Why Wedding Gowns Don't Have to Be White

Although the traditional image of a bride includes a white wedding gown, traditions are changing and today's brides can opt for other colors. White traditionally represented purity and virginity, qualities not as common or important to 21st century brides to be. Many brides today are marrying for a second or even third time but still desire a formal wedding gown. Since bridal fashion has long dictated that second time brides shouldn't wear white, a new palette of colors is now available. And, many first time brides of all ages are discovering that white isn't always the right choice for that special day.

Brides should remember that it is their wedding, their once in a lifetime special dream come true day. If white doesn't flatter a bride's hair and complection, choose a color that does. Current popular colors for bridal gowns include vivid orange, tropical aqua, elegant gold, and lovely raspberry. Other colors, however, are also available including navy blue, a traditional choice for second time brides, and shades that range from greens to pinks.

Another way to add color to a traditional white wedding gown is to look for styles that incorporate color into the design. A sash, ribbons, or other trim can add that splash of color to brighten the blinding effect of all white and can even accentuate the colors in a bridal bouquet. Some brides are chooing to add their bridal colors to their wedding gowns so that the motif of colors is seen in the gown, the flowers, the attendants' dresses, the wedding cake, napkins, and candles.

Bridesmaid and matron of honor dresses are also expanding in the color palette from the more traditional light and pastel shades into avant garde shades such as classic, formal black, deep browns, forest greens, and rich blues.

Other ways to add color to a wedding gown can be with a bright colored jacket or wrap or shawl. An overskirt or under bodice in a different shade can make that pure white of the gown shine.

Adding color to wedding gowns can enhance the bride's beauty on her special day. Since most women know what particular colors flatter their appearance and what colors do not, the new tradition of colored wedding gowns opens up the possibilities for brides to choose the best dress for their day, one that will show off their natural beauty to the max.

Colors can also be part of a wedding theme - tropical with vivid oranges and cool aquas, elegant with gold, or country classic with blues and greens.

Seasonal themed weddings can reflect the colors of the season. A Christmas wedding, for example, can feature the bride in a bright red or rich green gown. Spring weddings can reflect the yellows of daffodils and forsthia with a vivid yellow gown and fall weddings can mimic the turning leaves with burnt orange,russets, and brown.

There's no reason why wedding gowns have to be white unless a bride chooses white as right.

Color has opened up many new possibilities for the bride! Here comes the bride - and she may not be wearing white but she is sure to be gorgeous!