Wedding season is coming up and with it comes a question I get asked every year – “can I wear black to a wedding?”. Tradition states that wearing black to a wedding is a no no, apparently because it’s the colour of mourning and means that you don’t approve of the marriage. Sounds a bit passive-aggressive if you ask me! Times have changed and as black has become a stylish wardrobe staple, it’s become a lot more acceptable to wear black to weddings.
I personally think that wearing black at a wedding is fine – after all, many men wear black suits right? Black is always a safe option and usually good for any kind of wedding dress code, whether it’s black tie, garden party or cocktail attire, and you can look fancy without wearing something that shouts “look at me!”.
If you’re considering wearing black to a wedding then keep it simple and chic with a black frock, and then go dressy with your accessories, shoes and clutch. Try to avoid anything skin tight, super short or very low cut – especially if it’s a church wedding. If in doubt, have a chat to the couple getting married. For the record, if you’re coming to my wedding you have my full go ahead to wear as much black as you like.
I’m not going to any weddings anytime soon, but if I was I would love to wear this 17 Sundays dress with the gorgeous gold arrow print (this was one of the most popular prints on the catwalk at Melbourne Fashion Week Plus) with my sparkly gold glitter sandals. I’ve gone all out matchy and am even wearing gold rimmed aviators!
Would you wear black to a wedding?
Meagan wears:
Arrow Print Dress from 17 Sundays (gifted, XL)
Sun Jellies Sandals from Two Lippy Ladies (UK6)
Xcesri Sunglasses from Farmers (gifted)
Photos: Ambient Light Photography
That’s such a great dress. I think it would be perfect for a wedding. The arrow print stops it from being mourning black. Accessory choice makes a huge difference too.
I think accessories and details make such a big difference!
I hadn’t heard it was bad to wear black to a wedding – I wore a black and gold dress to a wedding a couple of years ago!
Some people are really old school about it! I think black and gold is a nice combo
I want this dress but cant find it on their website.
Hey Kelly, it was so popular it’s already sold out, sorry! They have another ft and flare style coming in summer though, so keep an eye out x
I LOVE this on you! You look so gorgeous!! <3 I've also heard that you're not supposed to wear black to weddings, but fuck that. Black is all I own!
Thanks babe! I love how swishy it is 😀
I’m so glad times and attitudes have changed! Black is my go-to in life and I always struggle trying to find an appropriate, colourful dress whenever I go to a wedding. That 17 Sundays dress is gorg!
Me too! I have always had to buy dresses that I have literally worn once because I’ve been told black is not appropriate, but now I can wear things that I will be able to wear again!
You’re exactly right. Unless you are in the wedding party, in which case the bride should be telling you what to wear anyways, then an elegant black dress is never out of place. (Love that dress, btw! Looks smart and comfy, and who can ask for anything more?)
I notice that a lot more of my friends are having their bridesmaids wear black too – it’s such a chic and easy colour. I think I’d have my bridesmaids in black 🙂