Franklin Dean
The colour of a wedding dress is more than just a detail—it's a statement. While white is the most traditional wedding dress colour, this wasn't always the case. In fact, white wedding gowns only became popular after Queen Victoria wore a white dress to marry Prince Albert in 1840. Today, many brides opt for ivory, a colour that tends to flatter all skin tones. Ivory is also a great option for those who don't want a pure white gown but still want a light-coloured dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional colour | White |
| Modern colour | Ivory |
| Undertones | White: cool |
| Ivory: warm | |
| Skin tone | White: cool undertones |
| Ivory: warm undertones | |
| Season | White: spring |
| Ivory: spring | |
| Theme | White: formal, traditional |
| Ivory: rustic, bohemian, vintage | |
| Style | White: classic, sharp |
| Ivory: soft, romantic | |
| Flattering | Ivory: more flattering |
| White: harsh |
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What You'll Learn
- Ivory is more flattering for a wider range of skin tones than pure white
- Pure white can appear too harsh and look almost blue in pictures
- Ivory is a modern choice, while white is more traditional
- White is a good choice for a classic, sharp look, especially in formal settings
- Ivory is a better option for rustic, bohemian, or vintage-themed weddings
Ivory is more flattering for a wider range of skin tones than pure white
Ivory is a universally flattering colour for wedding dresses, complementing a wide range of skin tones. While pure white is the most traditional colour for a wedding dress, it is not the most flattering for all skin colours. Ivory, on the other hand, has soft, warm undertones that lend a gentle glow to the wearer's complexion.
Ivory's creamy shade can soften features and add a subtle radiance to the skin, particularly for those with fair to medium skin tones. Lighter shades of ivory complement very fair skin, while deeper, creamier ivory shades can beautifully enhance darker skin tones. The warm undertones of ivory highlight the golden hues of skin with warm undertones.
Pure white, on the other hand, tends to be less flattering on certain skin colours. It can appear harsh and even "too white" on some complexions, especially in photographs. The starkness of pure white can sometimes overwhelm rather than enhance the wearer's natural beauty.
The subtle difference between the two shades can be seen in how they pair with other colours. Ivory's warm undertones make it a versatile choice, complementing a wide range of colours. It pairs beautifully with nude, champagne, or soft metallic accessories and bouquets with soft, warm colours or rustic greenery.
Pure white, however, is best suited for cooler-toned colours. It pairs well with blues, pinks, or even greys, but may not be as versatile as ivory when it comes to colour combinations.
Ultimately, the choice between ivory and pure white should be guided by personal aesthetics and the desired mood for the wedding. Ivory's soft, romantic feel lends itself well to rustic, bohemian, or vintage-themed weddings, while pure white's sharp, classic look is ideal for more formal or traditional settings.
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Pure white can appear too harsh and look almost blue in pictures
Pure white wedding dresses are often achieved through the use of bleached fabrics, which can result in a blue tint in photographs. This is especially true with the use of HD cameras, where the blue tint can be enhanced. Pure white can also appear too harsh and bright for many skin tones, washing out the wearer and creating an unflattering look.
Ivory, on the other hand, has warm undertones that complement a wider range of skin tones, brightening without overwhelming. It is a softer, more romantic colour that works well with the skin's natural undertones, adding a glow to the complexion. Ivory dresses tend to photograph as a soft white, avoiding the harsh blue tint of pure white.
The lighting and venue of the wedding can also impact the appearance of the dress in photographs. A pure white dress may be too stark and bright in certain lighting conditions, while ivory can provide a softer, more flattering look. Additionally, the white balance settings on cameras can be affected by the lighting, which may further enhance any blue tint in a pure white dress.
While some may prefer the classic, sharp look of pure white, ivory provides a universally flattering alternative that is more forgiving in photographs. Ivory's soft warmth and ability to flatter all skin tones have made it a popular choice for brides who want to avoid the harshness of pure white.
Ultimately, the choice between pure white and ivory depends on personal preference and the desired aesthetic for the wedding. However, it is important to consider the potential challenges of pure white appearing too harsh or blue in photographs when making this decision.
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Ivory is a modern choice, while white is more traditional
White is the most traditional colour for wedding dresses, a trend that began when Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress to marry Prince Albert in 1840. Wealthy brides were influenced by Queen Victoria's choice of gown, as it demonstrated that they could afford to have their dresses professionally cleaned and re-worn to other events. White was initially more associated with wealth than purity.
