by Andy Ninja Is Wicked Back To Work on June 15th, 2004
Though the question did not state it, I assume the answer was meant to apply to wedding guests. I'll cover everybody just in case.
If the bride wants to wear black she most certainly can. She will raise a lot of eyebrows, but the choices for wedding attire for the bride and groom are up to the couple themselves.
Same goes for the bridesmaids as long as the bride agrees that the color choice is appropriate.
For guests, it is still considered inappropriate to wear black to a wedding unless it is in the evening. At least that is the most popular rule of thumb anyway. The answer given by anguilla is correct also. The traditions associated with weddings are changing with the times and in 2004 I have no doubt that a guest could get away with wearing a black dress without a lot of raised eyebrows.
by Astaroth on June 9th, 2004
According to popular tradition black color would bring bad luck to the newly weds. So it is not inappropriate in the strict sense of the word, but a superstitious thing.
White is the usual color because, it represents a "pure" bride, at least in the times that women used to get married being virgins.
by Merfish on December 1st, 2008
I went to four different weddings over this past summer. I was very surprised that at each of the weddings black was the most worn color by female guests.
by KayJ on December 1st, 2008
My mother in law wore a black dress to her oldest sons wedding....his wife didn't appreciate it!
by Just Plain Barb on November 27th, 2008
If there is a formal evening reception after the wedding - I can't see why it would be inappropriate. But, you know today anything goes. I also see black bridesmaids' dresses. I think the rules of yore are relaxed a bit now.
by Looshk on November 27th, 2008
I did :) lolz black is a formal colour, its slimming and it looks dressy.
I think you can wear black to a wedding and in regards to the superstition, the bride was my cousin and she and her husband are doing fantastic. :)
by FiveCATs on May 25th, 2008
I've always heard that the rule of thumb is to wear anything but white...only the bride should wear white. And black is usually worn to funerals...so any other color is okay for a wedding.
Blue, Green, floral...etc.
by jammnwright on January 16th, 2007
I wore a black dress to a wedding and a red dress to a funeral. I just dont think you should wear white to a wedding if your not the bride.
by BLynn4487 on June 11th, 2006
It's not appropriate to wear to the ceremony, but if you wanted to change into a black dress for the reception, that's fine.
by kaliganges on June 6th, 2004
Yes - the only two colours which have traditionally been "forbidden" for guests to wear are white (theoretically the colour of the bride's gown) and red (because it implied, once upon a time, the wearer was a harlot).
by anguilla on June 5th, 2004
Traditionally, no.
But in 2004, yes...as long as it doesn't look business-like.
by Ganja Girl on August 14th, 2009
it is only inappropriate to wear the colors of the wedding party, or the bride.
by notabridesmaid on August 14th, 2009
by notabridesmaid on September 22nd, 2009
I think it depends on the wedding and the crowd. Some folks are super traditional and would say that is innapropriate and some would argue that times have changed. What you really should consider is if you wear a black dress are you going to sit there all night wondering what everyone thinks of your black dress? Save your self the headache and where something else.
http://weddingstraighttalk.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/little-black-dress-a-little-innapropriate/
by anothergrl on August 14th, 2009
I have. It was a skimpy little black dress.... it was nice.
by Anonymous on August 14th, 2009
no, because more than likely it makes you look better than the bride ;) +3
by Redhawk on January 21st, 2007
If it is a traditional American Wedding, you would only consider wearing a black dress if it is an evening event. Anytime after 1830 in the evening would be appropriate, as that would also be the cocktail hour. Ideally, your dress would be somewhat slinky, but in good taste, the perfect little black dress would likely work well, or something to the ankles, if you are older. Black shoes, and black hose, or dark ultra sheer hose and a black, silver or gold clutch would complete your look. Gold, silver or the classic pearls would be the topper.
The one social gaff you do NOT wish to make is to outshine the bride, not by accident or by design.
by Anonymous on December 14th, 2007
Very good idea with black wedding dresses. If the groom puts on black also the bride it is possible. The only thing - is very complex to pick up accessories. The veil should be sewed to order. And white is by the way color of death. Recollect a shroud and white funeral slippers (I ask a pardon for mistakes - I use the translator)
by Anonymous on January 21st, 2007
I'm on the event staff at the restaurant where I work, and we host a good many rehearsals, weddings, and wedding receptions. In my experience, it's fairly common for wedding guests to wear black (men AND women). If you're self concious about it, try to liven it up a bit with colorful accessories or shoes.
by Anonymous on January 21st, 2007
No, its considered bad luck for the bride and groom.
Old wives tale #32.
by nevets - badgicide on January 16th, 2007
It is not appropriate to wear a black dress to a traditional wedding.
If it is not a traditional wedding though, black might be ok.
by Loobyk11 on January 21st, 2007
i work in a wedding shop and we actually sell a black wedding dress. I think it depends on what theme yo are looking for. The designer is called Essense:
http://www.essensedesigns.com/files/onepiececatalogue-pg6.html
(click on the red dress on that page, its the same dress, it just comes in black.
by liamgideon on June 11th, 2009
If you do wear a black dress at your wedding these guys will give you a discount on your photography:
http://blackdresswedding.com
So in that aspect it could be a good idea...
by vera city on June 11th, 2009
black is an appropriate color at a wedding if it's held in the evening
by notabridesmaid on August 14th, 2009
by MITCHELL on August 14th, 2009
Don` t do that!!!
by spursbird on July 26th, 2009
well im a bride who will be wearing a black wedding dress very soon
by KRANKY on June 11th, 2009
Totally cool for a Gothic wedding
by dead leaves raked in a pile on June 11th, 2009
It's more appropriate than not wearing the dress to the wedding
by Tantric on January 16th, 2007
Yes, A Black dress is cool to wear to a wedding.
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Comments
Mostly appropriate, but does not deal with all cultures or countries.
by thintaonga on March 31st, 2006