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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wear a black dress as a wedding guest?

119 replies

ChristinaDior · 10/04/2023 20:31

Just the title really.

I have a lovely black satin midi dress with a cowl neck that I haven’t worn. It’s been sitting in my wardrobe for 3 years untouched.

A friend is getting married this October, perfect opportunity to wear it right? Or is black a no no?

OP posts:
takealettermsjones · 10/04/2023 20:32

I wouldn't. Save it for Christmas parties!

LadyLump · 10/04/2023 20:33

I think it’s absolutely fine and sounds like a lovely dress. But we had black for our wedding so you would have looked like one of my bridesmaidsGrin

BashirWithTheGoodBeard · 10/04/2023 20:33

Enough people don't like it that I wouldn't. If it were black patterned with something then yes, but not full black.

itsmylife7 · 10/04/2023 20:34

Black satin sounds great for a wedding .

I attended a wedding where a guest had black satin ,pleated ,longish dress with satin black hat.
She looked stunning and I told her so.

Original poster
ChristinaDior · 10/04/2023 20:35

LadyLump · 10/04/2023 20:33

I think it’s absolutely fine and sounds like a lovely dress. But we had black for our wedding so you would have looked like one of my bridesmaidsGrin

Love black for bridesmaids!

My friend is having emerald green for her bridesmaids so luckily wouldn’t clash.

OP posts:
BCBird · 10/04/2023 20:35

If u have a bright jacket perhaps then yes.

ODFOx · 10/04/2023 20:35

Traditionally in the uk wearing black to a wedding suggests that you mourn their previous life and disapprove of their partner, but things have changed: We even attended a wedding with all the bridesmaids in black recently.
Double check in passing that the Bride isn't taking the traditional view but you should be fine, especially if you accessorise appropriately. (Avoid black mini veil on a hat for example 😀)

MoggyP · 10/04/2023 20:35

I think it's a bit naff.

And some people really, really don't like it.

Might you have Christmas parties coming up instead? What sort of do did you envision wearing it to when bought it?

Original poster
ChristinaDior · 10/04/2023 20:38

MoggyP · 10/04/2023 20:35

I think it's a bit naff.

And some people really, really don't like it.

Might you have Christmas parties coming up instead? What sort of do did you envision wearing it to when bought it?

Naff how so?

I like to wear sparkles/glitter for any Christmas or NY event.

I bought it a few years ago from a lovely boutique because I was given a gift card for Xmas. The only piece I liked in there was the dress so bought it.

OP posts:
FormerlySpeckledyHen · 10/04/2023 20:38

Check with the bride. My son is going to a wedding next week and the 4 bridesmaids are wearing black.

pinkySilver · 10/04/2023 20:40

I'd wear it. Orange shoes or a green hat or a statement necklace. Bright lipstick, a classy bag -- there are options. But yes - wear it.

BashirWithTheGoodBeard · 10/04/2023 20:41

True it's possible the bride and groom won't care.

BlueBellsArePretty · 10/04/2023 20:42

I've worn black to several weddings, never thought to question it 🤷

MissTrip82 · 10/04/2023 20:42

It’s been years since I last went to a wedding with no guest in black so I think this is changing. Really just depends on how traditional the bride is.

drpet49 · 10/04/2023 20:43

I’ve never seen anyone wear black to a wedding

GlassBunion · 10/04/2023 20:45

I'm sure no one would mind , though maybe some older people might eye roll.

Personally, I wouldn't.
It's a joyous occasion.

MimiSunshine · 10/04/2023 20:45

One of my friends wore a black k dress to my wedding. She looked great, she mentioned two dresses she had in mind and I said definitely wear the black one.
i think it would be lovely for an October wedding, you can definitely wear more glam darker colours in autumn or winter

palelavender · 10/04/2023 20:45

No, I wouldn't. The fact that you have to ask answers your question.

DemonCopperhead · 10/04/2023 20:45

the ‘no black at a wedding’ rule is very old fashioned. Black is fabulous for all occasions

margaritawithaM · 10/04/2023 20:47

It's not traditional to wear black to a wedding, it's a funeral colour. Yes its all bullshit in the end but that's just the way it is. I agree with a PP that enough people don't like it that I wouldn't do it.

Royalbloo · 10/04/2023 20:49

Nope! No no no, unless you hate her!

JMSA · 10/04/2023 20:49

It's a yes from this black fan!

Royalbloo · 10/04/2023 20:49

drpet49 · 10/04/2023 20:43

I’ve never seen anyone wear black to a wedding

This

JMSA · 10/04/2023 20:50

Erm, that may have sounded slightly wrong ... BlushGrin

SmileyPaella · 10/04/2023 20:50

We had a Christmas wedding and one of my best mates wore black. She looked amazing!! If the bride and groom are ok with it, go for it!

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