Deborah Chan
The colour of a wedding dress is one of the most important choices a bride makes. Traditionally, pure white wedding dresses were most common, but in recent years, ivory has become increasingly popular. The shift away from pure white has been influenced by the fact that it is not the most flattering tone for a variety of skin colours. Ivory, on the other hand, is a softer shade with warm, yellow undertones that is considered more flattering for a wider range of skin tones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular colour | Ivory |
| Second most popular colour | White |
| Other colours | Champagne, nude, black, red, gold, blue |
| White variations | Stark white, natural white, diamond white, silk white |
| Ivory variations | Eggshell, Pearl |
| Skin tones best suited to white | Darker tones, yellow/olive undertones |
| Skin tones best suited to ivory | All skin tones, especially lighter skin tones |
| Fabrics best suited to white | Matte fabrics, e.g. crepe |
| Fabrics best suited to ivory | Silkier materials, e.g. chiffon, satin, taffeta, lace |
| Lighting considerations | Stark white can appear blue in certain lighting |
| History | Blue was the most popular colour before 1840, when Queen Victoria wore white |
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What You'll Learn
Pure white is the brightest hue
Pure white is the brightest and purest hue, as it is not mixed with any other colours. It is also known as "stark white" or "diamond white", and is the whitest shade that natural fibres can achieve. This shade is created using bleach, which can cause it to appear with a blue tint in certain lighting, especially with HD cameras. For this reason, pure white has decreased in popularity in recent years, as brides tend to favour more universally flattering shades, such as natural white, ivory, and nude.
Natural white, also referred to as "silk white", is the brightest shade of white that can be achieved with natural fibres. It falls about midway between pure white and ivory. Ivory, on the other hand, is a softer shade of white with warm, yellow undertones. Sometimes referred to as "eggshell", it is considered the most romantic and versatile of all colourways. Ivory is a popular choice for brides who want a traditional look without the harshness of pure white, which can wash out paler skin tones.
While pure white is the brightest hue, it is important to consider the skin tone of the bride when choosing a dress colour. Pure white looks best on darker skin tones and yellow undertones, while ivory flatters a wider range of skin tones, especially lighter skin. Pure white also pairs well with cooler-toned colours like blue, pink, or grey, whereas ivory complements any colour.
In terms of fabric, white pops best on matte fabrics like crepe, while silkier materials like chiffon, satin, and taffeta reflect the deeper undertones of ivory. The lining of the dress can also enhance its appearance. A matching lining will make the colour appear richer, while a slightly darker lining will add dimension.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose a pure white, ivory, or other coloured wedding dress depends on personal preference and what the bride feels most comfortable and confident in.
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Ivory is a popular modern choice
The choice between ivory and white can be a tricky one, as the difference between the two shades is subtle. However, it is important for brides to consider the lighting at their wedding venue and the potential for a blue tint in photographs when selecting a dress hue. Pure white, also known as "stark white", is the brightest and purest shade of white, achieved through bleaching and the use of synthetic fabrics. As a result, it can appear to have a blue tint in certain lighting conditions, especially in photographs taken with HD cameras.
Ivory, on the other hand, is a more natural shade of white, achievable with silkier materials like chiffon, satin, and taffeta, which reflect its deeper, warmer undertones. Ivory is also a more universally flattering shade, as it does not wash out paler skin tones like true white can. It is worth noting that some shades of ivory can give off hints of yellow, but this is not usually noticeable when the dress is worn.
In addition to ivory and pure white, there are other shades of white that brides may consider, such as "diamond white" or "silk white", which fall between pure white and ivory in terms of warmth and brightness. These off-white shades tend to be more flattering on a wider range of skin tones and can help to soften the overall look of a wedding gown.
Ultimately, the choice between ivory and white comes down to personal preference and what the bride feels most comfortable and confident in. It is important to try on different shades of white and ivory to see which one looks best and to consider the unique features and skin tone of the individual.
