Dress codes at weddings are notoriously traditional, especially when it comes to wearing cream-colored outfits.
Can you wear cream to a wedding?
No, you should not wear cream to a wedding. It is usually considered disrespectful to the bride to wear outfits that are fully or mostly cream, white, or ivory. Most brides do not want to be upstaged by a cream dress, suit, or jumpsuit. It is ok to wear cream accessories, such as shoes or purses.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about wearing cream to a wedding.
Wearing Cream to a Wedding: 3 Rules Explained
When it comes to wearing cream at weddings, there are a few hard and fast rules that everyone should follow.
Those rules are:
- Don’t wear white to a wedding
- Never upstage the bride
- When in doubt, always ask
Let’s explore each rule so that you understand all of the nuances.
Rule #1: Don’t Wear White To a Wedding
One of the most important rules is that you should never wear white.
While cream is not exactly white (it could be more yellow), it still usually falls into the broad continuum of “white” clothing when it comes to weddings.
This rule exists for a few reasons.
First of all, white is traditionally the color of purity and innocence, and therefore it is reserved for brides. Wearing white to a wedding sends the message that you think you are more “pure and innocent” than the bride, which is obviously not the message you want to send.
Therefore, don’t wear cream-colored outfits to a wedding.
Rule #2: Never Upstage the Bride
Wearing cream can be seen as trying to steal the bride’s thunder. After all, she is the one who is supposed to be shining on her big day.
This means avoiding any clothes or accessories that are too flashy or attention-grabbing.
Remember, she should be the one who looks like the star of the show. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to dress in boring clothes or blend into the background.
Just make sure that whatever you wear complements the bride’s dress and doesn’t take away from her overall look.
Rule #3: When In Doubt, Always Ask
If you’re ever unsure about what to wear to a wedding, always err on the side of caution and ask the bride or groom beforehand.
It’s better to be safe than sorry.
And they would much rather you ask ahead of time than show up in something that they deem inappropriate. Trust me, they will appreciate your effort to make sure their special day goes off without a hitch.
This Is When You Can Wear Cream to a Wedding
There are a few times when you can wear cream to a wedding.
Here is a short list of those times:
- If the bride gives you the green light
- If cream is in the wedding color palette
- If you are the bride or groom
If the bride and groom have said it’s ok, or if cream is one of the color schemes for the wedding, then you’re good to go.
For example, my wedding colors were coral and mint green. Therefore, anyone attending the wedding was free to choose a coral or mint green outfit or accessory.
This Is When You Should Not Wear Cream to a Wedding
Likewise, there are times when you should definitely not wear cream to a wedding.
Those times include:
- If you’re not sure it is ok
- If the bride asks you to avoid cream-colored outfits
- If the wedding is outside or somewhere messy (like a muddy barn)
Most of the time, I recommend that you avoid wearing cream to weddings.
Is It Rude to Wear Cream to a Wedding?
While you may think that you’re being fashion-forward or elegant, wearing an all-white outfit (of any shade) to a wedding is actually considered rude.
The bride is the only one who should be wearing white, as it’s her special day.
I experienced this firsthand when I attended a wedding where one of the guests showed up in a beautiful cream dress. The bride was not happy, and I could understand why.
She was the center of attention and the only one in white, and the guest’s outfit took away from that.
If you’re considering wearing cream (or any shade that could be mistaken for white) to a wedding, think twice. Unless there is a custom dress code, it’s best to stick with traditional colors like black or navy.
Can You Wear Cream to an Outdoor Wedding?
if you’re attending an outdoor wedding, you might want to think twice before wearing cream.
While a cream dress might look beautiful in photos, it can quickly become stained or dirty if you’re not careful. And let’s be honest, no one wants to spend their entire day worrying about spoiling their outfit.
If you really want to wear cream to an outdoor wedding, consider pairing it with a jacket or wrap.
That way, you can take it off if it gets too hot or dirty. Or, opt for a cream jumpsuit or suit – they’re just as chic and far more practical.
Can You Wear Cream to a Wedding as a Guest?
Usually, no.
