The short answerDo not wear head-to-toe white and do not outshine the couple. Black is fine if a light shirt or coloured tie breaks it up. For a hotel banquet, a navy, grey or brown blazer with tailored trousers is safest; save jeans and sneakers for outdoor weddings that say casual.
Can wedding guests wear white?
Only one person should wear white at a wedding, and it is the bride. That applies to every guest, including those in trousers: a white or ivory suit, or white from head to toe, will clash with the couple in every group photo.
That does not ban white altogether. A white shirt under a dark blazer is small, framed by the jacket and entirely standard. Avoid white as an outfit, not as a colour. Red is considered lucky at Taiwanese weddings, so guests can wear it, but brides often change into red for the toasting round. Keep yours to a tie or scarf. If the invitation names a colour theme or a dress code such as smart casual, follow it: that is the picture the couple has in mind. Our dress code guide explains each level.
| Colour | OK? | How to wear it |
|---|---|---|
| White, ivory | Not head to toe | A white shirt under a dark jacket is fine |
| Black | Yes | Add a light shirt, coloured tie or scarf |
| Red, burgundy | Yes, in small doses | Tie, scarf or under-layer |
| Navy, grey, brown | Safest | Any venue; pinstripes and checks are smart |
| Light blue, grey-khaki | Very good | Daytime and outdoor weddings |
Can you wear black to a wedding?
Yes. A black blazer is common and correct at an evening hotel banquet. The thing to watch is all black: black jacket, shirt, trousers and shoes can read as funeral dress to some older guests in Taiwan. The fix is one point of light. Put a light blue shirt under a classic two-button black blazer, or add a coloured tie or a print scarf, and the look turns from sombre to formal.
Black at a wedding is never the problem. Black with no light in it is.
Do you need a tie? Are jeans or sneakers OK?
It depends on the venue. Most Taiwanese wedding banquets are held in hotel or restaurant ballrooms, though many couples choose outdoor weddings or small registry ceremonies. Check the time and place on the invitation first.
| Occasion | Blazer | Tie | Jeans | Sneakers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel banquet (evening) | Yes | Optional; keep the collar neat without one | Avoid | Avoid; wear leather shoes |
| Outdoor or garden (daytime) | Yes, lighter colour or cloth | Not needed; a scarf works | Dark, clean pairs if the invite says casual | Clean leather pairs are fine |
| Registry or small restaurant | Yes, need not match | Not needed | Not recommended | Depends; leather shoes are safest |
What to wear to a hotel wedding banquet
Dark, matching and a light shirt is the formula. The double-breasted peak-lapel blazer in brown-navy pinstripe is a wool blend whose contrast stripe gives depth under the lights, and the matching navy pinstripe trousers make it a suit. Underneath, the light blue classic shirt in a modal blend is soft and drapes well under a jacket. The strong shoulder gives slighter frames presence and buttons into a clean line on broader ones. The trousers have an elasticated back waist, which you will appreciate as the courses keep coming. At a winter wedding, the ballroom is warm and the street may be damp and cold. Rather than a bulky sweater under the blazer, wear a coat over it and hang it on your chair.
Navy Pinstripe Double-Breasted BlazerNT$5,890View piece →
Navy Blue Pinstripe Wool-Blend Classic Fit PantsNT$2,890View piece →
Light Blue Classic ShirtNT$2,790View piece →
What to wear to an outdoor wedding or registry ceremony
On grass or by the sea, a dark suit can feel heavy. The light grey pinstripe square-lapel blazer is in stretch TR fabric, with patch pockets and a white pocket detail that soften its formality. With the matching light grey pinstripe flared trousers it reads as a warm grey-khaki, well clear of bridal white. Add the blue pinstripe rounded-collar shirt, whose white collar and cuffs suit daylight. Sunglasses are fine on the way in, but take them off for the ceremony and photos.
A daytime wedding can be lighter. Lighter does not mean white.
Light Grey Pinstripe Square-Lapel Relaxed BlazerNT$4,990View piece →
Light Grey Striped Flared Suit PantsNT$2,990View piece →
Blue Pinstripe Rounded-Collar Slim-Fit ShirtNT$2,690View piece →
A registry ceremony with close family need not be matched. The blue plaid peak-lapel blazer is a wool and TR blend with double back vents for easy movement. Wear it with light grey mélange trousers and swap the tie for a print scarf. The inside pocket is just right for the red envelope.
Blue Plaid Peak-Lapel Relaxed BlazerNT$4,990View piece →
Light Grey Mélange Regular-Fit Suit TrousersNT$2,290View piece →
Floral Border Print ScarfNT$790View piece →
How to check your outfit will last the whole banquet
A Taiwanese wedding banquet is a long sit, with the whole table standing when the couple come round to toast, and a group photo at the end.
FITTING CHECKSit for ten minutes: the waistband should not dig in, and the unbuttoned jacket should fall cleanly. Stand and raise a glass: the jacket shoulders should not lift. Raise both arms for the group photo: the shirt should stay tucked. Look down: standing straight, the hem should just touch the shoe or sit slightly above.
For shoes, choose loafers or Derbies for a hotel; on grass, avoid thin heels and go for flat loafers or clean leather sneakers. Keep the red envelope in an inside pocket or small bag, not in your trouser pocket. Not sure which look suits the day? Bring the invitation details to our store at eslite spectrum Songyan 2F and try the full outfit.
FAQ
Can I wear black to a wedding?
Yes, a black blazer is common at evening hotel banquets. Avoid all black: add a light shirt or a coloured tie or scarf so the look reads formal rather than sombre.
Do I have to wear a tie to a wedding?
At a hotel banquet a tie is optional; without one, keep the shirt collar neat or wear a scarf. Outdoor weddings and registry ceremonies rarely call for one, and groomsmen should follow the couple's lead.
Can I wear jeans to a wedding?
Avoid them at hotel banquets. If the invitation says casual for an outdoor wedding, dark, clean jeans with a blazer are acceptable.
Can women wear trousers to a wedding?
Of course. A blazer with tailored trousers is sharp and appropriate; just avoid all-white or ivory. See our suit trousers.
Are sneakers OK at a wedding?
Wear leather shoes to a hotel banquet. For daytime weddings on grass, clean leather sneakers or flat loafers are more practical.
Can I wear a white shirt to a wedding?
Yes. A white shirt under a dark blazer is standard guest dress. What to avoid is a white or ivory outfit from head to toe.
Want to feel the fabric and try the fit first?
Visit ARVOpm at eslite spectrum Songyan 2F (No. 88, Yanchang Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei), open daily 11:00–22:00. Prefer to shop online? Delivery within Taiwan is free over NT$3,000, and returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery.
