it’s safe to use white. “For my wedding event, I had a great sweetheart wear a brocade ivory dress, which, for November, was tastefully done and I didn’t feel upstaged.