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Stark white can appear blue in photos
The choice between white and ivory for a wedding dress is a significant decision, with both shades being the most popular colours for wedding gowns. While pure white is the brightest and purest shade, having no mixture of any other colours, it can wash out paler skin tones and is not the most flattering for a variety of skin colours. This has led to a decrease in its popularity over the years, with brides now favouring more universally flattering shades like natural white, ivory, and nude.
Natural white, also known as "silk white", is the brightest shade of white that can be achieved with natural fibres. It falls about midway between pure white and ivory. Ivory, on the other hand, is a softer shade with yellow or warmer undertones, also referred to as "eggshell". It is considered more romantic and versatile and is a great option for those who don't want a pure white gown.
Pure white, also called "stark white" or "diamond white", often requires the use of bleach to achieve its brilliant hue. This bleaching process can cause the dress to appear with a light blue tint in photographs, especially with HD cameras. This phenomenon is due to the camera's white balance settings, which may need to be adjusted manually to avoid the blue tint. The blue tint can also be edited out of photographs using software like Lightroom or Photoshop.
When choosing between white and ivory for a wedding dress, it is essential to consider the bride's unique features and skin tone. While pure white looks excellent on darker skin tones and yellow undertones, ivory is more versatile and flattering for a range of skin colours. Trying on different colours in natural lighting and consulting bridal fashion experts can help make the right decision.
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Skin tone is a key consideration
If you have pink undertones, ivory or soft white are ideal choices as the warmer undertones complement rosy colouring. For darker skin tones, bright whites are a great option as they complement the skin's yellow or olive undertones. However, the setting and lighting of the venue should also be considered. In darker venues with yellow lighting, ivory may appear dull compared to white, which offers more contrast and helps the bride stand out.
Pure white, also known as "stark white" or "diamond white", is the brightest hue as it is not mixed with any other colours. However, it can appear too stark and is not the most flattering tone for a variety of skin colours, so it is less commonly offered by dressmakers. Additionally, pure white can photograph with a light blue tint due to the use of HD cameras and certain lighting conditions.
Natural white, sometimes called "silk white", is the brightest shade of white that can be achieved with natural fibres. It falls between pure white and ivory and has slightly less warmth than ivory. Natural white is much more flattering to a wide range of skin tones, especially those with yellow undertones. Ivory is also considered a type of white, as it is a shade of white with yellow or cream undertones.
When deciding between white and ivory, it is important to consider your skin tone and the specific shade of white that will complement your unique features. While ivory is generally considered more flattering and versatile, the most important factor is that you love the colour of your wedding dress.
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Diamond white is a softer option
Diamond white is a good choice for brides who want a traditional white dress but are concerned about the colour appearing too blue in photographs. Pure white dresses can develop a blue tint in certain lighting conditions, particularly when photographed with HD cameras. Diamond white is less likely to do this and is therefore a more reliable option for brides who want a white dress.
Diamond white is also a good choice for brides who want a simple yet sophisticated look. It can be dressed up with a touch of glitz, such as embroidered lace bishop sleeves, or kept chic and minimalist. The colour is particularly well-suited to crepe wedding gowns, giving an effortlessly chic look.
However, it is worth noting that diamond white is not as widely available as pure white or ivory. Ivory has been rising in popularity in recent years, and you are more likely to find an ivory dress than a diamond white one when shopping. That being said, some boutiques do carry diamond white gowns, and the colour can be personalised to match your preferences.
In conclusion, diamond white is a softer and more flattering option than pure white, and is a good choice for brides who want a traditional white dress that will photograph well and complement their skin tone.
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Frequently asked questions
Ivory is a shade of white, but it has a creamy, warm undertone that is flattering on many skin tones, especially lighter ones. White is a brighter, purer shade.
Wedding dresses come in a variety of colours, including champagne, nude, blush, black, red, gold, and blue.
Ivory and white are the most popular colours for wedding dresses. However, in the past, blue was considered the "most pure" colour and was therefore a popular choice for brides.
White wedding dresses became popular when Queen Victoria wore a white gown to marry Prince Albert in 1840. White was chosen as a status symbol, as it is more difficult and expensive to maintain.
The most important thing is to choose a colour that you love and that complements your unique features. Consider your skin tone and the lighting at your wedding venue.
