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Black dress to an autumn wedding

55 replies

missanony · 17/10/2019 00:00

Is this a no no?

There is nothing in the shops that isn’t casual or Christmas party glitter...

OP posts:
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RonaldMcDonald · 17/10/2019 01:47

If it is an evening dress do and in the US then just about yes
Really no

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Blondie1984 · 17/10/2019 01:52

I guess it deoends on how traditional the couple getting married are...if it's going to be a church style thing and you know they are traditionalists then I would say no but if it's something a bit more modern (eg barn conversion etc) then I would say yes BUT only if coupled with lots of really bright accessories- shoes, handbag, pashmina etc

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Joe2019 · 17/10/2019 01:58

I think it is more acceptable if you are a lady of mature years, or French, where black is fine for a wedding. Otherwise probably not.

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DonKeyshot · 17/10/2019 03:14

Black is for mourning and not at all suitable for a wedding.

If you can't find anything in the shops, look on line or let others here search for you.

What style are you looking for, do you have a colour preference, what size and height are you, and what's your budget?

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FluffyAlpaca19 · 17/10/2019 03:42

My friend objected to her brother's wedding & choice of bride so wore black to the event. Not a wise choice, there are plenty of occasion dresses out atm. It's the best time of the year for party dresses, what's your budget?

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isabellerossignol · 17/10/2019 04:18

I have never heard of black being unsuitable for a wedding. I've worn black dresses to weddings loads of times and seen plenty of other guests do the same. I've even been to a wedding (traditional church wedding) where the bridesmaids dresses were black.

It sounds fine to me.

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DarkMutterings · 17/10/2019 04:57

Depends on the dress and the couple/families...
Full length black dress at a British church wedding, then no. But a midi full skirted black dress with splash of colour in the pattern or in a jacket, I'd say yes.
Black shift dress at a non traditional city wedding, you and half the guests.
Short black mini and knee high boots in a countryside church with cat bum faced mother - go on, just for the scandal!

I think it's obligatory in these threads to show us a picture of the dress?!

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banivani · 17/10/2019 07:37

In 1995 I was an au-pair in France. The woman I worked for had a few years previously been invited to a wedding in England. She had a lovely black dress and packed that. Once there she was told that black was a terrible faux-pas at UK weddings, so she rushed out and panic-bought a different dress. Turned up at the wedding, several (British) guests were wearing black dresses. These "rules" are clearly not as commonplace as people think.

Otherwise I think darkmutterings has it. I think it all depends a lot on "do I look like I'm in mourning".

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FriedasCarLoad · 17/10/2019 07:39

I’d avoid it in the UK.

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stucknoue · 17/10/2019 07:50

No! It's for funerals. Navy is ok

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RaininSummer · 17/10/2019 07:52

Black with a flash of colour fine. Jacket, pashmina, bright boots?

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AuntieStella · 17/10/2019 07:53

It's naff at any time of year, but if you really cannot afford to have an outfit in colour then you'll have to use bright accessories and not think about it too much.

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babysnowman · 17/10/2019 07:55

I think it can be fine and I recently wore a black midi dress to a wedding. I think it depends on the style and accessories, mine had kimono type sleeves and I wore blush accessories/ shoes and curled the ends of my hair to soften the look. Only thing to possibly consider is the venue, the one I went to was was in a city bar so it felt appropriate for that.

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Divebar · 17/10/2019 08:55

I don’t know why anyone cares... who lives their lives by these ridiculous rules? Unless you’re off to a Royal wedding I think the only no-no for guests really should be no full length white gowns quite frankly. ( not that white dresses are compulsory either for brides. I wore black as part of my outfit). So I would have a think about the setting firstly. Country versus city. Church versus other setting. Think about whether a coat could be used to cover the dress for the ceremony if you’re concerned about black during the ceremony. Does it have to be a dress? Could it be separates ? A midi skirt as a starting point for example. Finally, does it have to be new? Loads of occasion outfits get sold on hardly worn so eBay / a dress agency or vintage shop could turn up something far more interesting than the usual high street fare.

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Idontneeditatall · 17/10/2019 09:56

I never understand why people say black is for funerals. Yes sure it often is but seriously? Next time you’re out and about count how many women are wearing black on the street, in an office, on a night out, in the gym. People wear black all the time it’s not just a colour for mourning!

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Divebar · 17/10/2019 10:21

I think probably in generations gone by black for funerals was strictly adhered to but now doesn’t seem to be the case. I can also understand why you might not want all your wedding guests wearing black but it’s hardly likely to be the case. You’re essentially talking about a couple of people amidst a see of probable floral / coloured dresses. ( of the sort I don’t really wear).

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Ravenrob · 17/10/2019 10:26

I recently wore a black midi dress to a wedding. I think it's fine...

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GrumpyHoonMain · 17/10/2019 10:30

Black is for evening attire / receptions. You need colour for daywear

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PazRaz10 · 17/10/2019 10:31

I don't see a problem with wearing black at all to a wedding. I personally would add coloured shoes with coordinating handbag and accessories.

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HarryDaylight · 17/10/2019 10:38

I'm wearing a black silk velvet shift dress to a wedding in a 5 star hotel next month. I am going to look fabulous.

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paap1975 · 17/10/2019 10:39

Nope, black is not for weddings

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sillysmiles · 17/10/2019 10:43

Yes it's fine with a bit of colour in the shoes and accessories.

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HarryDaylight · 17/10/2019 10:51

The Duchess of Sussex wore black Valentino to a wedding recently.

The days of wearing black being a sign that one disapproved of the wedding are long gone.

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nakedavengeragain · 17/10/2019 11:00

I recently wore a very very dark navy designer lace dress (so almost black) to an Autumn wedding in a Scottish castle. Nude pink jacket, shoes, bag.

A darn sight more glam and appropriate than the sea of pastel and floral Coast monstrosities on show.

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onanothertrain · 17/10/2019 11:00

Black is fine to wear to a wedding, I have. I also had black bridesmaids dresses

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