The Whore's Wedding: Choosing The Perfect Dress Color

Wedding dress colors have evolved over the years, with brides today opting for colors that reflect their personalities and styles rather than adhering to traditional norms. While white wedding dresses, popularized by Queen Victoria in the 19th century, have long been associated with purity and virginity, modern brides are embracing a range of hues, from ivory and champagne to bolder shades like red and orange. Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress color is a personal one, allowing brides to express themselves and feel their best on their special day.

White wedding dresses

The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress was popularised by Queen Victoria in the 19th century as a symbol of wealth and prestige. Today, white is still a popular choice for wedding dresses, with many brides opting for a pure white gown to achieve the classic bridal look.

However, there are several shades of white to choose from, including diamond white, ivory, and champagne. Diamond white can be paired with tulle to soften its harshness on certain skin tones, while ivory, with its warm hue, is said to flatter almost everyone. For a more romantic and whimsical look, brides may also opt for shades of ivory such as blush, champagne, and mauve. These shades can add a touch of pink or cream to the traditional white, creating a unique and personalised look for the bride.

While white is a traditional choice, modern brides are increasingly choosing coloured wedding dresses to reflect their personalities and styles. Colours such as red, orange, yellow, green, and blue are becoming popular choices, each conveying different meanings and sentiments. For instance, red symbolises boldness and passion, while blue represents peace and purity.

Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour is a personal one, and there are no rules that need to be followed. Whether a bride chooses a pure white gown or a coloured dress, the most important thing is that she feels confident and radiant on her special day.

Ivory wedding dresses

The "colour of love" is red, and a bride who chooses this bold colour for her wedding dress is said to be passionate and full of desire. Orange, on the other hand, suggests a youthful vitality, while yellow conveys happiness, intelligence and wisdom. A bride who wears green is considered refined and inventive, and blue is traditionally a symbol of good luck, as well as peace and purity.

However, the traditional choice for brides has historically been pure white, a colour that was popularised by Queen Victoria in the 19th century as a symbol of wealth and prestige. But today, there are no rules. Weddings are changing, and couples want their wedding day to be as individual as they are.

Ivory, a colour that has been rising in popularity in recent years, has a slight tint of cream, which gives it a warmer tone than white. Ivory flatters almost everyone, especially those with lighter skin tones, as the warm hue contrasts cool undertones. It is also the most versatile of wedding dress colours, working well with fabrics like satin, lace, organza, and tulle.

If you're looking for an ivory wedding dress, you might consider the following:

• The Ginny dress from Grace + Ivory, which features a drop waist silhouette
• A gown from David's Bridal's collection, which offers unique necklines and silhouettes, as well as ivory touches like lace overlays, full organza skirts, and rhinestone accents
• A dress from Honest in Ivory's bridal collection, which includes designer gowns in a variety of styles and sizes, crafted with luxurious fabrics and impeccable tailoring

Blush wedding dresses

Wedding dress colours have evolved over time, with brides-to-be opting for colours that reflect their personalities and suit their skin tones. While white wedding dresses are traditional, colours like ivory, champagne, mocha, nude, and blush are also popular choices.

The versatility of blush is another advantage, as it complements various styles, from figure-hugging mermaid silhouettes to ball gowns. The shade also pairs well with delicate and soft designs, and its warmth highlights the details of the gown, such as lace or sequins. For plus-size brides, blush can be especially flattering, enhancing the curves and creating a romantic, feminine aesthetic.

When accessorizing a blush wedding dress, rose gold, yellow gold, and rubies can enhance the rosy hue of the gown. Preserving the colour of a blush wedding dress is also important, and professional cleaning and storage in a dark, dry closet can ensure the dress remains in pristine condition.

Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour is a personal one, and blush is a subtle yet striking option for brides who want to add a touch of modern romance to their big day.

Non-traditional colours

While white wedding dresses are traditional and often expected, many brides today are opting for non-traditional colours that flatter their skin tone and fit their desired aesthetic.

Some non-traditional colours that have gained popularity include various shades of ivory, such as blush, champagne, almond, and moscato. These soft pink hues offer a romantic and modern look, allowing details like lace to stand out against the slightly darker background. Another variation of ivory is off-white, which is warmer than white but not as warm as ivory, making it a flattering option for all skin tones.

For brides who want to make a bold statement, black wedding dresses are an option. Black represents wealth, power, and confidence. Mocha, a darker shade, is another non-traditional colour that complements darker skin tones and makes the details of the dress stand out. Nude, a lighter tan colour, is also a popular choice, creating a neutral base for lace details to pop.

Other unique colours that brides are choosing include blue, which symbolises peace and purity, and lavender. Some brides also opt for colourful gowns like orange, which conveys youth and strength, or yellow, representing intelligence and humour. Ultimately, there are no rules when it comes to wedding dress colours, and brides should choose what makes them feel their best.

Colour meanings

Colour theory is a complex and subjective area, with colours evoking different reactions in different people due to cultural, personal, and biological factors. However, there are some commonly agreed-upon meanings associated with certain colours.

Red, for example, is often associated with sex and prostitution. In several cultures, prostitutes were forced to wear red to distinguish themselves from 'respectable' women. This association may be linked to the Bible, in which Rahab the harlot was forced to identify herself with a length of scarlet rope in her window. The colour red is also associated with sin and adultery in the Bible, and the phrase "The Scarlet Woman" has been used by Protestants and Mormons to refer to sex workers. In addition to its sexual connotations, red can also evoke feelings of love or hate, and may symbolise courage, fertility, or guilt.

Blue, on the other hand, is often associated with trustworthiness, peace, calm, serenity, and stability. It is seen as a masculine colour and is often used to evoke a sense of calmness and responsibility. Light blues can be refreshing and friendly, while dark blues are seen as strong and reliable.

Purple has long been associated with royalty, due to the difficulty of dying fabric purple in ancient times.

Black is a strong neutral colour that can convey a sense of power, elegance, and formality. However, it can also be associated with death, evil, and mystery, and is the traditional colour of mourning in many Western countries.

Green is a down-to-earth colour that can represent new beginnings, growth, renewal, and abundance. However, it can also symbolise envy or jealousy and a lack of experience.

Frequently asked questions