You want to follow the three important wedding etiquette rules we laid out earlier. Just because you are one of many guests, it’s still considered poor taste to wear a completely cream outfit.
This is true for men, women, and children.
If the dress code is black tie, then you might show up in a floor-length gown. And lastly, if the invitation says “casual,” that doesn’t give you free rein to show up in whatever you’d like.
There are still certain boundaries you should adhere to.
As a guest, you always want to show respect to the bride and groom by making sure your attire is appropriate for their big day.
Who Can Wear Cream to a Wedding?
At a wedding, there are specific people who can wear cream.
Those people are:
- The bride
- The groom
- The wedding officiant
- Anyone else that the bride and groom allow
If you are not one of these individuals (or don’t have permission), then it’s best to avoid wearing cream.
Is It Okay to Wear a Cream Dress With Patterns to a Wedding?
No, it’s not ok to wear a cream dress with patterns to a wedding.
99.9% of the time, you want to avoid cream-colored outfits of any kind, including a cream dress with lines, dots, florals, animal prints, or any other pattern.
The only time you might be able to get away with it is if the wedding is ultra-casual (think: at the beach, in a park), but even then, you should check with the bride or groom first to see if they have any specific requests or color schemes in mind.
In general, though, go for something else.
How Much Cream Can You Wear to a Wedding?
The general rule of thumb is that you can wear cream accessories but not a cream outfit.
This means no cream shirts, pants, dresses, or jumpsuits.
You can wear cream or cream-colored accessories:
- Purses
- Handbags
- Scarfs
- Hats
- Shoes
Yes, you can wear cream or white shoes at a wedding.
Can You Wear Cream to a Wedding: Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, I’ll answer the frequestnly asked questions about wearing cream to a wedding.
Can You Wear Cream to an Indian Wedding?
You should avoid wearing cream to an Indian wedding because cream can look white or off-white.
And white is a color that is often associated with funerals, death, and mourning in Indian culture. The last thing you want to do is to stain a wedding celebration with sad thoughts.
Therefore, steer clear of any color resemblant to white at Indian weddings.
Can You Wear Cream to a Rehearsal Dinner?
Yes, you can wear cream to a rehearsal dinner.
You want to look your best for the rehearsal dinner, but you don’t need to go overboard. A cream dress will be appropriate and will help you stand out from the crowd.
As long as you don’t wear a fully cream outfit to the actual wedding, you should be fine.
Can You Wear Cream to a Bridal Shower?
Wearing cream to a bridal shower is perfectly acceptable.
In fact, many people choose to wear cream because it is such a flattering color. If you are unsure about what to wear, you can always ask the host of the shower for guidance.
Mostly, there are no rules against wearing cream or white to a bridal shower.
Can You Wear Cream to an Engagement Party?
Yes, you can wear cream to an engagement party.
Engagement parties are usually fairly casual affairs, so you don’t need to worry about the dress code too much. Just make sure that you are comfortable with what you are wearing and that you feel confident in your outfit.
Can You Wear Cream to a Wedding Reception?
Wearing cream at a wedding reception is perfectly fine.
The wedding ceremony is over, so you can quick change at the wedding venue, your hotel, or any other private location.
In fact, many people choose to wear this color because it is so versatile.
You can dress it up with some heels and jewelry or dress it down with flats and a cardigan. Just make sure that you check with the bride and groom beforehand to see if they have any specific requests for attire.
Can You Wear White or Beige to a Wedding?
It’s best to avoid any colors that might get confused with white.
I suggest that you don’t wear:
- White
- Beige
- Champagne
- Ivory
- Egg-shell
- Off-white
Here is a good video about what to never wear to a wedding:
Final Thoughts: Can You Wear Cream to a Wedding?
The bottom line is that you probably shouldn’t wear cream to a wedding, but you can wear cream before or after the ceremony.
Before you go, check out some of the other wedding articles on our site.
Related posts:
- Can You Wear Red Lipstick to a Wedding as a Guest? (5 Rules Explained)
- Is Wedding Videography Worth It? (Yes, 13 Reasons Why)
- Is Wedding Cake Tasting Free? (Hidden Fees You Need To Know)
