Traditional White or Something Different for You?
At True Bride we’ve run our popular Bride of The Year contest for several years. And it might surprise you to hear that not all our stunning brides have worn white wedding gowns. Some of them have gone for dramatic red, whilst others have worn shades of blue. The tradition for white wedding dresses is changing in modern times, allowing brides to showcase their personalities through a variety of different colours and accents.
In fact, in many cultures, red and black wedding dresses are considered far more traditional than white. As our world becomes more multicultural, we see this reflected in our fashion trends – including wedding fashions. With brides fast abandoning the old 200 shades of traditional white, the team at True Bride are excited to see what new colours appear in our popular Bride of the Year contest.
Our Bride of the Year Entrants have worn a variety of colours over the years, so here are our top 5 Most Popular Wedding Dress Colours!
1: Black Wedding Dresses
Black is classic. It is bold, daring, sexy and looks good on just about anyone. While older associations saw black as a colour of mourning, modern brides see black as a colour that shows class and elegance. We also think it shows a sense of power, mystery and, best of all, impeccable style!
Black – or black and white wedding dresses – are not just a modern rebellion against the white wedding dress. In Spain, it is actually a tradition for a woman to wear black at her wedding to symbolise her faith until death.
Further, a black or black and white wedding dress is one that is truly memorable. You will certainly stand out, especially if your wedding falls among a busy wedding season for your friends and family.
Wearing a black wedding dress is a stunning, dramatic look that is easily highlighted with well-chosen pops of colour. Popular choices include bright red, fuchsia and sunset orange. You can even mess with tradition further by having your groom come in an all-white suit!
2: Blue Wedding Dresses
Before Queen Victoria made the white wedding dress popular in the mid-1800s, did you know that pale blue was actually one of the most common colours for a wedding dress? That’s because blue was once associated with girls and pink – seen as a watered down version of the red of the military uniform – was for boys.
As a result, choosing a blue wedding dress might actually be more traditional than you first thought! Blue is currently one of the most popular alternate wedding dress colours at the moment. Not only are there a wide variety of shades available to suit everyone, it is also a colour that can be subtly and effortlessly woven through the traditional white for a stunning, memorable look. Or, accent it with silver to make your wedding gown unforgettable.
A calming, peaceful colour, blue is a gorgeous colour not just for your wedding dress but as a theme for your wedding as a whole. Especially in softer shades, blue gives off a feeling of femininity, calm and peace – perfect for calming those who might go a little wild at the reception! Blue is also thought to symbolise stability, security and lifelong loyalty.
3: Red Wedding Dresses
Red is a popular colour in many eastern cultures for traditional wedding dresses. However, prior to Queen Victoria’s infamous white wedding dress, many royal brides wore red, and red and gold dresses to denotate their wealth and rank. In eastern cultural traditions, red wedding dresses symbolise good fortune, new life, rebirth, love, passion, and happiness.
However, modern red wedding dresses are often chosen by brides who want to make a bold statement and stand out from the crowd. Associated with passion, energy, strength and love, it is little wonder that red accents and even full red wedding gowns.
Further, red is a colour that suits almost every body shape and cut of dress, making your wedding dress exceptionally flattering. Matching a red wedding gown with simple accessories – especially in black or white – allow you to let your dress shine. Finally, like blue wedding dresses, red bridal gowns can be as simple as a traditional white gown with subtle red threads woven beneath a layer of lace.
4: Pink Wedding Dresses
Along with blue wedding dresses, pink is currently one of the most popular alternate wedding dress colours. As we said before, prior to 1940, pink was actually associated as a masculine colour but fashion tastes across 1920-1940 saw a swing toward pink for girls – something we still see today, even in wedding dresses.
Often called "blush", pink wedding dresses are seen as delicate, flirtatious and perfect representations of femininity. Many brides consider them the perfect alternative to white, ivory or champagne.
Further, pink can come in a variety of shades that have been popular throughout 2018. Some brides prefer a paler shade of pink, closer to white, that peeks through white or shimmers in the light. Other brides, however, prefer a stunning, full, dusty pink dress or even a vibrant – or salmon! – pink wedding dress to make a bold, brilliant statement at their wedding.
While not as bright as red, deeper shades of pink still make a statement, whether the colour is used as a full dress, overskirt, or as accent points on the dress. We’ve been tickled pink to see how our brides have used pink over the years in their stunning bridal dresses!
5: Purple Wedding Dresses
Purple, like blue, is available in so many shades that it is easy to create the ideal look you want for your wedding day. Soft lavender is ideal for those wanting more pastel hues for their wedding, while the more gem like, darker colours of purple work with a range of natural colours as well as other, bold jewel tones.
Further, purple is an easy colour to source and has a wide range of flowers that match it, making accessorising and your flower decisions easier than other alternate wedding dress colours.
While purple was once used solely by royalty, and then by religious authorities, by the mid-1800s it was worn by those in the upper class who could afford to buy this expensive dye. This is where purple gets its association with royalty and class, magic, dignity and romance. However, now that purple is readily affordable by anyone, it makes it one of the most stunning choices for an alternate coloured wedding dresses. Whether you go for subtle hints, lavender shades, or a full gown in royal purple, you are sure to make a bold statement on your wedding day.
