When we imagine the classic wedding dress, nearly all of us imagine a stunning white gown, and for good reason. White has been the go-to color for bridal gowns since 1840, when Queen Victoria wore one, sparking widespread awe. White complements all skin tones, symbolizes grace and purity, and offers a timeless look. It’s natural to feel like it’s the perfect option, but that doesn’t mean it’s ideal for every bride.
Before white became the most popular wedding dress color in Western cultures, most brides wore colorful dresses. While they’re not as popular as white, colored dresses remain a beloved option today, with numerous choices available. Let’s explore the role of color and go beyond traditional white wedding gowns.
Pink
Pink is the color of soft romance and femininity, often evoking feelings of sweet playfulness and tenderness. The shade you choose alters the overall vibe of your gown. While powder pink lends a sophisticated, dreamy ambience to any wedding, fuchsia makes a bold statement for a modern, unconventional bride. Choosing pink for your wedding dress is not only a unique choice, but also one that is sure to turn heads as you walk down the aisle.
Red
While red and pink are technically part of the same color family, most of us categorize them as distinct in the fashion world. While pink is soft and playful, red is vibrant, fiery, and alluring. This is the perfect option to showcase your passionate romance with a touch of sass as you walk down the aisle. Although red wedding dresses are not standard, it’s a vibrant and bold choice for brides who want to stand out on their big day.
Bridal Tip
Red holds significance in many cultures and traditions. In India and China, red is a popular wedding color symbolizing love, prosperity, and good fortune.
Purple
Purple resonates with royalty, wisdom, and creativity, offering a luxurious, imaginative option for any bride. As with other colors, purple comes in a range of hues stretching from soft lavender to deep eggplant. Generally, lighter shades convey a more whimsical and romantic vibe, while darker shades evoke a more regal and sophisticated feel.
Blue
Traditionally, the color blue symbolizes calmness, loyalty, and serenity, making it an excellent choice for brides who want to exude calmness on their special day. Not to mention, it can serve as your “something blue” for the wedding.
Consider which shades of blue you prefer and what complements your features. If you want a color that’s closer to white, consider a pastel blue or light blue. On the other hand, if you're going to make a statement, opt for navy, turquoise, cobalt, or teal.
Gold
Gold is the color of celebrations, extravagance, and luxury, making it a stunning choice for a bridal dress. This warm, luminous hue has a rich history of representing wealth, prosperity, and success. Brides who choose gold for their wedding dress often exude confidence, glamour, and opulence on their special day. It pairs well with other colors such as ivory, white, and champagne to create a beautiful contrast.
Black
Like white, black also evokes a sense of timeless elegance, but falls on the opposite end of the spectrum—literally. While white is pure, black gives off hints of moody mystery. It’s a classic color that is often associated with formality, sophistication, and power.
A major bonus of wearing a black wedding gown is that it goes with every color and accessory. Whether you have red, blue, purple, or pink flowers in your bouquet, you can be sure that they will stand out against a black dress. Additionally, you have the freedom to choose any jewelry, shoes, and other accessories without worrying about it clashing with your gown.
Gray
Gray is another perfect choice for a monochromatic, colored gown that’s quietly sophisticated and chic. Similar to black, gray gives off hints of mystery but still has some of white’s softness. Plus, its neutral qualities offer flexibility, pairing gracefully with metallic accents or soft pastels to enhance the overall design.
The shade and fabrics used further transform gray gowns into runway-worthy pieces. For instance, a dove-gray chiffon gown with a flowing skirt would create a dreamy and ethereal look. On the other hand, a charcoal gray velvet gown would exude luxury and opulence.
Tips for Wearing a Colored Gown
Incorporating color strategically allows for a harmonious balance between tradition and individuality. Here are some tips for wearing a colored gown.
Pick the Right Shade
Choosing a colored wedding dress opens up a world of possibilities, but narrowing down the right shade is key to creating your dream look. Begin with your personal preferences and consider the colors you naturally gravitate toward. Then, consider which shades flatter your skin tone and bring out your best features.
You can also narrow down shades by looking at color families, such as jewel tones, pastels, neutrals, etc. Each option looks best on different skin tones and is most popular during specific times of year. Jewel tones add decadent, saturated glamour to any look, while pastels bring a soft, feminine touch perfect for spring or summer.
Consider Buying Two Dresses
Deciding whether to opt for a colored or white gown can be challenging, especially if you love the aesthetic of both. If you have the budget for it, consider buying two dresses for the ceremony and another for the reception. This allows you to enjoy both a stunning white gown for the ceremony and a vibrant dress to showcase your personality at the reception.
Think About Color Palettes
Your color palette should revolve around the shade of your classy bridal dress, so consider which hues would complement it. If you wear a blush pink dress, you may consider putting your bridesmaids in harmonizing gowns, such as burgundy, lavender, sage, or gold. These colors create a cohesive and elegant look, adding depth to your wedding theme.
Follow Your Vision
If you opt for a colored dress, you may have friends or relatives offering their unwanted advice on what they’d wear. However, this is your big day, and unsolicited advice isn’t helpful. While friends may say one shade would look better than another, they should support your choice to wear a colored gown. Weddings are deeply personal celebrations that reflect the couple’s values, personalities, and aspirations.
Find Your Perfect Dress
Your wedding day is a canvas for your unique love story, and the colors you choose speak volumes about who you are. Justin Alexander offers a stunning collection of wedding gowns in a variety of styles and colors, designed to celebrate every bride’s individuality. Take your time exploring our online collection as you search for the gown that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
