Hot Pink Wedding Dresses

Hot pink wedding dresses are becoming a popular trend, especially among younger brides. Backing away from the traditional shades of white, today's brides want bridal gowns that are as unique as they are. The hot pink wedding dress trend began with singer Gwen Stefani's wedding back in 2002, where she wore a Dior couture gown made from white silk faille with a pink gradient dip at the hem.

If you're thinking about a pink wedding gown for your own big day, there are a few considerations to make. First and foremost, pink still isn't a "common" color among wedding dresses. For that reason, it will be hard to get a hot pink wedding dress "off the rack." You may need to work with a designer to get your dress custom-made, whereas most brides simply choose a dress and then get it altered.

You may be able to purchase a white dress and then have it professionally dyed, depending on the style and fabric you choose. Since wedding gowns are made from delicate fabrics, don't try dying your gown at home. Trust your bridal gown to a professional, or skip dyeing and just buy a hot pink dress to begin with.

If it fits your wedding's season and formality, consider buying a special occasion dress to be your wedding gown. Bridesmaid's dresses and prom gowns are much more common in a variety of vibrant colors, including hot pink. Wearing a different type of special occasion dress instead of a traditional wedding gown is also a great way to save money, if you're a budget-conscious bride. These often come in different shapes than wedding gowns, however, so it may be difficult to find one that fits your style right away.

Here are 5 examples of some hot pink wedding dresses, with tips on how you might make them work for your wedding:

Hot Pink Wedding Dresses

Strapless Origami Retro Inspired Tea Length Wedding Gown - Etsy, $598.00

This sweet gown has a lot of personality. The strapless shape and fabric gathering at the bust will draw a lot of attention to your neckline and collarbone. Accessorize this dress with a large statement necklace, using rhinestones or strings of pearls. This would work well with a short, shoulder-grazing veil that goes easy on embellishments. This dress also lends itself well to other head wear, such as feathers tucked into your hairstyle or a simple tiara. Having your legs visible means you can get away with more exciting footwear, such as a dramatic open-toed pump. This dress would be best worn for an evening wedding or cocktail reception, or an outdoor wedding in the warmer months.

Hot Pink Wedding Dresses

Strapless Satin Ballgown with Pick-up and Sash - David's Bridal, $149.99

This is a prime example of a bridesmaid's dress that can work as a wedding gown. Though the dress is pictured in a tan color, there are 2 hot pink color choices available - in Watermelon and Guava. The full length lends itself to more conservative footwear, such as a low-heeled wedding sandal. The classic strapless neckline again draws the eye above the bust, so statement jewelry at the neck would also be appropriate here. For cold-weather weddings, this hot pink wedding dress could be dressed up with a bolero-style wedding jacket. This dress would go well with a variety of elegant bouquet shapes, such as a rose pomander or a neat crop of calla lilies.

Hot Pink Wedding Dresses

Do You Love Me Prom Dress - House of Brides, $234.00

This prom dress could easily become your hot pink wedding dress. Available in a blue-tinged fuchsia pink as well as a coral shade, this dress can suit several different skin tones and wedding themes. The dress features a diagonal band of floral embellishment along the bodice, perfect for a floral theme or mantilla veil. This dress would wear well with a flower circlet or a bloom tucked behind the ear. The square neckline makes this dress a little less suited for loud neckwear than the previous two choices. Go for a simple necklace, or keep your neck bare and accessorize elsewhere.

Hot Pink Wedding Dresses

Vintage Hot Pink Damask Dress and Jacket Set - Etsy, $62.00

This simple hot pink wedding dress is ideal for small or second weddings. A city hall or non-traditional wedding might make a big frilly dress seem like too much, so a classic shape might feel more appropriate. For full-on retro charm, wear this with a demure set of pearl jewelry. Consider finishing the look with a pillbox hat featuring a short face veil, or a retro-style bouffant, beehive or French twist hairstyle.

Hot Pink Wedding Dresses

House of Holland Wedding Dress - Revolve Clothing, $1200.00

You'll have to work quickly if you want this dress, because it's a one-of-a-kind. But this shows off a great easygoing wedding dress shape that's laid back, modern and feminine all at the same time. This one-shoulder dress features a lace overlay. I would love to see this worn for a barefoot beach wedding, with a crown of ribbons and gardenias. This dress could easily work for a big city glamazon-style affair as well, complete with skyscraping stilettos and an armload of shiny bracelets. Since this dress is one of a kind, this may give you a shape to work with for a custom designed dress. Print out the photo and show it to your seamstress.