Today, white wedding dresses remain popular for their classic, sharp look, especially in more formal or traditional settings. However, pure white can be too harsh for certain skin tones and may not photograph well, sometimes appearing with a light blue tint.
Ivory, on the other hand, is considered a more modern choice. It has rich, warm undertones and is universally flattering, softening features and adding a glow to the complexion. Ivory is particularly complementary to those with fair to medium skin tones, offering a gentle contrast that brightens without overwhelming.
Ivory is also a popular choice for bohemian and vintage-themed weddings, as its warm undertones blend well with earth tones. For spring weddings, ivory is said to enhance the fresh and vibrant atmosphere of the season.
While white is traditional, ivory is a more versatile choice, pairing well with any colour it is matched with. White, on the other hand, is best suited to cooler-toned colours like blues, pinks, or greys.
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White is a good choice for a classic, sharp look, especially in formal settings
White is a timeless choice for a wedding dress, with its pristine elegance and association with purity. It became popularised by Queen Victoria, who wore a white wedding dress to marry Prince Albert in 1840. The colour white is well-suited for formal or traditional settings, creating a classic and sharp look.
White is a versatile colour that can be paired with various accessories to create a modern or vintage aesthetic. For instance, a matching white veil is a classic choice, while a veil with lace or embellishments adds a modern twist. Additionally, white gowns often lend themselves to a vintage feel, especially when combined with ornate beading. For a bold statement, bright white or contrasting shoes, such as metallic or bold colours, can be paired with a white dress. To complete the look, keep bouquets vibrant to match the dress's freshness.
White is a flattering colour for brides with cooler-toned skin, and it pairs well with colours like blues, pinks, or greys. However, it is important to note that pure white may not be the most flattering tone for all skin colours and can appear too harsh or washed out in certain lighting or photography. With the advancement of HD cameras, white gowns can sometimes picture with a light blue tint, which is an important consideration for brides.
Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour should be guided by personal preference and what makes the bride feel most confident and beautiful on their special day.
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Ivory is a better option for rustic, bohemian, or vintage-themed weddings
While white is the most traditional wedding dress colour, ivory is a great option for brides who want a softer, more romantic feel to their wedding dress. Ivory is particularly well-suited to rustic, bohemian, or vintage-themed weddings. Its warm undertones are more natural and blend well with earth tones, making it a perfect choice for nature-inspired settings. For example, a bohemian wedding dress could be paired with nude, champagne, or soft metallic shoes and a bouquet with soft, warm colours or rustic greenery.
Ivory is also a universally flattering colour, complementing skin with warm undertones by highlighting its golden hues and brightening fair and medium skin tones without overwhelming. Its creamy shade can soften features and add a glow to the complexion. For darker skin tones, deeper, creamier ivory tones can be a stunning choice.
In addition, ivory is a more practical choice for wedding dresses as pure white can often appear too harsh and even look blue in pictures due to the use of bleach and synthetic fabrics. Ivory, on the other hand, tends to photograph as a soft white, avoiding the blue tint issue.
Finally, ivory provides more options for customisation. Brides can choose from a range of ivory shades, from lighter to deeper tones, to find the one that best suits their skin tone and desired aesthetic. They can also search for an ivory dress with champagne or blush undertones for a modern, fashion-forward look. Ultimately, the choice between white and ivory should be guided by personal aesthetics and the desired mood for the wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
Most wedding dresses are ivory because ivory is a universally flattering alternative to traditional white. Ivory has warm undertones that complement skin with warm undertones by highlighting its golden hues. It also softens features and adds a glow to the complexion.
Pure white can be too harsh and appear almost blue in pictures. It is also not as flattering as ivory for a variety of skin colours.
Ivory is a great option for those who don't want a pure white gown. Ivory dresses tend to have a soft, romantic feel and are flattering for a wider range of skin tones. Ivory is also a good choice for bohemian weddings as its warm undertone blends well with earth tones.
One thing to keep in mind is that ivory tends to look "'dirty' when placed next to pure white. So, if you plan on having white flowers, a white groom's shirt, or white flower girl dresses, you might want to opt for a white wedding dress.
