When you think of weddings, the first picture that comes to mind is of the bride in a long white gown. But does a bride have to wear white? The answer is definitely not!
First of all remember that your wedding is supposed to be a special day for the bride and groom. This means that you shouldn’t do anything that you do not want to. Although a white wedding gown is traditional in our society, you certainly do not have to wear one if it doesn’t feel right to you. There are many other colors that a bride could choose to wear.
If you decide to wear a non-conventional bridal gown, expect to hear a lot of comments, not all of them positive. Mothers and grandmothers in particular may not approve of the bride’s decision to stray from the norm. If this happens to you, it is important that you feel confident in defending your choice. (If you have ever seen the old movie Jezebel, you can channel your inner Bette Davis: “I will wear my red dress!”)
You might gently point out that white has not always been the color of choice for brides. It is a custom that began with Queen Victoria. Until her wedding, brides just wore their best dress, in whatever color it happened to be. In other countries, such as China, red is considered to be a lucky color for a wedding dress, not white.
By choosing a wedding gown in a color other than white, you will automatically be making a statement, whether that is your intention or not. That is why it is important to think carefully about which color to wear. There are a few colors that are so neutral that most people will not bat an eyelash at them, such as ivory, beige, champagne, gold, and platinum. These are safe choices if you just do not like the way white looks with your complexion, or if you prefer a richer tone.
Other brides may prefer to choose a real color. Pale pink satin is a wonderful color for a soft, feminine look. Icy blue is another great color for a bridal gown, as is a pale sage green. One of the nice things about a blue wedding gown is that the color blue is associated with fidelity. Who could argue with that reason?
Then you move on to the bolder colors. If you decide to wear a red wedding dress, people will definitely assume that you are making a point. Red is a strong color, and it also draws a lot of attention. Going back to the movie Jezebel, when the character insisted on wearing a red dress instead of white (she was actually a debutante, not a bride), she was labeled a hussy and a harlot. Isn’t it amazing what an impact a color can have? Sad to say, there are still some people who will feel this way about a woman who goes her own way, so be prepared for some backlash if you wear a red gown for your wedding.
Another color that will draw a lot of attention is black. Since black is associated with funerals in our society, it has long been considered to be taboo for weddings. There are those brides, though, who do want to wear a black wedding gown. Not all of them are goths, either; some just find it to be sophisticated. Second time brides have been known to choose a black gown because they feel like it is something that they might be able to wear again at other functions.
If you like the idea of a little color for your wedding, but do not feel bold enough to take the plunge with a colored wedding gown, then have fun with pops of color in your accessories instead. You can have bridal jewelry custom made for you with Swarovski crystals in your favorite color. Custom bridal jewelry is a great way to add spice to your wedding look if you prefer to stick with a white gown. In the end, it should be about the bride wearing whatever will make her look and feel her best.