Can a wedding guest dress have some white?

Yes. A little white on a guest dress is fine, as long as it is a small accent and not the main color. A dress that is mostly white, cream or ivory is not okay, unless the couple asked for it. Here is how to check your dress, one step at a time. You will feel calmer by the end.

Step 1: Read the invitation first

You may feel nervous when you find a dress you love and wonder if it fits the dress code. Before you buy, open the invitation. Then open the wedding website. Couples often write their wishes there. Some say "no white." Some say "wear any color you like."

If the couple asks for white, wear white. If they say nothing, use the steps below. Ask before you buy.

Step 2: Find the main color

You may feel unsure when you hold the dress up to the light. Look at the dress from across the room. What color do you see first? That is the main color. If it is blue, green, red, or any clear color, you are in good shape. A little white in the trim, the dots, or the flowers is fine. A blue dress with white flowers works well. Now flip it. A white dress with blue flowers does not work. The main color is still white. Guests will see white first.

Step 3: Check the background of the print

You may feel doubtful when you spot a pretty floral and then look closer. Prints can fool you. Some have a few flowers on a cream or white background. From far away, that looks like a white dress with a few dots.

Skip those. Pick a print where color covers most of the dress. Try a bold floral with a deep or bright base.

Step 4: Remember that cream and ivory count

You may feel surprised when you think "it is not white, it is ivory.".

Many guests believe ivory and cream are fine. They are not. In the room, in the photos, and in the bride's eyes, they look like white. Off-white goes in the same pile. If a shade makes you say "it is sort of white," put it back.

Step 5: Think about the photos

You may feel worried when you picture the group photo. A very pale dress can look white on camera. You may love it in the store and then see white in the group photo. Look at the dress in different light. Try it by a window. Take a quick photo with your phone. If it looks white in the photo, pick another one. Want an easy fix? Choose a clear color or a darker shade. Then you will not worry.

Step 6: When you are still not sure, choose color or ask

You may feel relief when you make the final call. You have two good options. Start here.

• Pick a vibrant floral print or a darker color. You will not wonder about it again.
• Ask the couple. A short, kind message works. Try this: "I love this dress and it has a little white on it. Is that okay with you?"

Keep your note kind and let the couple choose. If they say no, you have saved yourself a stressful morning. Start here.

A quick check before you buy

Feel unsure as you check your dress? Read each line.

• Is the main color clearly not white, cream, or ivory?
• Does it still look colorful in a photo?
• Did the invitation or wedding website say nothing against it?

If you said no to any of them, keep looking. There is a great dress out there. Start here.

Wedding guest dresses with white: FAQ

Can I wear a floral dress with white flowers to a wedding?

Yes. If you feel unsure as you check the print, look at the main color. A blue dress with white flowers fits this guide; a white or cream base does not.

Is cream or ivory okay for a wedding guest?

No. If you feel surprised as you hold an ivory dress, treat it like white. Skip it unless the couple asked for it.

What if I am not sure about my dress?

Feel unsure as you choose? Pick a bold print or a darker color, or ask the couple. Start here.

One last thing

Wearing color is a kind way to say "this day is about you two." Pick a dress that makes you feel good. Then go enjoy the dancing. When you feel ready after checking the dress code, browse the occasion dresses. Start here.

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