Deborah Chan
When it comes to wedding dresses, white is a bright, pure, and crisp colour with no undertones. However, pure white can sometimes appear harsh on the skin and in bridal portraits. Ivory, a softer shade of white with warm, yellow undertones, is often considered more flattering and romantic. It is also the most common white wedding dress colour seen in pictures. For those with cool skin tones, true white is a striking choice, while those with warm or olive skin tones may prefer ivory. For a Summer bride, soft white is a beautiful option, and for an Autumn bride, cream or champagne whites are perfect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of white | Soft white |
| Skin tone suitability | Spring |
| Summer | |
| Suits lighter skin tones | |
| Undertones | Warmer |
| Yellow | |
| Fabric | Crepe |
| Chiffon | |
| Satin | |
| Taffeta | |
| Lighting | Natural light |
| Daylight | |
| Season | Summer |
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What You'll Learn
Pure white vs ivory
Pure white is the brightest and most brilliant version of the colour, often achieved through the use of bleach and synthetic fabrics. It is a crisp, clean shade that can be striking and complementary on darker skin tones, but can sometimes wash out lighter complexions. Pure white dresses can appear blue under certain lighting conditions, particularly when photographed with HD cameras.
Variations of pure white include "stark white", "diamond white", "silk white", and "natural white". Diamond white is a softer shade that works well with satin, while natural white is the brightest white that can be achieved with natural fibres and falls midway between pure white and ivory.
Ivory is a softer, creamier shade of white with warm, yellow undertones. It is a romantic and ethereal colour that is more universally flattering than pure white, complementing a wider range of skin tones. Ivory dresses work well with lace, and their warm undertones can be enhanced by gold, rose gold, and pearl jewellery. Ivory is also well-suited to earthy and natural wedding themes, complementing organic elements like wood, greenery, and soft pastel colours.
The choice between pure white and ivory depends on several factors, including the wearer's skin tone, the wedding theme, and personal style. Pure white is often chosen for its association with purity and simplicity, while ivory is favoured for its softer, more vintage-inspired feel. Trying on dresses in natural light is the best way to find the most flattering shade.
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Diamond white
The colour is very versatile and can be used to create a vintage-inspired, romantic look, or a sleek, sophisticated silhouette. It is often chosen for its ability to evoke old Hollywood glamour, and it pairs well with satin. It also works beautifully with tulle, lace, crepe, and beading.
There are many options available for brides who are interested in a diamond white wedding dress. The colour is offered by several designers, including Maggie Sottero, Rebecca Ingram, and Azazie.
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Skin tone considerations
Skin tone is the most important consideration when choosing the colour of your wedding dress. When we refer to "skin tones," we're actually referring to undertones, which can be warm, cool, or a mixture of both.
Pure white, also known as bright white or snow white, is a brilliant shade that can appear harsh and wash out paler skin tones. However, it can look stunning on darker skin tones with warm or olive undertones. If you have very warm undertones, pure white can be a striking choice.
For those with fair skin, ivory is often a more flattering option than pure white. Ivory is a softer shade of white with warm, yellow undertones, sometimes referred to as "eggshell" or "candlelight." It is a versatile colour that complements a wide range of skin tones, especially those with cool undertones.
Champagne and blush shades are also popular choices for wedding dresses, offering a modern and romantic look. Champagne has gold undertones and is particularly flattering on olive or sallow skin tones, adding depth and balance to both warm and cool undertones. Blush has subtle pink undertones, adding a touch of whimsy and romance to the traditional white gown.
Ultimately, the most important consideration when choosing the colour of your wedding dress is how you feel. You want to feel comfortable and confident in your gown, so select a shade that you love and that flatters your unique skin tone.
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Fabric considerations
When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, the gown's material is just as important as its cut or embellishments. Different materials can alter the bride's overall experience and appearance.
Firstly, consider the lighting and setting of your wedding. Stark white, for example, can appear blue under certain lighting, whereas ivory is a softer shade with yellow undertones. If you're getting married outdoors, lightweight and transparent fabrics like chiffon, tulle, lace, and organza are perfect for a garden celebration. Chiffon, in particular, is often used as an overlay, in layers, or as an accent detail due to its sheer and transparent style.
For a formal fall or winter wedding, stiffer fabrics like brocade are more suitable. Brocade is made from silk or synthetic fibres and is distinguished by jacquard (raised designs) woven into the fabric. For a spring or summer wedding, chiffon and satin are good choices, with the latter working especially well with diamond white.
If you're looking for a sleek look, crepe is a good option. For something more flowing, fabrics with a soft drape like silk or synthetic satin are popular choices. These lend themselves to narrow or slim dresses with looser fits.
It's important to note that certain materials work better with different colours. White pops best on matte fabrics like crepe, while silkier materials like chiffon, satin, and taffeta reflect the deeper undertones of ivory shades.
Ultimately, the most important thing is that you love the colour and fabric of your wedding dress.
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Lighting considerations
When it comes to lighting considerations for a soft white wedding dress, several factors come into play to ensure the desired look is achieved.
Firstly, the lighting conditions of the venue itself are crucial. Natural light during the daytime will interact with a white dress differently compared to artificial lighting in the evening. The venue's lighting fixtures, whether warm or cool, can impact how a soft white dress appears, with certain shades of white appearing bluer or yellower under specific lighting conditions.
Secondly, the camera equipment and photography techniques used will influence how the dress is captured in photographs. HD cameras, in particular, can introduce a light blue tint to stark white dresses. Discussing the lighting setup with the photographer and understanding their approach to capturing the dress's colour accurately is essential.
Additionally, the fabric of the dress itself can affect how light interacts with it. Matte fabrics like crepe tend to showcase white more vividly, while silkier materials like chiffon, satin, and taffeta reflect the deeper undertones of softer whites. The lining of the dress also matters—a matching lining enhances the colour, while a darker lining adds depth and dimension.
Finally, personal preference and skin tone play a significant role in lighting considerations. Trying on different shades of soft white in natural lighting is essential to finding the most flattering option. While pure white can wash out paler skin tones, softer whites like diamond white or ivory with their warmer undertones tend to complement a wider range of skin tones and create a more romantic, ethereal feel.
In conclusion, by taking into account the venue's lighting, camera equipment, fabric choice, and personal skin tone, one can make informed decisions regarding lighting considerations for a soft white wedding dress, ensuring the desired aesthetic is achieved.
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Frequently asked questions
A soft white wedding dress typically refers to an ivory dress. Ivory is a softer, more romantic shade of white with warm undertones.
White is a bright hue with no mixes or shades of any other colour. In full light, a white wedding dress can appear to have a blue tint. Ivory, on the other hand, is a warmer shade of white with yellow or gold undertones.
Ivory is typically the most universally flattering version of white. It complements a wide range of skin tones, especially those with pink undertones.
Other soft and subtle colours for wedding dresses include champagne and blush. Champagne has gold undertones, while blush has pink and red undertones.
