# OK to wear black to a wedding? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 4, 2004, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-to-wear-black-to-a-wedding/267550 "2004-10-04T22:31:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2004, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-to-wear-black-to-a-wedding/267550/21 "2004-10-05T15:59:25Z")
Just caught coverage of Billy Joel and his child-bride…his daughter was maid of honor and wore a black strapless gown. That was OK, but it was the bouquet of black roses she carried that really threw me. They looked very vaguely creepy. ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2004, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-to-wear-black-to-a-wedding/267550/22 "2004-10-05T16:39:03Z")
**gigi** , maybe it was a silent protest? 😉 Black roses at a wedding? That’s creepy as hell. And **scuba\_ben** , the OP didn’t mention the wedding was black tie. Not all weddings are. And if it was black tie, then black clothing would be appropriate. I’d also more likely be an evening wedding, where black would be appropriate anyway. I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks black to a daytime wedding is inappropriate. I was starting to feel like quite the stickler! :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Stainz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecd19e/32.png) [@Stainz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stainz)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2004, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-to-wear-black-to-a-wedding/267550/23 "2004-10-05T16:59:44Z")
Nope, it’s not black tie - just an afternoon Catholic church wedding with an evening reception. My b/f is wearing a black suit with a french cuff shirt and a maroon tie. I DO have another top I can wear, but this one is very flattering, plus it’s fun to wear something new. I just don’t want to insult or offend the bride & groom. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![tesseract](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bb73d2/32.png) [@tesseract](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tesseract)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2004, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-to-wear-black-to-a-wedding/267550/24 "2004-10-05T17:40:15Z")
Another vote for of course it’s OK. I’ve been a bridesmaid in a black dress. I’ve worn black to weddings. It’s a flattering color. No mourning, no competing to be cuter, and you’re fine. ---
**Author:** ![gfloyd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d2c977/32.png) [@gfloyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gfloyd)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2004, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-to-wear-black-to-a-wedding/267550/25 "2004-10-05T18:06:41Z")
If you are worried about offending the bride or groom, perhaps you could call them before hand and ask. ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2004, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-to-wear-black-to-a-wedding/267550/26 "2004-10-05T20:37:24Z")
> [@Stainz](#): > > Nope, it’s not black tie - just an afternoon Catholic church wedding with an evening reception. I think the fact that it’s an evening reception should give you a little leeway. for some reason, black just seems to be more appropriate for evening affairs. I’ll also second **gfloyd** ’s suggestion about asking the bride if you’re really that concerned. (I wouldn’t worry too much about the groom, I doubt he’d be offended at your choice of color). ---
**Author:** ![Stainz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecd19e/32.png) [@Stainz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stainz)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2004, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-to-wear-black-to-a-wedding/267550/27 "2004-10-05T20:46:20Z")
The groom is a lifelong friend of my boyfriend’s - I don’t actually know him or the bride that well. But from what I’ve seen they’re very fun, easygoing people, so I’m sure all will work out. Now if I could only find some cute, COMFORTABLE black pumps to wear. Grrrrr. Thanks all!!! S. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-to-wear-black-to-a-wedding/267550.md?page=1)