Rhiannon Hendricks
While it is traditional for brides to wear white on their wedding day, symbolizing purity, there is a growing trend of brides opting for non-white wedding dresses. This shift towards colorful wedding dresses is a return to the past, where brides wore their best dress, often in colors like red, blue, pink, or black, which were passed down through generations. Today, many brides are embracing this trend and choosing colorful wedding dresses that reflect their unique style and personality. Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress color is a personal decision, and brides should feel empowered to wear whatever makes them feel happy and confident on their special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dress color options | Endless |
| Traditional color | White |
| Symbolism of white | Purity |
| Origin of the white wedding dress tradition | Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840 |
| Colored wedding dress cultures | China, Korea, Thailand, Morocco, Nigeria, Zulu, Ghana, India |
| Colors in other cultures | Red, blue, green, gold, yellow, pink |
| Colored wedding dress in history | Common before 1840 due to economics |
| Colored wedding dress today | Acceptable and modern |
| Colored wedding dress in photos | Better than stark white |
| Colored wedding dress advice | Wear what makes you happy |
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What You'll Learn
It's your wedding, wear what you want
It's your wedding day, and you should wear whatever makes you feel happy and confident! Although it's traditional for brides to wear white, this tradition is relatively modern, starting with Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840. Before this, wedding dresses were colourful, and brides wore reds, blues, pinks, and even black. In many cultures outside of the West, brides wear colourful wedding dresses, with colours chosen to represent joy, happiness, and luck.
Today, there are so many beautiful colourful gowns available, even from traditional wedding dress designers. You can find elegant blues, delicate greens, pretty soft pinks, and vibrant reds. If you love to wear colour in your day-to-day life, why not do the same on your wedding day?
It's also worth considering how your dress will look in photographs. A bright white dress may cause you to lose details in the fabric, such as lace or beading, whereas a coloured dress will bring a unique and vibrant look to your wedding photos.
If you're worried about what your family or friends might think, remember that it's your day, and you should wear whatever makes you feel your happiest self. You can also find ways to incorporate colour into your outfit, such as wearing a white dress with bright embroidery or choosing colourful veil or accessories.
So, if you want to wear a coloured wedding dress, go for it! Choose a colour and style that makes you feel confident and beautiful, and have fun on your special day!
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Coloured wedding dresses in other cultures
Although white wedding dresses are common in many cultures, coloured wedding dresses are also popular in several cultures around the world. Here are some examples:
China
In Chinese culture, brides traditionally wear red, a colour that symbolises joy, happiness, luck, fertility, and good fortune. The traditional Chinese wedding dress, known as a qipao or cheongsam, is made from silk or brocade fabric and features a mandarin collar. The dress may also be decorated with intricate embroidery, beads, and stones, and often includes symbols such as a phoenix and dragon, which represent the bride and groom respectively.
Korea
Korean brides traditionally wear a hanbok, which is a two-piece ensemble consisting of a long jacket and skirt made from lightweight silk or cotton. The colours used in these designs are often bright and vibrant, symbolising luck and prosperity for the newlyweds. The fabric may also be decorated with intricate embroidery and embellishments.
Thailand
Thai brides usually wear a traditional dress made of brightly coloured silk.
Morocco
Brides in Morocco wear wedding dresses in green, blue, or a colour representing any of the seven regions of the country.
Nigeria
Nigerian wedding dresses feature colourful coral beads as a highlight.
India
Indian brides wear sarees or lehengas, which are made from lightweight silk or cotton and consist of a long piece of fabric draped around the body. The dress often symbolises the bride's wealth and status in society.
Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour and style is a personal decision, and couples can choose to represent their culture, family, and heritage or mix traditional and modern styles. As some have said, wear whatever colour you feel beautiful in!
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White dresses are a modern trend
The colour white has long been associated with wedding dresses, with many brides choosing to wear white on their wedding day. This tradition is believed to have started with Queen Victoria, who wore a white wedding dress in 1840. The dress was made from satin fabric woven in Spitalfield, London, and featured handmade lace from Honiton and Beer in Devon. The choice of fabric and lace was likely influenced by Queen Victoria's desire to support the cottage industry of the time. The simplicity and beauty of her dress inspired many brides who followed in her footsteps, choosing white for their own wedding gowns.
