Can I Wear Black to a Daytime Outdoor Wedding?

Updated on September 02, 2011
J.B. asks from Mesa, AZ
12 answers

I am going to a wedding next week. It is a casual outdoor wedding in her backyard. She told me we could wear shorts if we wanted to because it is casual. I will be driving for 2 1/2 hours to get to her house so I'm thinking I need something to wear that is comfortable and won't get wrinkled in the car drive. I don't have a lot of dresses or skirts plus I really don't like to wear them, I am a jean and shorts girl. So I have looked in my closet and I have this outfit that I need your opinion on if I can wear it or not. I have a top that is short sleeves and has a waistband with a scoop neck, it is a solid black top. I then have a skirt that the background is black but there are a ton of small blue flowers and green leaves all over it. It is a very cute outfit that I would wear black sandals with. My question is can I wear black to this type of wedding or should I head out to the stores.

Thanks for your advice!

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So What Happened?

I want to thank everybody for your responses. The more and more I look at the outfit it is dark and I just don't think I'm going to feel right wearing it. I flipped my closet upside down yesterday and I found a khaki skirt. I then found a short sleeve light weight navy blue sweater and pair those two up with brown sandals I think I will be good to go. Plus I will feel better that I am not nervous about what people might be thinking about my outfit. Thanks again!!!

Featured Answers

K.B.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I say you are good to go. Especially because it's two piece and the fact that the skirt has a pattern on it. You might want to think about if you would be in direct sunlight though as black would be really hot if that is the case. If there are shady areas, then you should be just fine. Have a good time and drive safe...

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J.M.

answers from San Diego on

Oh yes you can wear that for sure. :) Anything goes with a backyard wedding but I have even worn black to a more formal wedding and I wasn't the only one. I think the days of not wearing certain colors to certain events are kind of behind us. Have fun!!

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L.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

You have to be comfortable. If you are concerned the shirt might be too dark, by some brighter accessories that match the skirt. (Earrings, bracelets, necklace, etc.) If you feel good in the outfit... go for it!

I wore a very light black cotton eyelet jacket and skirt to a beach wedding. I wore a bright blue tank underneathe with bright blue accessories. I see people wearing black to any/all types of weddings nowadays. (Including the bridesmaids!)

Of course, if this is a good excuse to get something new... :)

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J.I.

answers from San Antonio on

sounds beautiful. But where's the wedding? It's friggin hot in Texas (and Arizona?) If it were me, I'd go buy a different top to go with the skirt, (not b/c it's black and black's not appropriate, but because black will be hot in the sun!) maybe white or blue or green to match. Something lighter than black!

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B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

You could wear something comfortable to drive in (there and back again) and dress when you are at your destination.
Some people would be ok with your outfit, but it wouldn't work for my family.
It sounds like a good funeral outfit.
Fall or late summer colors would be good - florals are fine, too.
There are some very attractive/cute pantsuits/casual wear, too - so don't feel like you HAVE to wear a skirt/dress if you are really not into it or will not wear it again.

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C.P.

answers from Columbia on

An outdoor wedding is usually a light, airy, flowery affair. I would say that the skirt would be lovely, but perhaps a blue or green top would look best with it instead of black.

The black sandals would probably be fine, but I'd be more inclined to go with silver or pewter colored to lighten things up a bit.

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M.M.

answers from Detroit on

Sounds totally fine. I have never heard of not wearing black to a wedding -- maybe I'm out of it. But if she said you could wear shorts, your outfit sounds perfect.

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K.M.

answers from Chicago on

I would never wear black to a wedding unless it is an evening coctail attire affair, that said based on the dress code given I think black is out personally. I would hit up a second hand store if you do not want to spend a lot. It seems to me that with this event you can easily buy something you would/could wear again with ease. I suggest light colors or jewel tones. I like the style of outfit other than the color, remember it's up to you this is just my take on wedding attire.

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K.K.

answers from Dallas on

Generally no, but this sounds to be very casual. Most people that go that casual do not get picky, they are usually happy to for you to be there. My maidofhonor wore black with gold. I told her show up with what ever you have. I had a nice Vegas wedding in a sweet little chapel. I was just thrilled they could make it out there for me.

Of course a new outfil is never a bad idea.

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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

Wear any color you want.

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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I would so wear stuff that is comfortable while driving then change when I got close to the ceremony. Of course their house will be full of guests and brides getting ready so pick somewhere else.

I would not normally wear anything predominantly black but if she is this laid back then call and ask her if you can wear a black top and floral print skirt.

I think if it was me, it is summer and hot, I would not want to wear black at all since it absorbs heat. I would go buy a casual blue top that coordinated with the skirt well and was cool.

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J.J.

answers from Phoenix on

I would say that it sounds perfect. I'll be having a wedding in my backyard soon as well. I have a black sundress that I'll probably wear. Black is great, you can dress it up or down.

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