I'm going to my brother in laws wedding in May and started keeping my eyes open for a dress. It's late May, lunch time, partially outdoors in a garden.
I know the rule about wearing an all white/ivory dress to a wedding. But is a floral printed dress on a white background ok? I'm leaning towards no, but not sure if I'm being too strict about the rule.
Here's an example of one dress I was considering.
139 votes
hostess / wonderful persimmon / 25556 posts
I voted It Depends. Because, in my opinion, it depends on the bride. What type of woman is she? Do you think she would be offended if you wore a white dress with floral accents? Would she be upset to see another woman in a white dress? That dress is gorgeous but I think if the bride is laid back, NBD. If she's not? That may be a problem.
And honestly, since you're questioning it? I probably wouldn't wear it.
pomegranate / 3872 posts
I think that's an adorable dress, and obviously isnt one that would be considered 'bridal,'...but...I just wouldn't. Probably not one would bat and eye but I just wouldn't want even the possibility of offending the bride or appearing like I'm trying to be antagonistic or something. Personally I think it's safer to just wear something that isn't white, off-white, blush...
nectarine / 2951 posts
That's a very pretty dress, but very light in color. I think you could get away with a more contrasting dress or bolder colors with a white background.
cherry / 128 posts
I voted "it depends" the only way I would wear that dress is if I wore a cardigan (not white) maybe a pink that matched that would take away from the fact that it's primarily white.
hostess / wonderful honeydew / 32460 posts
Cute dress, but too much white to wear to a wedding imo.
clementine / 995 posts
I would wear a floral pattern dress with a white background, but I would not wear the dress that is pictured. The pattern is a little too muted in my opinion. It really depends on the bride though. If you know she won't mind, and you feel comfortable wearing it then go for it.
honeydew / 7463 posts
@mediagirl: She's a really laid back girl, and she's so nice! So I'm kind of scared that she would be pissed inside but never say it. She will be my sister in law!
I love floral print and think other than the wedding part it's very event appropriate (daytime, spring, outside/garden). I don't want to do dark floral.
Maybe I should just focus on a solid color with interesting details.
cantaloupe / 6171 posts
I think it depends on the bride (is she the type to care/take offense?) and the dress--if the pattern was large/more of a contrast to the background I would be more inclined to wear it, but this pattern looks really light to me so the white is more noticeable, if that makes sense. This dress is an example that I'm thinking would be more appropriate--I just got this as a work dress, so the silhouette is more professional than party, so I'm just referring to the pattern: http://www.loft.com/floral-pocket-shirtdress/396464?skuId=20287023&defaultColor=6600&colorExplode=false&catid=catl000013
wonderful cherry / 21504 posts
I think with less white it would be ok but that dress is mostly white, so I wouldn't. It's really pretty though.
squash / 13208 posts
@SweetiePie: where is it from? - I love it!
Can you wear a solid cardigan over it?
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
Eh, I wouldn't. Too white still! I'm sure the "rules" are much more lenient these days as wedding trends evolve, but I still wouldn't just in case!
grapefruit / 4321 posts
Yeah that dress is way too white. I'll be honest, I would give the side eye.
honeydew / 7463 posts
Thanks everyone! Seems like my concerns are being validated. I was secretly hoping I was just too strict with fashion rules 
But I definitely don't want to offend her - or get any side eye! @Truth Bombs: If I'm being honest I probably would give side eye too. I just really wanted a reason to buy this dress!
@Mamaof2: It's on shopbop. If you google Zimmerman Bustier Dress it will come up in results.
hostess / wonderful persimmon / 25556 posts
@SweetiePie: well, if she's going to be your SIL, that tells me that it's a family wedding and you'll be in a lot of photos with her. I'd go with something else and a different background color. If you were just attending a friend's wedding I wouldn't worry so much.
honeydew / 7463 posts
@nana87: Yeah maybe a bolder pattern could work. I'll post anything else I find here for a gut check 
honeydew / 7463 posts
@mediagirl: that's a good point, I hadn't even considered pictures.
cantaloupe / 6869 posts
I would wear something with a white background only if the pattern was larger so that white wasn't the main color of the dress. Like this:
pomelo / 5000 posts
For that particular dress, I think there's too much white. You should buy it anyway for something else--cute!
pomegranate / 3212 posts
My general rule of thumb is if you have to ask if it's appropriate don't wear it. Safer. Beautiful dress though!
pomelo / 5791 posts
@MrsKoala: Agree.
I would, only if there was a larger, brighter colored pattern. The dress you posted, in my opinion, is too white and the pattern is too light and small.
pineapple / 12793 posts
@MrsKoala: cute!
I'm OK with a white background, but that one is too white.
blogger / apricot / 389 posts
Not the one in the photo. The colour white would have to be subtle, and not the main colour. The pattern is too light so when you look at the dress, all you see is white.
blogger / wonderful cherry / 21628 posts
I think it's too much white! I wouldn't wear a dress with a white background at all.
watermelon / 14467 posts
Definitely too white. I would give the side-eye if someone showed up at a wedding in that dress.
grapefruit / 4355 posts
Definitely too white. I think a white background is OK as long as there is a bigger, bolder pattern with more contrast. White shouldn't be the first thing you notice when you look at the dress.
cantaloupe / 6131 posts
@SweetiePie: I would do it if it was paired with a pashmina or a cardigan on top in a solid pastel color that would basically draw the eye to that color, as opposed to the ivory background. But it may be because I love the dress!
honeydew / 7463 posts
@gingerbebe: Ugh I know! I love it so much which is why I very briefly entertained it.
@Happygal: I would love to buy it for the fun of it but it's kinda expensive. I can only justify for something like a family wedding 
I wish that dress was around when I was engaged because it is a perfect bridal shower dress!
pear / 1703 posts
Yes, definitely! The last thing the bride should/will be caring about is whether one of her guests dresses is too white. Wear what makes you feel great 
pomegranate / 3658 posts
It's a beautiful dress, I bet there are other occasions you could wear it to. Not for a wedding though.
wonderful pea / 17279 posts
I would wear the dress you posted. I wore a white background dress with shimmery gold flowers all over it. No way was I mistaken for the bride. My friend was just happy I came to her wedding. My SIL wore a white background dress with red and black flowers over it. When I saw her all I thought was how sensible she was to shop in her closet!
honeydew / 7463 posts
Ok Bees, need input. Is this one better? Bottom half has some ivory but it's a much smaller area and has a bolder patter. Ignore the belt, sales girl was trying to upsell me.
cherry / 196 posts
That dress is very pretty and unique. I definitely think it's wedding appropriate. Personally, i would like it shorter, but I do like the dress!
honeydew / 7463 posts
@DenverMom: well I hate my legs haha. So midi/tea length is my jam! It's a weird angle in the photo but it hits mid shin.
cherry / 196 posts
@SweetiePie: Haha, yup I get it. That length wouldn't work with my body. It looks really great on you though and I think the print is beautiful.
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