After going to dozens of weddings over the last 20 years, I’ve noticed a lot of men and women wearing jackets to the ceremony.
Can you wear a white jacket to a wedding?
You can wear a formal white jacket to a wedding if the bride and groom allow it in the wedding dress code. The white jacket should be dressy, elegant, and match the tone of the ceremony. Most of the time, you want to avoid wearing a white jacket to a wedding.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about wearing a white jacket to a wedding.
This Is the Only Time You Can Wear a White Jacket to a Wedding
The only time you can wear a white jacket to a wedding is if the bride and groom say it’s ok.
Ultimately, the couple getting married decides on the acceptable dress code. Some brides don’t want any white competing with their dress. Other brides and grooms welcome any and all colors and styles to their festivities.
My sister and brother-in-law held a medieval-themed wedding, for example.
I always recommend checking the wedding dress code (probably on the invitation or wedding website), then asking the bride and groom.
That’s your safest bet.
The only other time it might be ok to wear a white jacket to a wedding is to wear it to the wedding venue, remove it for the actual ceremony, and then put it back on after the wedding.
Can You Wear a White Jacket to a Wedding? (12 Types of Jackets)
I regularly get asked about the appropriateness of wearing specific types of jackets to weddings.
So, let’s go through 12 types of white jackets you may or may not want to wear to a wedding. To make it simple, here is a chart followed by explanations for each jacket.
| Type of Jacket | Can You Wear It to a Wedding? |
|---|---|
| White Jean Jacket | No |
| White Leather Jacket | No |
| White Dinner Jacket | Yes (sometimes) |
| White Athletic Jacket | No |
| White Embroidered Jacket | No |
| White Eyelet Jacket | No |
| White Golf Jacket | No |
| White Formal Jacket | Yes (sometimes) |
| White Hooded Jacket | No |
| White and Black Jacket | Yes (sometimes) |
| White Blazer | Yes (sometimes) |
| White Coat | No |
Can You Wear a White Jean Jacket to a Wedding?
The short answer is no.
A white jean jacket is a casual piece of clothing and not appropriate for a wedding. A wedding is a formal occasion, and guests should dress accordingly.
A white jean jacket will make you look out of place and may even offend the bride and groom.
Can You Wear a White Leather Jacket to a Wedding?
Again, the answer is no.
A white leather jacket is just as casual as a denim jacket and would definitely not be a good look for most weddings. If you want to wear a leather jacket to a wedding, opt for a black or brown one instead.
Can You Wear a White Dinner Jacket to a Wedding?
This is a bit of a tricky question.
While a white dinner jacket is technically appropriate for a wedding, it is important to consider the context. If the wedding is taking place during the day, it would be best to avoid wearing a white dinner jacket as it might be too formal.
However, if the wedding is taking place in the evening, you might be able to get away with wearing one.
Can You Wear a White Athletic Jacket to a Wedding?
Wearing an athletic jacket – of any color – to almost any wedding would be considered unacceptable.
If you are planning on attending a wedding, leave your athletic gear at home and opt for something more formal instead.
I recommend a nice suit jacket or blazer.
Can You Wear a White Embroidered Jacket to a Wedding?
An embroidered jacket is one that has designs or patterns stitched into the fabric.
These designs can be large and ornate, making the jacket unsuitable for a formal wedding. In addition, white embroidered jackets tend to be made from thinner fabric, which can look wrinkled and cheap.
For these reasons, it is best to avoid wearing a white embroidered jacket to a wedding.
Can You Wear a White Eyelet Jacket to a Wedding?
No, you should not wear a white eyelet jacket to a wedding.
Eyelet is a type of fabric that has small holes punched into it, often in a decorative pattern.
This fabric is commonly used for summer clothing because it is lightweight and airy. Therefore, eyelet fabrics are not appropriate for formal occasions like weddings.
Can You Wear a White Golf Jacket to a Wedding?
While golf jackets may be comfortable, don’t wear them to weddings.
A golf jacket is a type of sportcoat that is designed to be worn on the golf course.
Golf jackets are typically made from synthetic materials that are meant to wick away moisture. They also may have vents in the back to help keep the wearer cool.
In addition, most golf jackets are brightly colored and/or patterned, which can clash with wedding attire.
Can You Wear a White Formal Jacket to a Wedding?
You can wear a white formal jacket to a wedding under certain circumstances.
For example, you can wear a white tuxedo jacket to a black tie wedding (a very formal wedding) where the dress code allows for white jackets, white outfits, and possibly white accessories.
Can You Wear a White Hooded Jacket to a Wedding?
A white hooded jacket is more casual and sporty than formal and dressy.
Even if the jacket is made of luxurious fabric, the hood pulls the overall look down. It’s best to avoid wearing a white hooded jacket to a wedding.
Can You Wear a White and Black Jacket to a Wedding?
A black and white jacket can be worn to a wedding as long as it isn’t too casual.
For example, a denim jacket with a black and white print would be too casual. However, a silk bomber jacket in black and white might be appropriate depending on the formality of the wedding.
It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid wearing a black and white jacket.
Can You Wear a White Blazer to a Wedding?
Blazers are a great option for weddings because they are dressy but not too formal.
A white blazer looks clean and crisp, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all weddings allow white blazers.
In general, it is best to avoid wearing white to a wedding unless you are specifically asked to do so by the bride or groom.
Can You Wear a White Coat to a Wedding?
A coat is more appropriate for cold weather or for wearing over another outfit.
It’s best to avoid wearing a coat to a wedding unless it’s an outdoor winter wedding. Even then, opt for a color other than white—black or navy can work nicely.
Is It Rude To Wear a White Jacket to a Wedding?
Is it really that big of a deal to wear white to a wedding?
According to traditional wedding etiquette, the answer is a resounding “yes”! Wearing white (or any color that could be mistaken for bridal white) to someone else’s wedding is seen as rude, disrespectful, and just plain tacky.
In fact, in many countries and cultures (such as the United States), wearing white to a wedding is considered one of the biggest social faux pas you can commit.
So, if you’re undecided about what to wear to your friend’s nuptials, steer clear of any white garments.
Trust us, it’s not worth risking your relationship over something as trivial as a fashion statement.
Here is a good video about wearing white to a wedding:
Can You Wear a Cream Jacket to a Wedding?
Personally, I would avoid wearing any color that looks white or whitish to a wedding.
This includes:
- Cream
- Ivory
- Old Lace
- Honeydew
- Mintcream
- Babypowder
- Seashell
- Champagne
- Vanilla
- Parchment
- Cornsilk
Therefore, you should not wear cream jackets to a wedding. However, you can wear cream or white shoes to a wedding.
Final Thoughts: Can You Wear a White Jacket to a Wedding?
It probably goes without saying but the bride and groom can wear whatever they want to their wedding.
There are zero problems with a bride wearing a white bridal jacket or a groom donning a white suit jacket. After all, they are the stars of the show.
If you’re looking for a jacket to wear to a wedding, here are some of my recommendations:
Before you go, check out some of the other articles we wrote about weddings.
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