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Beginner July 2025

Guest dress code color request

D H, on December 18, 2024 at 10:37 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 17
Is it now in 2025 acceptable to request your guest wear only certain colors to your wedding? I will do so , I've just never been told on an invitation before to do so.

17 Comments

Latest activity by Ashlynn, on January 7, 2025 at 5:18 AM
  • Jm Sunshine
    Jm Sunshine ·
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    It seems to be a recent trend. Many posters point out that guests are not photo props and it's in bad taste to dictate what color guests should wear.
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  • D
    Beginner July 2025
    D H ·
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    Love to get that poster, lol
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  • LM
    Super December 2022
    LM ·
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    The only time I found it acceptable is if the hosts specify "ethnic attire encouraged". But, I have only gone to formal weddings, not semi-formal or casual. At those weddings, I (and many other people) wear the same thing to most weddings-- something neutral color, nothing sexy that would detract from the bride(s) or groom(s). If you have a casual wedding, then maybe some guests could turn to cheap fast fashion. But, really you run the risk of offending those who either: 1) believe they're adults who can dress themselves, and or 2) don't have or want to use extra money. Guests should already feel exclusive to the guest list, i.e. honored to be included by you and your partner. Also, keep in mind that whatever your loved ones spend on attire, travel, etc. will result in smaller gifts to you, although all wedding gifts are optional.

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  • Bstanaway
    Beginner October 2025
    Bstanaway ·
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    I had the same question, you'll want some type of dress code. To have pictures look good. I have found most dress decent, know what to wear, but in case they don't, you'll want to address that in invite.
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  • Jm Sunshine
    Jm Sunshine ·
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    Yes, I agree that suggesting a dress code is acceptable but not dictating the color guests should wear.
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  • LM
    Super December 2022
    LM ·
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    Agree. Telling guests to purchase new clothes to gain entry into a wedding is overstepping. Also, &iddy behind bars.


    Frankly, there are too many ranting brides posting their rage at loved ones who refused to follow arbitrary dress code. They ruin their own weddings for themselves by being controlling.

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  • D
    Beginner July 2025
    D H ·
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    Basically to keep the piece i have to purchase another gown. I cannot take my burnt orange gown back now. I do not look good in neutral colors in fact I think most people will look washed out, perhaps it's all so the bride stands out more and we all blend into the background. It's an end of August wedding east coast tistate area. Any neutral color suggestions ?
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  • H
    Master July 2019
    Hannah ·
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    And this is why it is rude to mandate a specific color. I am from the NJ/NY tri-state area and, at least in my circles, it is not ok to designate a specific color for a dress code. Honestly, I’d just wear the gown you already spent money on. If the couple wanted a celebration with everyone wearing the colors they wanted, they shouldn’t have invited guests aside from their bridal party.
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  • Bstanaway
    Beginner October 2025
    Bstanaway ·
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    I would say you don't have to purchase a new dress, if your dress works with the season and wedding theme. I'd say keep the dress, unless you think you'll stick out . Idk I'm requesting guests to dress semi formal, like no flip flops or cowboy boots. No shorts, dark denim. From me I didn't want it to be half hick , cause my family is hick but can dress up nicely!!
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  • D
    Beginner July 2025
    D H ·
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    I don't want my nephew or sister or mother to bear the brunt of me not playing along with this very young bride. I am also in the middle of planning my own wedding. I got engaged right before them and they are having there wedding 45 days after mine....UGH
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  • D
    Beginner July 2025
    D H ·
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    Exactly. I have a closet full of gowns that I have worn to weddings that nobody at this wedding has seen. However none of them are "neutral" colors. I'll go buy another gown for my collection, lol
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  • D
    Beginner July 2025
    D H ·
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    I would be totally on board with this concept and be honored to be invited an ethnic ceremony. This is simply a power play in my opinion. That said I'll let her have her day. Personally I'm getting g .arriwd 45 days prior and my focus is on that. I'm sure I'll have fun even if I blend into the wall, lol
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  • D
    Beginner July 2025
    D H ·
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    I sincerely hope she doesn't ruin it for herself. I am put off for sure. That said it is my nephew and I would do anything for him so I guess it begins on this day. She will stand out regardless of what others wear, and " the guests" are not in the bridal party and pictures. I don't understand it, I suppose I simply need to keep quiet and carry on!
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  • D
    Beginner July 2025
    D H ·
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    I made a decision to not put a dress code on my invitation. I elaborated on the venues, outside on grass ceremony and cocktail hour, and the inside reception dinner and dancing. Given this information I felt the people I was inviting would decide what best fit the venue and would be respectful
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  • LM
    Super December 2022
    LM ·
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    Play stupid games, get stupid answers. If you're not personally close to this bride, don't play along with this amateur hour and purchase more clothing. Wear your burnt orange dress, and teach them adult taste- level.

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  • Natasha
    Just Said Yes November 2026
    Natasha ·
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    Idk if this is relevant to OP but this is just an important perspective to consider in this conversation.
    So for most minority Americans, it is TOTALLY normal to be invited to ANY celebration with a color specific dress code. Culturally, all white, all black, or a combo colored party are just something that is a regular occurrence. So being invited to a wedding with a color specific dress code is actually not unusual. However, if you’re going to ask your guests to wear a specific color, you DEFINITELY have to provide a color palette for reference so that people can choose which shades look best on them.
    For example, comedian Kev on Stage and his wife did a vow renewal and requested their guest wear rose colors. (I added a picture for reference). This is normal. For most minority weddings, guest are there to celebrate the couple and play a role in THEIR vision (including letting the bride and groom stand out in pictures). Guests aren’t props, but are pieces to the overall aesthetic of a wedding.
    Guest dress code color request 1

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  • Ashlynn
    Savvy July 2026
    Ashlynn ·
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    I guess...... :/ I've never heard of it before.
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