It’s the one rule that all wedding guests are told to always follow: Never wear white to a wedding. From casual to black tie, everything from jewel tones to colorful prints can be an acceptable wedding guest dress option, but not white.
But what if the invitation says otherwise? Some modern weddings feature a monochrome dress code for guests, where wearing white might be on the menu. Or, if the bride is wearing a non-traditional, non-white wedding dress, she might want the guests to wear white instead.
But even if the wedding dress code invites you to wear white, there’s still a certain balance you need to strike. You don’t want to look like you showed up to somebody else’s wedding in a wedding dress! Also, here’s an important note: “White tie” does not mean wearing white to the wedding. White tie is a formal dress code that’s even more formal than black tie.
So, if– and only if– the happy couple wants you to wear white to their wedding, here are the dos and don’ts for wearing a white wedding guest dress without looking too bridal.
Do wear shorter hemlines: A white full-length gown almost always looks bridal. Unless it’s a formal wedding, choose a midi– or even a mini–length hemline to avoid the bridal appearance. A little white dress is definitely better than a long white dress for white wedding guest attire.
Don’t wear tulle: Tulle is a classic bridal fabric that will instantly make a dress look bridal. Instead of tulle, look for fun embellishments.
Do pick prints: Adding a little color to your white wedding attire can still make it look less bridal while still meeting the unique dress code expectations of an all-white wedding. Florals look great for spring and summer weddings!
Don’t wear too much lace, either: You guessed it–lace is another bridal fabric. Even lace embellishments can make a dress look too bridal. However, if the bride’s dress doesn’t feature white lace, it can be a fine addition to your white wedding guest dress.
Do play with texture: Interesting fabric textures and details like embroidery or jacquard can make a white wedding guest dress look less like a bridal gown. Swiss dot fabric is perfect for this look!
Ready to pick out your white wedding attire? Here are our top picks for this unique, glamorous dress code.
A colorful garden of flowers adds a whimsical touch to this white wedding guest dress.
The flapper-inspired fringe on this dress is perfectly party-ready.
Playful polka dot print is a great way to honor the white dress code while not looking too bridal.
This dress’s dramatic neckline, back cutout, and thigh-high slit make it look sleek and sexy, but not too bridal.
Elegant ruching and a charming Swiss dot overskirt make this dress perfect for semiformal or cocktail white wedding attire.
Crisp blue accents give this dress a Mediterranean vibe; perfect for a beach wedding where the guests wear white!
Have you been invited to an all-white wedding? Tell us about it and share your white wedding attire on Instagram and Tiktok @Lulus using #LoveLulus. If you want more white wedding inspo, check out our White Wedding Guest Shop!
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