Royal blue is a rich, deep shade of blue that has a strong association with royalty and elegance. It’s a popular color choice for formal events like weddings. But is it always appropriate to wear royal blue to a wedding? There are a few key factors to consider.
In general, the appropriateness of wearing royal blue to a wedding depends on the formality of the event, the time of day, and your role in the wedding. Royal blue is a bold, eye-catching color that can make a statement. It’s important to take care not to upstage the bride or otherwise draw excessive attention. But when worn tastefully, royal blue can add a touch of sophistication and style to a wedding guest’s outfit.
Formality of the Wedding
The formality and time of day of the wedding should be the starting point when deciding if royal blue is appropriate. Royal blue is most fitting for formal, daytime weddings where the dress code calls for cocktail attire or higher. This includes church ceremonies, hotel ballroom receptions, and daytime outdoor weddings at formal venues.
For very formal weddings with a black tie or black tie optional dress code, darker shades of royal blue are most suitable. Lighter shades run the risk of looking out of place at the most formal of events. Midnight blue, navy, or dark royal blue are ideal for black tie weddings.
At more casual daytime weddings like backyard barbecues, garden parties, and beach weddings, royal blue may be too bold of a choice. Stick with lighter, softer colors or pastels for casual daytime weddings. Royal blue suit jackets or dresses would likely overdress at these more laid-back events.
At evening weddings, especially those with a black tie dress code, rich shades of royal blue can make a stunning statement. From royal blue evening gowns to tailored tuxedos featuring royal blue accents, the color really shines at formal nighttime weddings.
Your Role at the Wedding
Along with the formality of the event, your specific role should guide your decision to wear royal blue. If you are a guest at the wedding, royal blue is generally a safe choice as long as the shade and style suit the formality. Just take care not to upstage the wedding party.
As a rule, wedding guest attire should not be white, off-white, or red. These colors are best avoided so as not to distract from the bride. Outside of those hues, tasteful royal blue dresses, jumpsuits, suits, or accessories are perfectly appropriate for guests. Just aim for a shade darker than the wedding color palette.
If you are in the wedding party, seek guidance from the bride and groom. Royal blue may be approved if it fits with the overall wedding colors and formality. But the wedding party should coordinate, or at least complement, the color theme. Don’t choose royal blue for your bridesmaid dress without clearance from the couple.
For mothers of the bride or groom, royal blue is an elegant option if keeping with the wedding tone. In general, mothers should avoid bold colors or styles that demand too much attention. A royal blue dress that flatters but does not distract is a safe choice.
Men’s vs. Women’s Royal Blue Attire
The range of appropriate royal blue attire differs slightly for men and women depending on setting:
For women:
– Formal daytime weddings: Royal blue dresses, pantsuits, or two-piece skirt and top outfits. Knee-length or longer is best.
– Black tie weddings: Floor-length royal blue evening gowns, formal dresses, or dressy pantsuits.
– Casual outdoor weddings: Royal blue sundresses, skirt outfits, or pantsuits only for more formal daytime events. Avoid royal blue dresses or skirts at very laid-back venues.
– As a wedding guest: Cocktail dresses, formal skirt suits, dressy pant suits, or formal jumpsuits in shades like navy, dark royal blue, or cobalt blue. Add sparkle with rhinestone or crystal embellishments.
For men:
– Formal daytime weddings: A royal blue suit, paired with a white shirt, subdued tie, belt and shoes. Or a navy blazer with khaki pants, white shirt, and brown shoes.
– Black tie weddings: A black tuxedo with a royal blue cummerbund, bow tie, or pocket square. Or substitute a midnight blue dinner jacket for black.
– Casual outdoor weddings: Avoid royal blue suits or sport coats. Stick to lighter jackets, paired with neutral pants.
– As a wedding guest: A navy blue or royal blue suit and tie, paired with white dress shirt. Or a royal blue necktie or pocket square to accent a navy, gray, or charcoal suit.
When to Avoid Royal Blue
While royal blue works beautifully for many weddings, there are a few situations when it’s better to avoid it:
– If the bride has chosen royal blue as her wedding color: Guests should avoid wearing the same hue so as not to compete with the bride.
– Very casual beach weddings: The bold blue against the sand and surf can feel out of place. Opt for softer, lighter colors.
– Evening black tie weddings: Royal blue gowns or accents are lovely, but avoid lighter shades of blue that can appear informal alongside opulent black and metallics.
– If prohibited by the bride and groom: Some couples opt for a strict color scheme. Honor their rules and avoid royal blue if asked.
– When accompanying an existing wedding party: If you join the group photos but aren’t matching their outfits, avoid bold blues that clash with bridesmaid dresses.
Alternative Colors
If you decide royal blue isn’t the right choice, consider these stylish color alternatives that suit a range of wedding settings:
For women:
– Light pink, champagne, sage green, or taupe work well at daytime spring and summer weddings
– Metallic shoes or handbags can shine at formal evening weddings
– Blush pink or gold dresses make romantic choices for outdoor weddings
– Silver, gray, or navy blue complement winter color schemes
For men:
– Light gray or tan suits work for daytime warm weather weddings
– Black suits or tuxedos are always a foolproof option
– Navy blue accents offer an understated way to incorporate color
– White dinner jackets give a crisp, elegant look for evening weddings
Conclusion
Royal blue can be the perfect way to make an elegant statement at a wedding. Its richness pairs beautifully with formal venues and occasions. For women, chic royal blue dresses, suits, pantsuits, and gowns offer timeless style. Men can incorporate the hue through ties, cummerbunds, or pocket squares. Just be mindful of the wedding style and tones. Royal blue shines brightest at formal daytime or upscale evening weddings. Lighter shades are ideal for daytime events, while darker midnight and navy blues suit evening black tie affairs. With the right setting and balanced use of color, royal blue makes a memorable addition to a wedding ensemble.
