George Boyle
Ivory wedding dresses have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many brides-to-be opting for this shade over the traditional white. But what does choosing an ivory wedding dress mean? Traditionally, white wedding dresses were chosen to symbolise 'purity', however, this trend only became popular after Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress to marry Prince Albert in 1840. Before this, brides simply wore their best dress, which was often the most beautiful dress they could afford. Today, the choice of ivory over white is often a practical one, with many brides choosing ivory because of its soft, warm, creamy undertones that are said to be more flattering on certain skin tones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Ivory is a shade of white with warm, creamy undertones |
| Skin tone | Ivory is considered more flattering for those with fair skin tones |
| Tradition | Ivory is considered more modern, white symbolises purity |
| Lighting | Ivory is less likely to appear blue or electric in certain lighting like pure white |
| Personality | Brides are increasingly choosing dresses that portray their personality |
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What You'll Learn
Ivory is a shade of white
The tradition of wearing white wedding dresses began with Queen Victoria, who wore a white wedding dress when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Wealthy brides followed her lead, as wearing a white dress demonstrated that they could afford to have their gowns professionally cleaned and re-worn to other events. White was initially more associated with wealth than purity.
Today, the colour white is associated with purity, and some brides still consider this when choosing their wedding dress colour. However, this tradition is slowly becoming a thing of the past, with brides choosing dresses that better portray their style and personality. Some brides opt for different shades of white, such as ivory, to achieve a more flattering look.
The decision between white and ivory can be tricky, as the colours have subtle differences. Stark white is a bright, pure shade of white, while ivory is softer and warmer. Stark white has decreased in popularity in recent years, as it is not considered the most flattering tone for a variety of skin colours. Brides now favour more universally flattering shades like ivory.
When choosing between white and ivory, it is important to consider your skin tone and the theme of your wedding. Ivory is especially flattering on brides with fair skin, while stark white suits brides with darker skin tones or yellow undertones. Additionally, the lighting at your wedding venue should be considered, as stark white can appear blue or electric in certain lighting conditions.
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Ivory is flattering for many skin tones
Ivory is a popular colour for wedding dresses, and it's easy to see why. Ivory is a soft shade of white with warm, creamy undertones. It is this subtle warmth that makes ivory flattering on a wide range of skin tones, especially those with fairer skin.
Ivory is a good choice for brides who feel that a pure white dress may wash them out. One bride commented that she chose an ivory dress because she has "very very dark hair" and "pasty white" skin, and that her dress didn't wash her out. Another bride with a "lighter olive skin tone" chose ivory because it is "not as stark as white".
While some brides choose ivory because it flatters their skin tone, others opt for ivory because they prefer its softer, warmer appearance to the harshness of pure white. One bride chose an ivory dress because she felt that a pure white dress would change the colour of her floral and sequinned pearls to a yellowish tone. Another bride chose an ivory dress because she liked its "antique look".
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, ivory is also chosen by brides who feel that pure white is too closely associated with virginity. One bride commented that she chose ivory because she didn't want people "second-guessing my virginity because of my dress".
With its warm, creamy undertones, ivory is a flattering and fashionable choice for brides of all skin tones.
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White dresses are associated with purity
The tradition of wearing white wedding dresses is commonly associated with the concept of purity. This notion gained prominence when Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress to marry Prince Albert in 1840, inspiring other wealthy brides to follow suit. The ability to wear a white dress and keep it clean for future events was a display of wealth and status.
Over time, the colour white became increasingly linked with the idea of purity in marriage, suggesting that the bride was pure and untouched before her wedding night. This association has been particularly prevalent in certain regions and cultures, where the choice of dress colour may be subject to traditional expectations and symbolism.
However, in recent years, the interpretation of dress colours has evolved, and brides are increasingly choosing wedding attire that reflects their personal style and personality. While white remains a popular choice, other shades like ivory, champagne, and nude are also favoured for their universally flattering qualities and softer, warmer undertones. These colours are believed to complement a variety of skin tones and enhance the bridal glow.
The choice of dress colour is a personal decision, and while white dresses may continue to be associated with purity by some, modern brides are embracing a spectrum of hues that align with their unique preferences and skin tones, moving beyond traditional connotations.
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White dresses are traditional
Wedding dresses have traditionally been white, a trend that began with Queen Victoria, who wore a white wedding dress when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Prior to this, wedding gowns were varied in colour, with brides wearing the most beautiful dress they could afford.
White wedding dresses became popular after Queen Victoria because they demonstrated wealth; the ability to afford to have the dress professionally cleaned and wear it to other events. White was more associated with wealth than purity.
Today, the tradition of white dresses is becoming a thing of the past, with brides choosing dresses that better portray their style and personality. However, rather than opting for colours like red, blue, or pink, brides are trying different shades of white. These include ivory, a popular colour for wedding dresses that features a creamy, warm undertone that is flattering on many skin tones, especially those with fair skin.
Ivory is technically a shade of white, with a softer, warmer feel than pure white. It is also referred to as "eggshell", and while it has yellow undertones, an ivory wedding dress will appear white when photographed. Ivory is considered more modern, and is often paired with black, burgundy, or champagne for a luxurious look.
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Stark white can appear blue in certain lighting
When it comes to wedding dresses, there are various shades of white to choose from, including stark white, diamond white, natural white, and ivory. While stark white was a popular choice for wedding dresses in the past, its popularity has decreased in recent years as brides now favour more universally flattering shades like natural white, ivory, and nude.
Stark white can be worn for all types of wedding celebrations, but it is important to consider the lighting at the wedding venue and the potential for the dress to appear light blue in photographs. This is because, in certain lighting, stark white can indeed appear to have a blue tint.
With the advancement of HD cameras, a stark white wedding dress may be captured with a light blue tint in photographs. This phenomenon can be attributed to the way white light is produced and how it interacts with the dress and the camera.
White light, as seen in sunlight or torchlight, is actually composed of all the colours of the rainbow. When it comes to coloured lights, red, green, and blue (RGB) are the primary colours for additive mixing. When these three colours are combined in the right proportions, they produce white light. However, if there is an imbalance in the colours, it can affect the resulting colour of the light. For example, if there is a higher intensity of blue light, it can cause white light to appear bluer.
In the context of wedding photography, the lighting conditions, camera settings, and reflective surfaces can all influence how a stark white dress is captured. To avoid the appearance of a blue tint, photographers and couples may need to carefully consider the lighting setup, adjust camera settings, or even modify the dress's hue to ensure it appears as desired in photographs.
In summary, while stark white wedding dresses can be a beautiful choice, it is important to be mindful of the potential for a blue tint in certain lighting conditions and take the necessary steps to ensure the desired aesthetic is achieved.
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Frequently asked questions
Ivory is a shade of white with warmer, yellow or nude undertones. It is a softer, creamy colour, while white is brighter and purer. Ivory is also referred to as eggshell and is considered more flattering for those with fair skin tones.
Ivory is a popular choice for brides due to its soft, warm undertones that are considered more flattering for many skin tones. It is also a modern choice, moving away from the traditional white dress.
While white is associated with purity, this tradition began with Queen Victoria in 1840. Today, brides choose dresses in a variety of colours, including ivory, to portray their style and personality. Ivory is a popular choice due to its flattering colour and luxurious feel.
