What colors are frowned upon at weddings?

The main colour that is frowned upon at a UK wedding is white, but only for guests. Wearing white or very pale cream to a wedding is seen as trying to upstage the couple, especially the person getting married. This is a guest etiquette guideline, not a law, and many couples do not mind. If you are a guest and unsure, choose a different colour or ask the couple directly.

For the couple's decoration, there are no colours that are frowned upon. You can use white, black, red, or any shade you like. What matters is that the colours suit the venue and the mood you want to create. Black can look striking and elegant, especially for evening weddings, while red can be passionate and warm.

Some cultures attach meanings to colours that you may want to consider. For example, in some traditions white is for mourning, and in others red is for good luck. If you or your partner have heritage from a culture with such meanings, it is kind to discuss your palette with your families. They may have preferences or expectations you had not considered.

Religious venues may also have their own traditions about colours for flowers or decoration. For example, some churches avoid certain colours during specific liturgical seasons. Ask your officiant or venue coordinator early in your planning so you can adapt your palette if needed.

Overall, be thoughtful about guest attire and cultural context, but do not let fear of judgement stop you from choosing colours you love.