Can You Wear Black to a Wedding? (2024)

Everyone has a little black dress (also known as an LBD) hanging in their closet that’s fit for any occasion. The company holiday party? Check. An anniversary dinner date? Obviously. Your birthday party? Wore it two years in a row. But when you find yourself invited to a wedding, you might be wondering if that never-fail frock is appropriate for such an event.

Back when your mom was fielding wedding invitations from all her friends, black was often on the top of the list when it came to what not to wear. “In many instances, especially here in the United States, wearing black to a wedding has been seen as a fashion faux pas because typically the color black is associated with mourning,” wedding etiquette expert Elaine Swann tells Brides.

Luckily, times have changed, and given the fact that wedding fashion etiquette norms have shifted over the years, we now have good news for fans of coal-colored ensembles. “It is absolutely acceptable for a female to wear a black dress to a wedding,” Swann advises. Nevertheless, there are a few things all guests should keep in mind when sporting this hue, as highlighted below.

Everything You Need to Know About Wearing Black to a Wedding

According to Rosie Williams and Jess Kaye, co-founders and designers of The OWN Studio, "Wearing black as a wedding guest can be incredibly chic and still feel celebratory, especially when accessorized with bright color pops (think about bringing a hot pink, aqua blue, or acid yellow into your look through a bag, shoes, or oversized jewelry)."

The designers further share, "When it comes to fabrics, sleek silk satin silhouettes with fluid movement work wonderfully for destination weddings, as they still feel light and relaxed, while more structured ankle length styles are perfect for city celebration (teamed with a showpiece heel—perfection!). Consider textured fabrics like brocades, hammered silks, or linens to elevate the look and add extra interest."

As for what to avoid, Swann advises that wedding guests stay away from looks that are "too low cut, too short, or too tight.” And while black dresses and gowns are perfectly acceptable for most formal weddings, you might want to consider another hue if you’ve been invited to afternoon nuptials or a casual, seaside ceremony. “My recommendation is to avoid wearing the color black if it’s a destination wedding with more of a tropical vibe,” she adds. In this instance, opt for a lighter shade, pastel, or rich jewel tones.

Final Takeaways

Always pay close attention to the dress code indicated on the wedding invitation. "The only time to swerve a black outfit is if the dress code is specific around wearing brights, prints, or a particular color. In this case, wearing black is firmly out," Williams and Kaye note. If a dress code isn’t listed, however, Swann says that the wording and style of the invite can indicate what may or may not be appropriate.

Lastly, "If black is your go-to for event dressing but you’re hesitant to wear it to a wedding, look to dark aubergine, midnight blue, or a deep green with lighter tonal accessories or go bold with a contrast color," shares Williams and Kaye. "But don’t feel you need to shy away from black. If you’re feeling your best in a black number, then go for it."