When you begin shopping for a bridal gown, you will naturally consider style, fabric, and embellishments. What some brides do not stop to think about, however is color. In addition to the standard white, there are also beautiful wedding gowns in shades of ivory, cream, blush, champagne, and pale mocha. This is a guide to picking out the perfect color for your bridal gown.
In the world of bridal gowns, there is white, and then there is...white. Diamond white, silk white, and natural white are just a few variations on the classic white wedding gown. A pure silk gown will never be bright white, because that is not the natural color of the fiber, even when bleached. The slightly softer shade of silk white is much gentler on most skin tones than the bright white with a bluish undertone that is often seen in polyester gowns.
If choosing a gown made from a man-made material such as polyester or acetate, see if it can be ordered in diamond white instead of the basic white. The color will end up being much more flattering for most women, as it does not wash out the complexion. Whatever shade of white is available in a wedding dress, it will tend to look best on brides with darker or olive skin tones, or women with dark hair and pale skin. If you have ever had your colors done and have been told you are a "winter", white is the ideal color for your wedding dress.
Ivory is the next most popular color for wedding gowns after white. Nearly every gown will be available in a shade of ivory or cream, unless it has a special feature which would make it impossible. Some lace trims, for instance, are only created in white, so a gown with that embellishment would only be made using white fabric to match the lace. Ivory tends to have a slightly yellow undertone and looks wonderful on blondes and most redheads.
The yellow undertones of ivory can, however, bring out sallow tones in olive skinned women, so they should stick with white or choose a deeper color like champagne. Always see a fabric swatch before ordering a gown in ivory; while most fabrics look lovely in that shade, some will be far too yellow. Also take care that if you are looking at pearl bridal jewelry sets that you select one which is similar in tone to your gown, rather than a strong white.
Champagne is another option for many wedding gowns. The deeper color is particularly nice for evening or winter weddings, although it might look out of place at a summer afternoon wedding. The rich color pairs especially well with luxurious fabrics like silk satin and silk shantung, which will play up the luster of the color. Champagne usually has a slightly brownish or pinkish undertone, rather than the yellowish tones found in ivory. As a result, it is a flattering color for women who find that ivory makes them look sallow. This sophisticated color is also very popular with second time brides who want a gown in a color other than pure white which still has a very "bridal" feel to it. Bridal jewelry sets in deeper hues like bronze will enhance the warmth and richness of a champagne colored wedding gown.
Last, but not least, consider the season when selecting a color for your wedding gown. The white which washes you out in the dead of winter might look fresh and crisp with a light tan in the summer. Warmer colors are often preferred for cold weather weddings, although the right shade of white is perfect for a sparkling Winter Wonderland theme wedding. When you are torn between two shades for your bridal gown, think about your regular wardrobe; if you tend to look best in cool colors, choose a white gown, and if warmer tones flatter you best, an ivory bridal gown will be fantastic for you.
