Brides Are Ditching White: Here’s Why Colored Wedding Dresses Are In
White wedding dresses have been the end-all be-all choice for brides since Queen Victoria. They embody tradition, purity, and new beginnings. But we've come a long way since 1840, and fashion was never meant to crystallize in time.
These days, more and more brides have been ditching the traditional white dress and opting for colors that reflect their personality, style, and cultural roots. From soft pastels to bold hues, colored wedding dresses are making a statement on the aisle. Here's why they're in:
Express Your True Self
Your wedding day is already rooted in tradition, so we’re not saying tradition is a bad thing! But it shouldn’t stop you from creating the bridal look you’ve always dreamed of. It's your big day, after all, and you should feel confident and beautiful in whatever you choose to wear.
And yep, that includes color! *gasp*
If color shows off your personal style, then go for it! Be yourself—no apologies. That’s exactly why your fiancé fell for you, right?
Not only that, your dress will be as unique as your love story. From frilly floral dresses to bold black dresses, the color of your wedding dress says a lot about your personality and style. Here are a few examples:
Blush or champagne: Romantic, delicate, and effortlessly feminine
Bold red or emerald: Confident, striking, and full of personality
Black or navy: Sophisticated, modern, and undeniably chic
Pastels (lavender, blue, etc.): Whimsical, dreamy, and soft
Floral dresses: Fresh, playful, and effortlessly charming
Choosing the right color is just the start. Ready to find a dress that flatters your shape and fits perfectly? Read our guide: Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Body Shape.
Stand Out in Stunning Style
Color has a way of making an unforgettable entrance. While white is classic, color adds depth, personality, and a wow factor that photographs beautifully. The right hue can elevate your bridal style while perfectly complementing your venue and wedding theme.
Here’s how different colors enhance specific settings:
Soft pastels (blush, lavender, mint): Ideal for an outdoor wedding, garden ceremony, or romantic, ethereal look.
Jewel tones (jade, sapphire, ruby): Perfect for ballroom weddings or evening affairs, adding drama and luxury.
Muted neutrals (champagne, taupe, slate): Great for modern, minimalist weddings or industrial-chic venues.
Bold brights (red, fuchsia, cobalt): Makes a statement for artistic, non-traditional celebrations.
Another perk? Colored gowns are likely to flatter your skin tone better than stark white, enhancing your natural glow. Whether you want a modern look or something more whimsical, the right shade can make you look and feel radiant.
Ready to find your perfect style? Check out the trending designs brides are loving in our guide: Say "Yes" to This Dress: The One Style Everyone’s Obsessed With Right Now.
Break the Rules... Without the Stress
They say a colorful dress is for bold brides, but really, it’s just for brides who know what they want. Bridal fashion has come a long way since traditional wedding dresses, and colored gowns are not just accepted, they’re celebrated. At the end of the day, your perfect dress is the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
And guess what? Some of the most stylish brides have already paved the way:
Jessica Biel wore a pink Giambattista Valli gown for her wedding, proving pastels can be just as bridal as white.
Christine Quinn channeled a Gothic Barbie vibe as she tied the knot in a black dress at her winter-wonderland wedding.
Dita Von Teese opted for a deep purple Vivienne Westwood gown, showing off her one-of-a-kind style on her big day.
Worried about what people might think? Remember, your wedding day is all about you. The people who love you just want you to feel happy and confident! If you’re feeling nervous about how your family might react, try bringing it up early: "I found this gorgeous pink dress—you have to see it!"
Most people come around once they see how amazing you look in a dress that really feels like you.
Wedding dress shopping can be stressful. Learn the 10 Mistakes Brides Make When Shopping for Their Wedding Dress (and How to Avoid Them) has everything you need to make the process smooth, fun, and stress-free.
Find the Perfect Shade for Your Vision
Choosing your dress color should be exciting, not overwhelming. Here's how to pick the perfect hue for your wedding gowns and create a cohesive wedding look:
Flattering Colors for Your Skin Tone
Warm undertones (yellow/peachy): Try champagne, gold, or warm blush
Cool undertones (pink/blue): Opt for icy white, silver, or cool lavender
Neutral undertones: Lucky you! Most shades work, especially soft mauves and taupes
Fabrics That Make Colors Shine
Silk/Satin: Intensifies bold colors for a luxe, high-fashion look
Tulle/Chiffon: Softens pastels for romantic, ethereal vibes
Lace: Adds dimension to neutral tones like ivory or champagne
Coordinating Your Wedding Party & Decor
Match bridesmaids in complementary tones (not identical) for depth
Pull one accent color from your dress for table linens or florals
Keep the groomsmen's attire neutral to let your dress stand out
The most popular wedding dress colors this year range from soft blushes to dramatic emeralds. There's no wrong choice!
Choosing a custom wedding dress makes bringing these elements together easier. Not sure which is right for you? We break it all down in our blog: Custom vs. Off-the-Rack Wedding Dresses: Making the Right Choice.
Make It Timeless (Yes, Really!)
Just because you choose a colored wedding dress doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice timeless elegance. The secret? Classic design elements that keep your look sophisticated, no matter the hue.
A-line silhouettes, sleek sheath styles, and structured ballgowns offer timeless charm, whether your dress is a deep navy or a warm terracotta. These shapes look amazing with both bold and subtle colors, making sure your gown feels both bridal and elegant.
Accessories are key to balancing or boosting your dress’s color. A soft ivory veil can tone down a bold look, while metallic shoes or jewelry add a touch of classic to modern shades. Even a colored gown can feel timeless with the right styling.
Speaking of timeless, learn How to Preserve Your Wedding Dress: Tips for Long-Lasting Memories—because your one-of-a-kind dress deserves to be cherished for years to come.
Color Outside the Lines: Say ‘Yes’ to Your Dream Dress!
Forget "supposed to." Your wedding dress should be exactly what you envision. Whether that means honoring tradition or rewriting the rules entirely, this is your moment to wear what makes you feel most beautiful. At The Wedding Bell, we celebrate brides who dare to define bridal on their own terms.
Our bridal shop offers personalized styling experiences where your vision takes center stage. With an exquisite collection of designer bridal gowns at affordable prices, we'll help you find a dress worthy of your special day. Because when it comes to your dream wedding dress, the only opinion that matters is yours.
You envisioned this moment—now let's make it spectacular.