Can You Wear Red to a Wedding?

If you’re trying to pick out an outfit to wear to a wedding, you might know that it can be a challenge to find the right thing. Not only do you have to figure out any tricky dress codes or the requirements of a far-flung location, you also have to consider the many bridal etiquette rules. Some things like skipping jeans and mini dresses might be a given, but what about others where the lines are more blurry. For example, can you wear red to a wedding?

To find out how fashion insiders weigh in, we went straight to the source to find out their options. We were interested to find out that they all said red is fine in their books. Take it from them and try out a red dress for the next wedding you’re attending. And when it comes down to it, there’s only one hard and fast rule you should follow: Don’t wear white. Unless of course the bride asks you to show up in it.

Go on to see how fashion insiders are weighing in about wearing red to a wedding.

RACHEL WANG

"As long as you don’t wear white, (or off-white, cream, white sequins, white iridescent, et al.), you’re good.”

SIMONE KUHFAL

"I feel it’s acceptable for guests to wear red to a wedding if it takes place later in the evening and if the outfit has a sleek silhouette—nothing too in-your-face!”

LINDSEY MEIOJAS

"Recently [when I was] tying the knot, I was asked whether I would care if one of my guests wore red to my wedding. My wedding was intimate with all our closest friends, plus in South America where color is vibrant, so I wouldn’t mind. I want everyone to look and feel their best (hello, Instagram!). Everyone knows you’re the bride, but then again, I had all my friends wear white…”

ANNA LAPLACA

"I say red is totally fine to wear to a wedding! The only sartorial wedding guest rules I follow are never wearing, under any circumstances, any amount of white (the obvious choice) and no head-to-toe black (keep things lighthearted, please!).”

Go on to shop for our favorite red dresses for the wedding guest.

Next, find out what to wear for every fashion dress code.

This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated.