If there’s something millennials don’t know, it’s the dos and don’ts of wedding etiquette and rules. Young people are much less aware of the unspoken rules or nuances about attending celebratory nuptial events than their parents. For years, wearing red to a wedding has been disputed; people believe it sends a silent, scandalous message. So, does wearing red to a wedding mean you slept with groom?

Does wearing red to a wedding mean you slept with groom? Picture: iStock

Picking proper wedding guest attire is a challenging task. But the golden rule is: your clothing shouldn’t outshine the couple. Therefore you need to be cautious when choosing the dress colour, style, and more to avoid disrespecting the bride and groom on their best day.

What is the old wives’ tale about wearing red to a wedding?

What does red symbolize in a wedding? There’s an old wives’ tale that wearing red to a wedding means you’ve slept with the groom or at least wanted to. It’s a wedding myth that shouldn’t prevent you from wearing whatever you want.

However, people perceive the red colour as naughty or alluring. So wearing it to a wedding means you lust for the groom and are trying to seduce him.

PHOTO: NADTOCHIY / GETTY IMAGES

Should a woman wear red to a wedding?

While there are beliefs that wearing red to a wedding means that you slept with the groom, that’s not the case. Plus, there are no hidden meanings or symbolism to any colours of guest clothing. Fashion designers advise guests not to wear red to a wedding as it can divert attention from the couple. Why? It’s because red is quite vibrant/ bold colour and can be alluring, celebratory, and fun. In a picture, red will naturally attract your eyes, especially if it’s next to neutrals such as beige, black, white, or grey.

When to wear red to a wedding?

A lady in red holding bridesmaid flowers. Photo: Daniel Sheehan Photographers Source: Getty Images

You can attend a wedding in red if the marrying couple isn’t so traditional or has a more creative dress code. You can also wear red if the wedding invitation specifies it, or if it is a European wedding not hosted in a traditional religious institution, feel free to rock red to the event.

But if you’re unsure what to wear you should ask the bride. She’ll guide you appropriately and save you from making a statement on her special day.

Best shades of red for a warm-weather wedding!

Do you want to wear red to a summer wedding? Well, several unique shades of red will make you look outstanding. Pick the happier and brighter shades of red such as orange-red, tomato, and cherry, for that summer wedding.

If the wedding venue is a garden or vineyard, you can rock abstract or floral patterns to bring out the whimsy hint. Lightweight and flowy fabrics like organza and chiffon will feel romantic regardless of the venue.

It could be a good idea to return your red wedding guest frock. Source: Getty Images/iStockphoto

When not to wear red to a wedding?

In some cultures, particularly in South and East Asian cultures, the red colour is considered auspicious. Therefore they have incorporated it into their wedding attire, as white is the staple in Western cultures.

If you get an invitation to any wedding, you should avoid colours with deep cultural symbolism or meaning. The particular colour could be part of the marrying couple’s attire.

Can you wear black to a wedding?

Beautiful young Caucasian woman in elegant black dress walking up the stone stairs. Photo: Urbazon Source: Getty Images

Generally, wearing black to a wedding is acceptable because the hue is versatile. But don’t wear white unless it is communicated otherwise since the shade is traditionally for the bride.

What is the color that means you slept with the bride?

There are no myths about the colours that a male guest wears to a wedding concerning the bride. But there are obvious things that you should be keen about. For men, a suit is usually a foolproof option for a wedding.

Typically grooms tend to wear a black suit or a tuxedo, so it’s best not to rock these super formal styles to let the groom stand out. Instead, wear a classic dark navy suit – it’ll always look appropriate and elegant.

Dressing for a wedding requires more extensive thought regarding style and colour selection. That’s why most people invited to weddings ask, “Does wearing red to a wedding mean you slept with groom?” There are certain things you can’t rock to a wedding – the bridal white being the obvious one. But when it comes to red, the answer varies depending on different cultural beliefs.

Source: TUKO.co.ke