Can You Wear Red to a Wedding?

Wedding guest dress codes aren’t always easy to parse out. (What exactly does “rodeo chic” or “upscale Coachella cool” even mean, anyway?) Still, no matter the level of formality of the event, there is one golden rule all guests need to follow: your attire should never upstage the couple. Event planner Denise Lillie O’Neal agrees unequivocally, sharing that “proper wedding guest etiquette has always been to avoid outshining or disrespecting a couple on their special day.” 

For a long time, this placed certain colors at the top of the “do not wear” list, with red being a hue many wedding guests were told to avoid at most celebrations. But as dress codes continue to evolve, the concept of red being a taboo shade has consequentially shifted, causing many to now ask: Can you wear red to a wedding?

Ahead, read on to find out when the color red is appropriate for wedding guest attire, and, more importantly, when you should steer clear of this hue.

Can You Wear Red to a Wedding?

Whether or not you can wear red to a wedding depends on the wedding itself and the fashion specifications dictated by the couple. Nonetheless, it is largely no longer considered a faux pas to wear red to most Western and secular nuptials. According to bridal fashion stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz, “As couples get more creative with their wedding designs, they’re also getting more creative with their dress codes.” This expansion of our understanding of what a wedding can look like has likewise expanded our choices in wedding guest attire.

“If the wedding or the couple is less traditional, or the dress code is a little more creative, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wearing red as a wedding guest,” adds Hurwitz. And while you might see rumors floating around the web that wearing red means you had a fling with the groom, ignore those. There are no hidden meanings to any colors of wedding guest attire.

When to Avoid Wearing Red to a Wedding

In certain cultures, notably South Asian and East Asian cultures, red is considered lucky and auspicious, and thus, has been traditionally incorporated into wedding day attire the same way white dominates bridalwear in Western cultures. This means that if you are attending an Indian, Chinese, or South Asian Muslim Wedding, or any other wedding where the color may have significant cultural meaning, “avoid wearing red because it could be part of the couples’ attire,” says O’Neal. At the same time, O’Neal notes that you may want to avoid shades of white, as some non-Western cultures associate the hue with death and periods of mourning.

When it comes to Western weddings, in particular, if you really want to err on the side of caution—or, as Hurwitz puts it, “avoid stares from the older guests”—it may be best to keep away from wearing red in churches, country clubs, and other more traditional settings. "Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz. “Visually, it’s quite bold. In a photo, your eye is immediately drawn to the color, especially if it’s next to neutrals like white, black, gray, or beige.”

Additional Wedding Guest Style Tips

Now that you understand the basics, for those planning to wear red to a wedding, there are a few style tips to know in order to appropriately dress for the celebration. Specifically, Hurwitz points out that “for a fall or winter wedding, look for moodier shades of red like cranberry, crimson, ruby, or wine." Rich, heavy textures, such as velvet and jacquard, will also heighten the luxury of your look—especially for a formal or black-tie wedding. 

On the other hand, for spring and summer nuptials, "consider brighter, happier shades of red like cherry, tomato, or orange-red,” Hurwitz suggests. What's more, floral and abstract patterns will bring a hint of whimsy to garden and vineyard settings, while flowy, lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and organza will feel romantic no matter the venue.

Lastly, the stylist recommends sporting subtle accessories and makeup to balance out a fully red look. “If you’re planning on wearing red to a wedding but want to be more subtle about it, consider toning down your accessories and beauty look,” she shares. “Avoid statement pieces that will draw even more attention to your outfit and keep your makeup more natural than over-the-top glam.”