
Choosing the colour of your wedding dress is a highly personal decision and one of the most exciting aspects of planning your wedding. Ivory and white are the two most popular wedding dress colours, but they are slightly different. Ivory is a gorgeous colour for a wedding dress as it is a softer shade with warm, yellow undertones that complement most skin tones. Ivory is particularly flattering on lighter skin tones as the warm hue contrasts with cool undertones. Ivory is also a more universally flattering alternative to pure white, which can wash out paler skin tones. Pure white is a brighter, purer shade that is striking against darker skin tones. However, white is the most traditional choice for a wedding dress due to its association with purity and has been popular since Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress in 1840.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most traditional colour | White |
| Modern colour | Ivory |
| Skin tones flattered | White: darker skin tones; Ivory: most skin tones, especially lighter skin tones |
| Lighting considerations | Stark white can pick up colours of its surroundings; White can appear blue under certain lighting; Ivory might appear dull in yellow lighting |
| Undertones | White: cool undertones; Ivory: warm undertones |
| Symbolism | White: purity, simplicity, innocence; Ivory: luxury, romance |
| Feel | White: pristine, stark, crisp, clean; Ivory: soft, warm, rich, ethereal, romantic |
| Vintage-inspired | Ivory |
| Lighting | White: bright; Ivory: softer |
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What You'll Learn

Ivory is a universally flattering colour
Ivory is a versatile colour that can be dressed up or down. It is a popular choice for modern brides who prefer its warmth and richness, which add a layer of sophistication to any wedding theme. Ivory is also a good choice for bohemian weddings as its warm undertone is more natural and blends well with earth tones.
The colour ivory is also associated with luxury and forgiveness. It is a romantic colour that can make a wedding dress feel more ethereal and vintage-inspired. Ivory is a good choice for brides who are looking for a softer feel or a vintage-inspired gown.
While white is the traditional wedding dress colour, ivory is a more modern choice that can flatter a wider range of skin tones. Ivory is a good option for brides who want to stand out from the crowd and make a statement with their wedding dress colour.
The right shade of ivory is important to find as well. Lighter ivories work well with very fair skin, while deeper, creamier tones can complement darker skin.
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Ivory is more modern
Ivory's warm undertones give it a rich, creamy hue, making it universally flattering and ideal for those with fair to medium skin tones. Its subtle yellow undertones add a layer of sophistication and elegance to any wedding theme, creating a softer, more romantic feel. Ivory is particularly well-suited to bohemian weddings, as its warm undertones blend naturally with earth tones.
In contrast, stark white can appear washed out on lighter skin tones and may not photograph well under certain lighting conditions. While it can complement darker skin tones, the shade has decreased in popularity due to its limited versatility.
Ivory's ability to flatter various skin tones and its association with luxury and romance make it a modern and appealing choice for brides. It provides a softer alternative to stark white, enhancing the natural beauty of the wearer and creating a warm, ethereal aesthetic.
Additionally, ivory dresses bring out the details of the gown, such as lace and sequins, making them ideal for lace and fit-and-flare styles. The colour's versatility and ability to enhance the wearer's natural beauty contribute to its popularity among modern brides seeking a sophisticated yet romantic look.
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Ivory is more romantic
Ivory is a more romantic choice than white because of its soft, warm hue. It is a universally flattering colour, complementing a wide range of skin tones. Ivory can soften features and add a glow to the complexion. Lighter shades of ivory work well with very fair skin, while deeper, creamier tones can be stunning on darker skin. Ivory is also a good choice for bohemian weddings, as its warm undertone is more natural and blends well with earth tones.
Ivory is also a more practical choice than white. White can wash out paler skin tones, whereas ivory flatters almost everybody. In addition, white can appear blue under certain lighting, especially with HD cameras. Ivory, on the other hand, will always look warm and elegant.
Ivory is also a good choice for brides who want to remain true to tradition but with a modern twist. White is the quintessential wedding dress colour, often associated with purity and simplicity, and is therefore the more traditional choice. However, ivory shares much of the same symbolism as white, and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Ultimately, the choice between ivory and white comes down to personal preference. Both colours are timeless and carry a wealth of meaning and style. However, if you are looking for a softer, more romantic feel, ivory is the better choice.
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Ivory suits most wedding themes
Ivory is a universally flattering colour that suits most wedding themes. It is a versatile choice that can enhance the unique spirit of your wedding day. Ivory is a softer shade of white with warm, yellow undertones. It is a forgiving colour that flatters a wide range of skin tones, especially lighter skin tones, as the warm hue contrasts with cool undertones. Ivory can soften features and add a glow to the complexion.
Ivory is an increasingly popular choice among modern brides. Its warmth and richness add a layer of sophistication to any wedding theme. Ivory is particularly well-suited to bohemian weddings, as its warm undertones blend naturally with earth tones. It is also a good choice for vintage-inspired gowns, as it exudes a softer, more ethereal and romantic feel.
The colour of your wedding dress sets the tone for your entire wedding aesthetic. Ivory is a timeless choice that carries a wealth of meaning and style. It shares the same symbolism as white, including purity and simplicity, while also being seen as more luxurious. Ivory is a good choice for lace and fit-and-flare dress styles as it brings out the details of the dress, highlighting the curves of your body.
While the difference between ivory and white is minimal, ivory is a richer, creamier hue that is less likely to wash out paler skin tones. It is a softer alternative to pure white that pairs well with lighter complexions. Ivory is also a good choice for darker skin tones, with deeper, creamier tones that can be stunning.
Ultimately, the decision between ivory and white comes down to personal preference and what makes you feel most like a bride.
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Ivory is a good choice for bohemian weddings
Ivory is an excellent choice for a bohemian wedding dress. Ivory is a softer shade of white with warm, yellow undertones, and is a universally flattering colour that suits a wide range of skin tones. It is particularly complementary to lighter skin tones, as the warm hue of the dress contrasts with cool undertones in the skin. Ivory's warm and rich undertones can also highlight golden hues in skin with warm undertones.
Ivory is an increasingly popular choice for modern brides, who are drawn to its warmth and sophistication. It is also a more natural colour that blends well with earth tones, making it a good option for bohemian weddings that take place in nature-inspired settings.
In addition, ivory is a versatile colour that can enhance the details of your wedding dress, such as lace and sequins. It is a good choice for vintage-inspired gowns, as it is associated with a softer, more ethereal and romantic feel.
The colour of your wedding dress is an important decision that can set the tone for your entire wedding aesthetic. Ivory is a timeless choice that can add a layer of sophistication to any wedding theme. It is a forgiving colour that can flatter a wide range of skin tones, making it a good option for brides who want to feel confident and comfortable on their special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, of course! While white is the traditional colour for a wedding dress, ivory is a popular alternative that is considered more modern and sophisticated. Ivory is also more universally flattering than white, as it complements a wider range of skin tones.
Ivory is a softer shade of white with warm, yellow undertones. White, on the other hand, is a brighter, purer shade.
Ivory wedding dresses are particularly flattering on those with fair to medium skin tones, as the warm hue of the dress contrasts with cool undertones. However, ivory is considered to suit almost everyone.
Ivory is a good choice for a vintage-inspired or bohemian wedding, as its warm undertone is more natural and blends well with earth tones.











