However, it's important to note that the trend of wearing white is not as ancient as some might assume. In fact, before Queen Victoria's wedding, it was common for brides to wear colourful dresses. The colours chosen were often influenced by cultural traditions and beliefs, as well as economic factors. Red was a popular choice, as it symbolised good fortune and strength, and was also inexpensive to create. Other colours such as blue, pink, and even black were also worn, depending on what the bride already owned or could afford.
Today, while white is still a popular choice for wedding dresses, many brides are breaking away from this tradition and embracing colour. The idea of wearing a non-white dress feels modern and exciting. With the endless options available, brides can choose a colour that reflects their unique style and personality. From soft pinks and vibrant reds to delicate greens and elegant blues, there is a whole spectrum of shades to explore.
Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour comes down to personal preference. Some brides may feel drawn to the classic elegance of white, while others may wish to make a statement with a colourful gown. The most important thing is for the bride to feel beautiful and confident on their special day. Whether it's a traditional white dress or a colourful creation, the dress should reflect the bride's individuality and make them feel like the happiest version of themselves.
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Non-white dresses photograph better
There are no rules when it comes to your wedding dress—it's all about what feels right to you. While white wedding dresses are traditional, they are not a "must-have". Wearing a non-white wedding dress is a great way to express yourself and your unique personality.
Non-white wedding dresses can be particularly striking in photographs. For example, a full sequin dress in a bold colour is an eye-catching, showstopping option. Similarly, a black wedding gown is a sophisticated and elegant choice for a formal, black-tie wedding. Pink dresses in hues like blush or rose gold are perfect for spring or summer weddings.
If you're looking for something more unique, you could opt for a colourful traditional dress. In China, brides wear red because it symbolizes joy, happiness, and luck. In Thailand, brides usually wear traditional dresses made of brightly coloured silk. African Zulu brides wear animal-printed skirts called isidwaba, while Ghanaian brides wear handwoven fabric in yellow and gold with bold designs.
Ultimately, you should wear whatever colour you feel beautiful in on your wedding day. It's your day, and you want to look back on photos of your happiest self.
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You can find colourful gowns from traditional designers
There are no rules when it comes to choosing your wedding dress colour. If you want to wear a colourful wedding dress, you can find beautiful gowns from traditional designers.
Hayley Paige, for example, offers lilac tulle ball gowns and tiered ruffle skirts. Her designs are perfect for brides who want to have fun with their wedding look. Leanne Marshall is another designer to consider if you're looking for colourful, flowy wedding dresses. Her dresses are made to order in the US and are often hand-dyed. BHLDN is also recommended for brides who want something unique and a little luxurious.
For something truly whimsical, Flora and Lane is a great option. They offer the opportunity to custom design a dress from scratch. Watters Designs is another designer that offers a range of colourful options, from boho wedding dresses to super fun and funky gowns. Their Storm dress, for instance, features a blend of Galaxy Rhinestone Tulle, Illusion Tulle, and Haze Net, creating a celestial aura. Their Hutton design comes in two colours, one of which is a beautiful subtle rainbow.
If you're looking for a non-traditional designer, Canvas Bridal offers one-of-a-kind colourful wedding gowns. The designer, Taylor Ann Art, hand-paints traditional wedding gowns, creating stunning rainbow ombre and sunset-inspired gradients.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can wear any color you like. It's your wedding, so wear whatever makes you happy and feel beautiful.
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress began with Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. She wore a white satin dress with handmade lace, supporting the cottage industry at the time. People described her gown as plain, simple, and beautiful, and many brides have chosen white for their own weddings since then.
There are no colors that are inherently inappropriate for a wedding dress. However, some colors may be considered taboo or have negative connotations in certain cultures. For example, in Western cultures, wearing black to a wedding may be associated with mourning or fans of the occult.
There are many colors that brides can choose from for their wedding dress, including ivory, off-white, diamond white, cream, blush, champagne, and various shades of pink. Beyond these softer colors, brides can also choose from vibrant reds, delicate greens, elegant blues, and bold shades of gold.
In some cultures and regions, specific colors or types of wedding dresses are traditional. For example, in China, brides typically wear red as it symbolizes joy, happiness, and luck. In Thailand, brides usually wear traditional dresses made of brightly colored silk. In Morocco, brides wear green, blue, or a color representing one of the country's seven regions.
