Brides agonize for months before making a final decision on the perfect wedding gown. They often get caught up in trying to make others happy with their choice. Well, we think you should think less about getting the stamp of approval and more about finding the dress of your dreams — no matter what color it is. When you set out to shop for a gown with glitter and glamour, don’t feel restricted to a traditional white style. In recent years, it has become more common for brides to wear colorful dresses down the aisle. So, we shopped the collections and found some wedding gowns in other hues. Don’t worry, you’ll look so beautiful, grandma won’t have time to wonder what happened to tradition.
Colorful collections
Vera Wang’s Summer 2011 collection
Sure, this collection is full of beautiful, traditional white dresses. But how about those smoky grays and shiny champagne tones? Vera throws in some less than traditional color tones, but still keeps it simple and classic. You can’t deny, these gowns don’t sacrafice any glamour.
Photo credit: Mike Colon Photographers, weddingstylemagazine.com
Rosa Clara’s 2011 collection
If you’ve ever pictured yourself walking down the aisle in something edgy and non-traditional, then this is one collection you should check out. The designs still have classic wedding gown looks, while a handful of them walk the wild side, dressed in black.
Photo credit: weddingstylemagazine.com
Le Spose di Gio’s 2005 collection
A blast from the past, sure, but these elegant, pale pink and blue wedding dresses made in Italy will blow you away. With one look at these designs featured on Brides.com, you’ll forget all about traditional white.
Photo credit: Brides Magazine
A word or two on wedding hues
Racy red wedding
It’s traditional for the bride to wear red in other countries, but the red wedding dress has yet to make a big splash in the United States. In China, red symbolizes joy and good fortune. Chinese weddings feature red decor, red flowers and yes, red wedding gowns.
In some European countries, it’s not unusual to see red wedding gowns in hues from brick red, fire engine red to a deep burgundy. Red is a festive color and often associated with hearts and love, so it makes sense to wear it on your wedding day.
Beautiful blue affair
Blue might not be a color that you’d normally associate with wedding dresses, but it’s been increasing in popularity in the last few years. Blue wedding gowns vary from sky blue to deep navy. If blue is your favorite color, consider making a bold statement and getting married in your favorite shade.
Bold in black bride
Nothing could be further from the conventional pure, white wedding dress than a bodacious black gown. London-based designer David Fielden even went so far as to suggest that brides wear black while their bridesmaids wear white. It definitely takes things in a whole new direction.
Before brides go running out to buy black dresses, there is a word of caution. Years ago, Sarah Jessica Parker wore black when she married her husband, actor Matthew Broderick. In a 2006 interview with Marie Claire magazine, the Sex and the City star admits that she looks back and regrets not wearing a more traditional gown at her wedding. Weddings are incredibly special days, so while we encourage you to be different and wear what you please on your big day, do it because you love it and not because you want to go against the tide.
Just a little color
For brides who aren’t thrilled with the idea of skipping the white gown altogether, there is another option. You can wear the traditional white dress and still bestow a little color to your gown with a colored sash, bow, trim or hemline. Some bridal retailers, like David’s Bridal and Alfred Angelo, offer wedding gowns with these types of colorful accents. With these dresses, you can liven up your look without being overwhelmed by too much color.
More Wedding tips
Wedding dress rules: Bridal gown mistakes to avoid
The anti-bride: Planning a non-traditional wedding
Ditching diamonds: Engagement ring options
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