The wedding season is approaching and with it, certain constraints, like that of the outfit!
Wedding season is coming! And with the opening of this period of splendor, that of social conventions. Marriage is a sacred celebration, but also full of codes that are more or less known, more or less official or agreed. A moving and joyful celebration par excellence, the wedding symbolizes commitment, surrounded by loved ones and family – or not for that matter. And for each celebration, its label. Whether you are a witness or a simple guest, there are conventions to respect when it comes to your choice of clothing.
Among the unwritten rules of a wedding, some govern the guests’ outfits and above all: their color. While it is customary to say that we definitely do not wear white to a wedding, this color being reserved for the bride to whom we should definitely not cause competition or shadow, nor black, the color of mourning – even if this tradition is increasingly called into question, there is another color to be avoided according to certain beliefs.
This is the case with red! There are several reasons in unwritten collective beliefs why it is best to leave this color out of wedding festivities. So when in doubt, to you, wedding guests, beware of red: some people could misinterpret your intentions if you dare to wear this color, a symbol of passion and temptation.
The wedding is above all a day dedicated to celebrating the couple who are united at the town hall or in the church. As a guest, it is essential to respect this moment by avoiding wearing outfits that could potentially distract the attention of the two protagonists. Red, by its very nature, is an eye-catching color that can easily steal the spotlight, thus distracting the bride and groom, the only stars of the day.
Additionally, red, a symbol of passion and sensuality, can sometimes be seen as inappropriate in the traditional and symbolic context of a wedding. While weddings are often associated with softer, romantic tones, red can seem jarring, explosive or even… completely provocative and a symbol of temptation. It is therefore preferable to opt for more sober and classic shades which harmonize with the refined atmosphere of a wedding ceremony.
Looking further, it is worth considering the cultural symbolism associated with red in certain traditions. While in some cultures red brings luck and auspiciousness, in others it can be associated with less auspicious connotations, such as anger or bad omen. Out of respect for the traditions and cultural sensitivities of the bride and groom, it is therefore wise to opt for more neutral and universally accepted shades.