The 5 Colors to Avoid in Your Italian Wedding Look (And Why)

Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments, and every detail matters, especially when it comes to your outfit. Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, choosing the right colors for your wedding look is crucial to ensure you’re respecting tradition and making a lasting impression. In Italy, where traditions are taken seriously, the wrong color could draw unwanted attention. At Serà Fine Silk, we believe the right luxury silk accessories can elevate any outfit, but the foundation of your wedding attire lies in your color choices. Here’s your guide to the five colors you should avoid for an Italian wedding—and why.

1. White - Only for the Bride (and Sometimes the Groom)

The biggest wedding fashion mistake? Wearing white as a guest. In Italy, this is a firm no. White is a sacred color for the bride—and occasionally the groom—symbolizing purity, celebration, and focus. For guests, wearing white is considered disrespectful and attention-grabbing in all the wrong ways.

Why avoid it?
Tradition holds that white is reserved for the bride, and sometimes for the groom if he chooses a white jacket or formal ivory attire. But if you're a guest, wearing white is the quickest way to offend and overshadow. It’s the most common and avoidable dress code error—especially at Italian weddings, where etiquette matters deeply.

What to wear instead?

If you're the groom, adding a white tie to your wedding outfit is a refined way to honor tradition while creating a look that’s clean and elegant. Instead of a white suit, opt for a white silk tie—a timeless choice that pairs beautifully with a blue or navy suit.

For a crisp and formal finish, a solid white silk tie offers a minimalist, confident look. If you’d like to add personality, choose a white tie with a subtle pattern or print, perfect for bringing a touch of charm to your ensemble. For a more classic and textured style, consider a white jacquard tie or a grenadine silk tie (garza grossa)—both ideal options for grooms who want a distinguished, sophisticated finish.

If you're attending as a guest, choose classic and respectful shades like navy blue, charcoal grey, or soft brown for your suit. These colors convey timeless elegance without drawing attention away from the couple. For a polished Italian finish, style your look with a navy blue silk tie and a cream pocket square from Serà fine silk, expertly handcrafted from the finest Como silk.

2. All-Black at a Wedding? Not in Italy—Go Blue Instead

While an all-black outfit may seem sleek and fashionable, it's not the best choice for a wedding—especially in Italy, where weddings are meant to feel joyful, not somber. Head-to-toe black can come across as too formal, or even reminiscent of mourning, which clashes with the celebratory spirit of the occasion.

Why avoid it?
Wearing all black as a guest can feel overly serious or emotionally distant. While black is acceptable in eveningwear and black-tie settings, for daytime or semi-formal Italian weddings, it risks looking out of place and too austere.

What to wear instead?
Swap the black for a blue suit—an all-time classic for weddings. A navy or mid-blue suit strikes the perfect balance between elegance and freshness. 

For a refined touch, pair it with a light blue silk tie and a light blue silk pocket square. It's a look that’s polished, respectful, and effortlessly stylish—ideal for Italian ceremonies.

3. Red: Bold, but Not for the Big Day

While red is a color full of passion, it’s also one that demands attention—and at a wedding, you don’t want to steal the spotlight. Bright red is bold, striking, and can distract from the bride and groom’s special moment.

Why avoid it? Red can take attention away from the couple, making it appear as if you’re trying to outshine them. Let the bride and groom be the center of attention, not your bold red dress or suit.

Alternative? Instead of bright red, opt for softer hues like pale pink, lavender, or brown silk tie.

These shades add a touch of vibrance while remaining elegant and understated. For a luxe touch, complete your look with a silk pocket square in these soft tones.

4. Neon and Fluorescent Colors: Keep it Classy, Not Clash-y

Neon and fluorescent colors, such as neon green, hot pink, or electric yellow, should never make an appearance at a wedding. These colors are too bold and can clash with the romantic, elegant atmosphere of the celebration.

Why avoid it? Neon colors are distracting and can detract from the beauty of the wedding. Weddings are about elegance, and neon shades simply don’t fit into that atmosphere. 

Alternative? Stick to softer, classic colors like navy or pastel yellow for a timeless, sophisticated look.

You can always add a pop of color (but with class) with luxury silk accessories, like a silk pocket square, to complement your ensemble.

5. Too Casual? Jeans Are Never Wedding-Appropriate

Even if the invitation says "casual," jeans and overly relaxed outfits are never the right choice for an Italian wedding. No matter how laid-back the setting, weddings call for effort, elegance, and respect—and denim just doesn’t belong.

Why avoid it?
Wearing jeans to a wedding—especially in Italy—can come across as careless or disrespectful. Weddings are special occasions, and your outfit should reflect the importance of the moment.

What to wear instead?
If a full suit feels too formal, go for a tailored separates look: trousers and a blazer paired with a silk pocket square for a sharp finish.

For an effortlessly chic alternative, consider a suit styled with a knitted silk tie or an elegant silk ascot—perfect for a guest who wants to look relaxed yet refined. Light, natural tones like dusty blue, or green keep things fresh while staying appropriate.

Complete the look with a silk accessory from Serà fine silk, made in Como and designed to make even the simplest outfit look considered and elegant.

Add Extra Luck to Your Wedding Look with Italian Charm

In Italy, luck is everything—especially on your wedding day. While you’ve nailed the dress and the tux, why not add a bit of extra charm with a touch of Italian good fortune?

The saying "Qualcosa di vecchio, qualcosa di nuovo, qualcosa di prestato, qualcosa di blu" brings luck to the bride. Something old connects her to the past, something new symbolizes a fresh start, something borrowed brings good vibes from a happily married friend, and something blue represents loyalty and love.

But why stop there? For the groom and guests, our Good Luck pocket square collection adds a dose of Italian luck. Whether it’s the green clover for fortune, the red chili pepper for protection, or the horseshoe for classic luck, these symbols make your look stylish and full of good energy. Complete the look with a silk pocket square from Serà Fine Silk—it’s the perfect way to add something blue and share a bit of Italian luck with your guests.

Conclusion: Dress Smart, Respect Tradition, and Let Serà Fine Silk Guide You

Choosing the right wedding outfit isn’t just about style—it’s about respecting tradition, understanding the local dress code, and selecting colors and accessories that suit the occasion. In Italy, fashion and formality go hand in hand, and avoiding these five color mistakes ensures your look is both appropriate and memorable.

If you’re the groom and want to stand out for all the right reasons, read our style guide:
👉 How to Dress as a Groom for an Italian Wedding – featuring expert tips and silk accessories made in Como.

Invited as a guest? Discover how to make the perfect impression:
👉 What to Wear as a Guest to an Italian Wedding – including must-know etiquette and outfit inspiration.

Need help creating your outfit? Try our free Personal Styling Service for Wedding Accessories to get personalized advice on pairing silk ties, pocket squares, or bow ties handcrafted in Italy. Whether you're dressing for a vineyard wedding, a seaside ceremony, or a city celebration, Serà Fine Silk is here to guide you.