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.

Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

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