Is it acceptable to wear a black dress to a late afternoon/evening wedding?

I highly doubt anyone would judge you for wearing a black dress. That’s pretty much the classic “go-to” for ANY occasion.

The color isn’t so much an issue for an afternoon gathering as is the style of it. If it’s the style of a party dress then you should be fine. If the dress is on the conservative side then try to lighten it up with a dressier shoe, maybe something with sparkle or frill.

It’s traditionally considered inappropriate for guests to wear black to a wedding (possibly, if the wedding is in the evening you could get away with it). Having said that, traditions change.

The style is more important than the colour. A cocktail dress would suit, especially paired with fancy heels. Plus, you want to be able to wear the dress again. You can liven it up with a colourful shawl, if you feel the need, but I think from your description, you’re all right for now.

You can’t go wrong with a little black dress!
Have fun!:)

While black is not the best for a wedding, it should be fine.

My wedding is at 5:00 and my grandma and mother are both wearing black dresses. It’s perfectly fine.

Well, it kind of looks like this, except it has short sleeves. That’s the closest picture I could find.

I may borrow a shawl from my mother in law. The shawl, she says, is white with silver accents. I haven’t seen it, and am not sure anything she owns would be “my style.”

My problem with buying a dress in the middle of summer is that almost everything is sleeveless. I never wear anything sleeveless because I have the world’s worst farmer’s tan. My arms are very freckled up to a point, and then just white. It looks ridiculous. I tried on a couple of sleeveless dresses today and had a hard time not laughing out loud at myself in the dressing room.

Thanks for the reassurance, and also for the thoughts against it. I am not one of those ladies who loves to shop, but I will maybe make one more attempt. It’s difficult now with the kids out of school because I can’t drag them around while I try on dresses. We’ll kill each other.

@Miss Austen-That dress is nice:)
Simple designs in black are perfect.You’ll look great!

GA’s above- the only thing I would add is another option is to add a fun belt for a pop of color. You’ll have a handbag and shoes so you can add color there.

The best thing everyone wore to my wedding was a smile

I agree with @gemiwing. Definitely add color with your handbag, shoes, and jewelry. Bright pops of color will look great.

@MissAusten The dress is lovely. You’ll be fine.

@everyone: Thank you! As I said, I went with silver-hued sandals and matching accessories, including a great handbag that perfectly matches the shoes, even though I bought it at a different store. The sparkle from the silver seems to brighten up the whole ensemble. I tried it all on for my daughter when I got home, and she said, “I don’t think you should wear that dress. The groom might fall in love with you!” :D

@MissAusten
Pretty dress, your’e going to look swell :)

Just got home this morning after a great night (wow I feel old). There were quite a few other ladies in black dresses. After I asked this question, a friend of mine told me she was pretty sure that at a Jewish wedding wearing black didn’t have the same sort of negative connotations. Maybe she was on to something, because there was quite a bit of black.

Anyway, we had an amazing time! Thanks for all the comments!

certainly you can wear the black one to attend the wedding ,the black one can show your figure and make you more attractive .