Is It O.K. To Wear a Lace Wedding Guest Dress (and Not Offend the Bride)
Wedding etiquette dictates that it is not polite to wear white to a wedding because you never want to divert attention from the bride. But what about wearing lace? Most brides have at least some lace on their dress if not a lot. Can you wear a lace wedding guest dress and not look like you’re trying to steal the bride’s spotlight?
The answer is yes! It’s perfectly fine, and quite a popular thing, to wear a lace dress to a wedding if you follow these guidelines:
1. Wear Colored Lace
A white or ivory lace dress is a definite no-no, and cream lace is very iffy, depending on whether the bride is wearing cream. The best lace dresses to wear to a wedding are those in a distinctly non-bridal color.
In the fall, opt for a dress like this beautiful plum lace number with a charming halter neckline. The color is deep, rich, and romantic and cannot be confused with a wedding dress. I’ve paired it with black accessories for a beautiful fall look.
In the spring and summer, look for lace wedding guest dresses in pink, yellow, soft blue, mint green, or taupe.
2. Choose a Clean Silhouette
If you have any concerns about looking too bridal, then stick to a lace wedding guest dress with a clean-lined silhouette. This classic blue lace wedding guest dress has clean, modern lines with a sweetheart neckline. There are no tiers, ruffles, flounce, or sparkly crystal embellishments that you often see on wedding dresses.
3. Keep it Short
A lace dress that ends just above or just below the knee is perfect to wear to a wedding. A lace midi wedding guest dress can also be a suitable option. However, a long, formal lace dress, especially in a light color, starts to wander into bridal, mother-of-the-bride/groom, or even bridesmaid territory. To be safe, you are best to stay clear of long lace wedding guest dresses.
4. What about Ruffles?
If you want a lace dress with a little something extra, a soft ruffle at the hem or neckline is a nice touch. Just don’t overdo it.
5. Can You Wear Black Lace to a Wedding?
One of my readers asked if she could wear a vintage short black lace wedding guest dress to a wedding. It had been her mom’s. The answer is yes, a black lace wedding guest dress is acceptable for a more formal evening wedding after 6 p.m., but be sure to choose something that is neither too somber nor too racy-looking. A sophisticated black lace dress paired with jewelry or a pop of color makes it look even more festive.
If you want to wear a dark shade and feel that black is too draining, try a navy lace wedding guest dress instead. Dark plum or wine is also lovely. These dark shades are just as slimming as black but a little more lively and won’t wash you out.
Read my Mother of the Bride Ebook for more Wedding Outfit Ideas
Do you have a wedding coming up? What are you planning to wear? If you need a little help deciding on which mother-of-the-bride dresses (or mother-of-the-groom dresses) might be best for you, be sure to check out my bestselling book Tweak Your Chic – Mother of the Bride. It will tell you everything you need to know on one of the most important and cherished days of your life.
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Deborah, I am attending a wedding at a Villa in Montepulciano, Italy September 3, 2023…i like the plum lace halter dress you’ve pictured under vineyard weddings, where can I find this dress? Thanks so much, Deb
Hi Deborah, Unfortunately, that dress sold out last fall but what do you think of this? https://rstyle.me/+Om3fwrD2ogDFjFUITEqiVg or this if you are looking for something inexpensive:https://amzn.to/3T8o5F4
I have a darker blue lace dress that I want to wear to a summer vineyard wedding. It is sleeveless, and I need my arms covered. What could I wear with the dress?
Hi Nancy, I wear a sheer wrap over my shoulders or a light jacket. Here are a few examples! :https://amzn.to/39pnDjh OR https://amzn.to/3NOvOEE,https://amzn.to/3zA6D4y Would those work?
Where are the blue and red dresses from?
Hi Angelika,
Just click the tiny photo links under shop the post to take you to the store and buy. If you are still having problems, please let me know.
I love the first plum dress. That would be perfect for me. x
What should the grandmother of the groom wear to a couples shower that will be outdoors?
Hi Joy, How about a pretty floral blouse/top and a pair of nice white pants? That is casual, summery, and fits the mood.
Love your thoughts and guidelines! Will subscribe!