It’s every bride’s dream to walk down the aisle in a beautiful white dress. White is a traditional sign of purity and a symbol of a blank slate for the new life you are about to start. But like your new life, bridal fashion is evolving.
White has been the traditional color for wedding gowns since the mid-1800s, but it did not reach mass popularity until after World War II. Since then, it has become a tradition in the Western world, but many designers are working to change this standard.
Bridal shops are no longer a sea of white dresses. Designers now make dresses in black, red, ivory, and every shade of pink or champagne you can possibly imagine. These colorful dresses are no less beautiful but are they really bridal? While shopping for the perfect gown, you need to decide what style elements are the most important to you. Here are a few things to think about.
What Color Flatters You?
Think about your skin tone and the vision you have for your wedding. Maybe a champagne gown would be more flattering for your skin tone and would look pretty with your venue.
What Dress Colors Does Your Dress Designer Offer?
Designers have different fabrics and colors. Though various designers may use the same color names, the fabrics themselves may look very different. This includes shades of white and ivory; some may be starker or have more of a yellow tone. If you are deciding between colors, ask to see the shade in a similar fabric from a designer before deciding.
Ivory vs. White: Which Is Better?
If you are leaning toward a more traditional look and trying to decide between white and ivory, consider going with ivory. Ivory is a softer variation of white that will still give you the same classic glow. White tends to be cooler and may give off a blueish hue that can be harsher on your skin tone, especially if you have a fairer complexion.
What Dress Colors Look Best on Camera?
Your photographs are another thing to consider. Though darker shades may not initially seem as bridal, they will seem lighter and brighter once your photographer puts a hot flash on them. (In case you are wondering, the dress in the photo is not white or ivory but champagne.) You need to ask yourself what you love most about the dress. Did the lace or design make you fall in love with your wedding gown? Perhaps a darker shade would be right for you. When you choose white or ivory, your gown loses some of its contrast, and any special detailing will be harder to point out, particularly in your photos.
Do Your Bridesmaids’ Dresses Clash With Your Gown Color?
This is something that I have come across often. Many brides have a certain vision of what color they want their bridesmaids in, and they do not want to sacrifice that vision by picking a dress that does not complement this color scheme. There is no right or wrong answer to any decision a bride makes. However, it is important for a bride to remember that she is the focus. The bridesmaids are just the frame.
What’s Your Wedding Vision?
Look at the whole picture. On your day, you will likely have a bouquet, veil, and your hair and makeup all done up. You will look like a bride regardless of the color of the dress.
These are just a few points to consider when choosing the color of your wedding gown. White and ivory will always be beautiful, classic choices, but don’t be afraid to check out other options. The most important thing is that you feel beautiful and confident.
