THE NON-TRADITIONAL BRIDE
Just like you found the perfect partner, finding the perfect dress is a combination of love at first sight and a little bit of luck. If you’re thinking of stepping away from tradition, Tijan Biner explores a range of colour options to consider when deciding on a non-white wedding gown.
Here comes the bride, but decidedly not dressed in white. Wearing a white wedding dress may be a time-honoured tradition, but it’s certainly not for everyone. If you want to add a twist of personality and forego old-school traditions, look into a coloured wedding dress that will dazzle your guests as you walk down the aisle. Whether the black wedding dress trend has caught your eye or you’re ready to channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw with a pink gown, here are some of the best colours you should try.
BLACK BEAUTY
You may think black made its debut into bridal fashion when Vera Wang released her collection of black saches on pearl-white dresses, but black gowns were first worn centuries ago. In Europe, brides wore whatever colour they pleased, no matter the shade or colour it came in. Queen Victoria sparked the white wedding gown trend when she wore it to her wedding ceremony in 1840, and white gowns then became exclusive to the elite.
Black is now considered the king of all colours, and it’s one of the most elegant and sophisticated shades a woman can wear. So in 2010, the world of fashion welcomed Wang’s exquisite collection of white wedding dresses that were embellished with stunning black saches at the waist. Two years on, she released a line of pure black wedding gowns, which were layered with black organza, soft tulle and striking lace. It was then that the single black wedding gown made a remarkable comeback.
If the thought of wearing black on your wedding day is daunting, start small by finding a gown with a nude underlay, or a dress that incorporates only subtle hints of black. Paired with statement jewellery, it’s the ideal gown for the bold and daring bride.
ALL THINGS GOLD
Metallic is huge in the wedding world right now, so if you’re looking for a wedding dress that boasts absolute elegance, try your hand at a gold or champagne-coloured gown. World-renowned designer Oscar de la Renta has dressed countless stars and socialites, but some of his most iconic looks have included decadent shades of gold. In many ways, a gold gown can feel a little more special than a white one. The colour is synonymous with luxury and opulence, and your wedding day is the perfect time to feel like royalty.
Gold also has the potential to look extremely flattering on olive or golden skin tones. Complement the dress with stunning deep shades of bold flowers, gold decor, or even have your leading ladies match in similarly coloured bridesmaid dresses. Accessorise with – you guessed it – gold, or incorporate a hint of rose gold in some of your jewellery pieces.
PRETTY PASTELS
Brides-to-be are choosing more snow-hued frocks in beautiful shades of blush or mauve. Fresh, feminine and completely romantic, these coloured gowns are standing out in a sea of white, while still looking incredibly chic. You are a blushing bride, after all!
Wedding dress designers have been stepping outside the box with pastel-coloured gowns for years, so it was only a matter of time before the modern bride said goodbye to the traditional white gown and let a rainbow of colours into her life. Celebrities have even jumped on the bandwagon – in 1964, a yellow-wearing Elizabeth Taylor was wed to Richard Burton, and in 2012 Jessica Biel stunned her groom, Justin Timberlake, in a romantic pink Giambattista Valli wedding dress.
If you’re not sure where to start on the colour chart, some of the best options to consider are baby pink, soft yellow or light purple. The thought of a yellow or purple gown may seem a little out there, but stick to soft and feminine shades. All eyes will certainly be on you, and for all the right reasons!
SOMETHING BLUE
Carrying something blue on your wedding day is a centuries-old tradition that promises happiness to the bride, but many brides-to-be are choosing to get creative with their touches of blue. Why not be a little different by wearing yours as a wedding dress?
There are a million shades of blue that can fit any appearance or wedding theme, whether it’s beach, coastal, rustic or garden. The biggest trend is baby- or dusty-blue wedding gowns, and many brides and designers alike are inspired by this pretty colour. These shades look incredibly cool, chic and feminine, and can fit most styles, from mermaid to A-line.
Combined with layers of tulle and delicate lace, ethereal blue gowns are ideal for the bride who wants to step outside her comfort zone, while staying true to the old yet sweet tradition.
Finding the perfect wedding dress to match your personality can be a challenge, particularly if you consider yourself a non-traditional bride-to-be, but that’s where colour comes in! If you’re a bride with a fun-loving personality, there are a multitude of coloured gowns that are just waiting to be tried on. Traditional-coloured gowns will forever be a classic and beautiful choice, but there’s something undeniable about the appeal of an unexpected shade in a sea of white.
IMAGE CREDIT: STUDIOMAX