Can You Wear Black to a Wedding? Experts Weigh In

When it comes to dressing for almost any occasion, typically, you can't go wrong wearing something black. The neutral shade goes with everything, and when buying wardrobe staples — dresses, trousers, blazers, etc. — black options tend to be the most timeless, working for both formal and casual settings.

Still, despite this color's versatility, it's easy to second-guess your look, especially leading up to big events. For example, can you wear black to a wedding, or should you opt for a color that's a little more cheerful? To find out more, we tapped stylists Naina Singla, Gillian McHattie, and Christina Stein.

Keep scrolling for four expert-approved tips for figuring out your wedding guest outfit.

Consider Traditions and Dress Codes

Before saying yes to the (black) dress, there are a few additional questions need answering. The first has to do with the bride and groom's cultures and whether or not traditions are being observed for their nuptials. For example, according to Singla, traditional Indian and Chinese weddings discourage attendees from wearing dark colors "because they are associated with mourning and not a celebration." The focus on the bride and groom is key here, so if, culturally speaking, black is a go, your next step is to review the invitation for any mention of a dress code.

"Depending if the dress code (chosen by the bride) is formal or casual for their wedding, knowing the dress code will help you decide what type of dress to wear for the event," Singla told InStyle. "If you are considering wearing black, make sure to check the dress code first."

Think About the Location

No sign of a dress code on the invitation? According to McHattie, the location of the wedding is also telling of whether or not black is the most appropriate hue to don on this particular occasion.

"For example, if you're attending a beach wedding, then I recommend going for brighter colors," McHattie suggested. "Not only will they complement the wedding vibe, but they'll also help you stay cool in the sun!"

Factor in the Season and Time of Day

If all checks out from here, the last two things to consider when deciding whether or not to wear black to a wedding are the following: what season the wedding is taking place in and what time of day the events are taking place.

"The general rule of thumb for seasonal attire is to wear lighter colors for a spring or summer wedding and darker colors for winter and fall weddings," Singla advised.

As for wearing black to a daytime wedding, Singla said stark black wouldn't be her first choice. 

Singla added, "I recommend trying a printed black dress or a softer shade of black (off-black vs. dark black). In the evening, you could also consider adding embellishments like ruffles, lace, rhinestones, or popular trends like fringe to make a black dress feel less mournful and more like a party dress with an element of interest."

Personalize Your LBD

If you feel that black might be too melancholy, Stein suggested opting for a black dress with "minimal cleavage" that is "mid-thigh length or longer" and adding dramatic, colorful jewelry to brighten it up.

"Adding texture like tulle or ruffles adds drama as well as individuality to the garment. Silhouette has a lot to do with how a dress can come off, too," Stein told us. "An off-the-shoulder or one-shoulder bodycon dress is not typically something you would see when someone is mourning."

The Final Takeaway

As long as it's not considered culturally inappropriate or against the dress code, you can wear black to a wedding. Depending on where the couple is exchanging vows, which season their special day is taking place in, and what time of day everything begins, black may or may not be your best color option. That being said, if black is what makes you feel your best, and no one or nothing is telling you otherwise, reach for your favorite LBD and don't look back.