10 Dresses Too Risky to Wear to a Wedding, If You Want to Stay Friends With the Bride

The Reformation Germain Dress ($278) totally passes. The fitted column silhouette and bouquets of flowers mean your look feels elegant, but not too bridal.

The Reformation Peppermint Dress ($388) is a true bridal white, and the leg slit takes this look to glamour territory.

This Badgley Mischka Hi-Low Ruffle Recut Gown ($795) is floaty and beautiful, but it's way more appropriate for a guest than it is for the woman of the hour.

The bride might wear something like this Anaak Airi Gypsy Dress ($487, originally $695) to her rehearsal dinner or Sunday brunch following the reception. You might not see her walking down the aisle in it, but it's a very light color and may run the risk of photographing too light.

This Ganni Floral Lurex Gown ($405) would be fun for a fancy party when you know guests are planning on dressing to the nines. It's metallic, but it doesn't have a crazy or show-stealing train.

There are plenty of brides who don't wear white and instead opt for champagne. Especially in the case of a wedding where the bride likes simple, flattering pieces, you wouldn't want to walk in wearing something too similar, and this Galvan Phoebe Satin Bustier Gown ($1,550) could be just that.

You'll look and feel gorgeous in this halter-neck, tiered Anthropologie Garden Party Dress ($150, originally $240), which is perfect for the dance floor and is definitely splashed with enough color thanks to the floral print.

Sure, it's a jumpsuit, not an incredible gown, but this Anthropologie Trinity Jumpsuit ($280) is pure bridal white, and there's no denying that it's beautiful with its delicate tie sleeves. Save this for a fancy work event in the Summer instead.

This yellow polka-dot Zara Dress ($40, originally $70) is flirty and fun. You could even make it look a touch more casual with a pair of ballet slippers for a daytime wedding. Accessorize it with a fun minaudière in lilac.

The details on this Zara Lace Dress ($30, originally $50) make it perfect for the chill, bohemian bride. The color is too spot-on bridal, so even though it's gorgeous, it's too romantic for someone who's just a guest.

If you have a quirky sense of style, we say go for it in this Silvia Tcherassi Benita Dress ($1,795), especially when you know the dress code is "fabulous." The rainbow checks and black accents make this an acceptable color scheme for a friend or family member.

No, this Ronny Kobo Astrid Dress ($538) doesn't sweep the floor or feel super extravagant, but that doesn't mean it won't look too white to the bride. It comes in a subtle leopard print, too, but the colorway still classifies this one as a no-no for wedding guests.

Of course you can wear this ASOS Design Midi Dress in Spot and Floral With Lace Trim Detail ($79) to a wedding! The flirty little details like the crisscross tiers and splashy print make it perfect for nuptials that take place outside.

This TFNC Plus Pleated Midi Dress in White ($95) could end up being the bride's idea of a reception dress made for dancing. Maybe she'll dazzle it up with embellished Converse, so don't go there — even though this tea dress is by no means a gown.

This H&M Long Chiffon Dress ($119) comes in an unmistakable blush tone. No one will think your maxi looks too white in photos or when you're on the dance floor in the bride's circle.

This H&M Pleated Long Dress ($60) is definitely elegant enough for bridal territory, so wear it with sophisticated espadrilles on vacation for a romantic dinner date instead.

This Fame and Partners Strapless Pleated A-Line Dress ($299) does have a white background, but the tube-top silhouette and blown-up graphic-print blooms actually pass the test. Feel free to add more color by way of your accessories.

If the light hits this Fame and Partners Asymmetrical Drape Dress ($215) while you're inside the venue and a photographer snaps your picture, your satin dress may look white. Even though you know it isn't really, if you like something shiny, try sugar pink instead.

This Jenny Packham Amelie Draped Embellished Tulle Gown ($4,415) will earn you major points as the best dressed guest at the wedding. It shows you put a lot of effort into your look (so you must be good friends with the bride!) but you also probably know what she's wearing and that your column sheath doesn't hold a candle to her gown.

Sure, it's got sequins, but this Jenny Packham Silvie Embellished Tulle Gown ($5,460) is still white. If attending a wedding party that calls for something this snazzy, we bet the bride doesn't mind attention (wink, wink), so just let her shine and wear this to your next gala.