Best Colors to Wear to a Wedding

By Published On: August 15, 2024

Choosing which color to wear to a wedding often comes with a lot of questions. Whether it is a spring or formal wedding, you are probably wondering what colors are appropriate to wear. Can you wear black to a wedding? Is red okay to wear? When choosing your wedding guest dress you need to consider a few things, including the dress code, the season and the venue. However, even with the dress code, choosing what color to wear to a wedding can be nerve-wracking — that is why we have rounded up the best colors to wear to a wedding along with tips on choosing the right color.

Best Colors to Wear to a Wedding

Tips for Picking the Perfect Color Wedding Guest Outfit

  • What are the wedding party’s colors? Avoid wearing the exact shade as the wedding party because you might be mistaken for the bridal party and not a guest.
  • What’s the dress code? The dress code can come with color requirements or even unspoken rules about what can or cannot wear.
  • What season is the wedding? Each season usually has a particular color palette and sticking to that palette will help eliminate colors.
  • Is the print dizzying? Prints are fun but depending on the print, they can be very busy, taking away attention from the couple.
  • Does it complement you? You still want to choose a color that complements your skin tone, even with restrictions. You want to feel confident in your outfit.

Dress Code Colors

The colors you wear to a wedding are normally based on the formality and dress code.

Formal: Darker colors are the go-to for formal weddings. Black, navy blue, emerald green, plum, burgundy, etc. are considered appropriate and formal for evening weddings.

Semi-Formal: For semi-formal weddings, you have more free range when it comes to color options. Since a wider range of colors are accepted, you can wear anything from bold hues like magenta and coral to jewel tones or even softer shades and pastels.

Casual: Lighter colors and some bright prints are completely acceptable for daytime or beach weddings.

Seasons

Spring/Summer: Light colors and pastels such as lavender, pink and yellow are popular for warm-weather weddings.

Fall/Winter: Darker shades like burgundy, eggplant, rich jewel tones, and warmer shades like mustard yellow and amber are good options for cold weather weddings.

Location

Beach Weddings: Think tropical colors like turquoise, coral and yellow in airy fabrics and silhouettes.

Outdoor Weddings: To complement the natural surroundings, think of earth tones like sage, olive or rust.

Best Colors to Wear to a Wedding

Black

Once considered a no for weddings, it is now completely acceptable to wear for formal evening weddings.

Burgundy

Burgundy complements all different skin tones, making it a great choice for weddings. The deep color makes it fabulous for fall and winter weddings. It even works for spring and summer weddings when picking a lighter shade like mulberry.

Yellow

Depending on the shade of yellow, it can be flattering on most skin tones. Lighter shades are great for spring and summer weddings, while darker and richer shades are wonderful for fall and winter.

Red

Red is a popular color that represents love and is a wonderful way to express yourself. In some cultures it is a promising color for weddings. If the color red is too bold for you, opt for a more muted tone like burgundy.

Blue

From dark navy to cobalt to dusty pastels, blue comes in so many shades that it’s easy to find the perfect color based on your skin tone and the formality of the wedding.

Pink

Different shades of pink are universally flattering. There are so many shades of pink from pastels to fuchsias. Pink dresses also come in a variety of styles and lengths that will work with any wedding dress code.

Teal

Teal is another universally flattering and color. It works for all weddings, from beach and garden weddings to even winter weddings depending on the shade.

Purple

There are so many shades of purple, from lavender to plum. Depending on the shade, lighter purples work well for spring and summer weddings, while the darker ones work well for fall and winter weddings. Purple also complements many skin tones and is flattering on most body shapes.

Orange

Depending on the shade of orange, it can work for celebrations ranging from formal weddings to beach weddings. Darker oranges like a burnt orange will work really nicely for a fall wedding, while a brighter orange or coral is perfect for a beach wedding. Various shades work well for most skin tones and can add a healthy glow.

Green

Many green tones are universally flattering. Like most colors, different shades work for all weddings. Lighter green, like mint, is a great choice for a spring and summer wedding, while a rich emerald is a wonderful choice for a formal fall and winter wedding.

Grey

Grey comes in so many shades. From light and airy to a dark and elegant, grey offers options for different dress codes and wedding seasons.

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