Wedding Dress Code - Only Black Allowed

[YorkshirePuddingsGreatestFan]

I'm going to a wedding but the bride has specified that all guests must wear black only and no colours. Not even coloured shoes or accessories. Herself and the groom will both be wearing white.

She's seen a video online which I've looked at with a black dress code. However that wedding is outdoors in sunny weather. The women are all wearing clothes that show plenty of skin - bare arms, bare legs, low necklines in lightweight fabrics. The various shades of skin breaks the black clothing up and it looks ok.

This wedding is in the winter in a very cold location, so I'll need to be wearing heavier fabric with long sleeves, high neckline and thick tights on. I would imagine the other women will be covering up to keep warm. I don't think it'll work as there will be no skin to break the black colour up. I think we'll all just look like one big black lump with several heads on the group photos!

I also don't suit black at all. I'm very pale skinned and it makes me look washed out and unwell. My mother has pale skin and is also concerned about this.

Just wondering if anyone has been to a wedding with such a strict dress code and how did it turn out?

@doilooklikeicare

och, it’ll be fine! My DH and I had a falling out over something to with our wedding and in the end no one cared. It was a great day. 9 years later we’re doing ok!

37 years for us.... let me know if you ever get that far...

I am guessing they will be having black and white photos from the photographer

Otherwise, like others have said slightly different shades of black will be worn

😁😁😁 just a bit of trivia in films they use very very dark blue that then shows up as black on the screen 😁😁😁

Could you get away with a black dress, with blue trimming? Something that shows you largely followed the dress code, but doesn’t make you look ill? Like this?

you could also add colour with extra makeup and your choice of tights (something sheer, or sparkly).

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/colour-block-v-neck-midi-dress-navy-and-bright-blue/sty-d0839-nav?code=A8G1&tc_ch=ps&tc_ve=goog&tc_so=pla&tc_me=cr&tc_ca=drop-offer&tc_au=pla-2228560810943&tc_cr=na&tc_campid=UK+-+Shopping+-+WW+-+Brand+Queries&tc_adgroupid=Catch+All&tc_kwid=PRODUCT_GROUP&tc_matchid=&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkOP3oZCQhAMVL5BQBh3SLAP6EAQYAiABEgLL0_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Do you really have to wear thick tights and long sleeves? Wont the wedding venue be heated?

how about a black lace dress with a nude underlay to break it up a bit? So youre not just a solid mass of black? https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/3947094041-gorgeous-self-portrait-dress

I suit black and would have a dress I could wear. DH only black suit is a dinner suit which he hates wearing, but I think cold weather weddings are harder to look smart for. I have a smart coat but it's dark brown velvet, otherwise it would be a black parka jacket which would look a bit shit.

Fuckin hate dress codes for weddings. am sorry making your guests spend more money then necessary on anything extra is ridiculous. Everyon should wear what they want. had a wedding recently that was black tie husband has 5 suits in wardrobe but not black so had to rent a suit and buy shoes. cost over 200e. believe me would have loved not to go. I haven't a clue why this bride has picked black not everyone looks good in black. plus will look more like a funeral than a weeding. if you must go, I would rent a dress or buy second hand. I would then get the jazziest jewellery in the emerald green and blue you said suits you for it as well as ensure your make up has them colours too. a jeweled hairband or clip on the hair to finish it off

This exactly.

I'd decline the invite. Anyone who invites me to a function invites me, not my clothes.

I am really surprised that so many people are making a big deal of this.

So what if the dress code is not to your taste? Again the day should be about the two people who are getting married, not about you.

If the bride is a friend the priority should be to do something that would make her happy on her big day, not to worry about your appearance that much...

There are many black dresses and suits in charity shops or you can rent an outfit for the day so it does not even have to cost a lot.

Where is the hardship in wearing something a bit out of your comfort zone for a few hours? I could understand the outrage if she had asked everyone to turn up wearing bunny outfits or dressed like strippers...but black clothes? hardly a challenge.

Sort pandering to a bridezilla is not my idea of friendship!

As a true friend, I'd say you are absolutely out of order, get a fucking grip!

Just say you’re unable to attend.
It sounds as if she’s watched on of the insta weddings mentioned above..

@Startingagainandagain I think because a dress code like this is all about the photographs not the wedding/marriage. The bride is more interested in how it looks than actually about the guests. Very shallow

Who doesn't buy a new dress for a wedding!

Loads of people. Particularly when you are at that stage of going to quite a few weddings.

If someone wants me to share their wedding day, surely it is normal for them to want me as I am, and not as a prop for some photograph. They might as well just hire people who will dress to order.

Fortunately, I don't know anyone bonkers enough to try to dictate what guests wear to their wedding.

are you allowed to accessorise with jewellery. That might break the black up. Strings of pearls or silver necklace.

@Startingagainandagain I agree. Making a fuss about what someone has asked you to do for their wedding screams self important IMO.

you want me to wear a specific colour? Not a problem, the day is not about me.

it’s not like they are asking you to change religion or make a ritual sacrifice is it 😂

It's not really a huge deal is it? Yeah the bride is being weird but being asked to wear black is hardly a big hardship. It's the epitome of "weird flex but ok"

So many funerals ask for bright colours now as well! Seems a complete change .Still her choice I guess. Strange

It's just so cringy. I couldn't take seriously anyone who wanted something so toe-curlingly embarrassing for their wedding so I just wouldn't go. Wouldn't make a big deal of it but I wouldn't pander to the ridiculousness.

But why do they want you to wear a certain colour.. ....

Hahahaa she's making herself look batshit. And it will look like everyone is coming to a funeral.

Self-important because they want to choose clothes they like and feel comfortable in, and not spend a small fortune on a new outfit for every wedding? Where do the demands stop? If the bride and groom said all the women must wear heels and a full face of make-up, or all the men must grow beards, would that be OK?

There's not much that would keep me away from a wedding so I do admit my judgement may be clouded 😅

I'd find I had a prior commitment that day. So sorry, regrets, have a fabulous time etc etc

Me too usually. I love a wedding, far from the usual MN concept of them being a dreadful pain.

But I can't see myself enjoying a wedding that made me embarrassed to be part of. First hand embarrassment for myself that I had pandered to the ridiculousness and second hand embarrassment for the couple that ehey didn't realise how ridiculous they were being.