A wedding ceremony isn’t just a party. For most couples, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event, a ceremony, a ritual that will never happen again. So they want to look their best, and they don’t want to be upstaged by their guests. You probably already know not to wear white to a wedding in Western countries. Here’s what not to wear to weddings in other parts of the world.

Chinese Weddings

At most Chinese weddings, the bride wears two dresses, one a vivid red and the other white. You should avoid wearing a dress of either color. Don’t wear black or other dark colors either; they are inauspicious for the newlyweds. 

The most common dress colors for Chinese wedding guests are lavender, peach, and pink, since these colors symbolize the birth of the new life the couple is beginning on their wedding day.

Weddings in Ireland

As in much of the Western world, you should not wear black to a wedding in Ireland since it’s associated with funeral attire. Avoid black hosiery, too, since it’s too informal for a big event like a wedding. 

Don’t wear a floor-length dress, since that would be looked upon as trying to upstage the bride. Even though it was traditional in ages past, wearing a hat is now considered stuffy.

Nigerian Nuptials 

At weddings in Nigeria, don’t worry about upstaging the bride. She’d be offended if you didn’t pull out all the stops in your wedding attire. Put on your most elaborate outfit. Guests often choose to wear blocks of color. However, provocative clothing is offensive and should be left at home in favor of a more modest outfit. 

Unless the happy couple gives you corsages or boutonnieres, skip wearing them. They’re also considered offensive. 

Jewish Weddings

The watchword for the attire you should wear to Jewish weddings is modesty. You need to cover your knees, elbows, shoulders, collarbone, neckline, and cleavage. Don’t wear any sheer fabrics or short dresses. You may be asked to cover your hair, so bring a shawl or scarf.

Men will be asked to wear a kippah or yarmulke as a sign of respect. If you’re not Jewish and don’t have one, they may be offered at the door. If they are, wear one to avoid offending the couple.

Weddings in India

The sari is the outfit of choice at weddings in India. Wearing anything else may risk showing disrespect to the happy couple. Dark colors are offensive, so you should avoid donning them. Make sure you cover your shoulders, cleavage, and knees with your sari, which is often worn with a shawl for modesty. 

Wear bright colors, and consider coordinating your sari with other guests to provide a rainbow of colors, symbolizing a peaceable new life for the newlyweds. Jewel tones are appropriate for weddings in India.

Both men and women may be expected to cover their heads. Women will wear pashmina or long scarves, while men may be provided with large handkerchiefs. 

Japanese Nuptials

Women at Japanese weddings wear knee-length dresses or colorful kimonos if the ceremony is more traditional. They should avoid bare shoulders, since that’s a sign of disrespect. Men must avoid dressing too informally. Traditionally, they wear black suits with white ties, though other colors of suits and ties have become more common.

Wherever you’re attending a wedding, you must be respectful of the bride, the groom, and their culture. If you don’t know the local customs, it’s okay to ask a groomsman or bridesmaid what you should avoid. They know the couple best, and they can help you steer clear of any cultural sartorial faux pas you may be in danger of committing.