Stepping Out of the Norm: Alternatives to Wearing White or Ivory at Your Wedding
Traditionally, a wedding day is marked by the wearing of white or ivory gowns, which symbolize purity and elegance. However, for many modern brides, this is no longer a requirement, and choosing a colored wedding gown can be a beautiful and unique way to express personal style and personality.
The Problem with White: Traditional vs. Personal
Speaking from personal experience and that of many others like me, white wedding dresses can be challenging. My daughter and I saw a dress on TV a few years ago, which was a strapless pale pink Lazaro gown covered with colorful embroidery. We were both enchanted by its beauty. My own dress was ivory, but I wholeheartedly believe in something like that on a wedding day.
While the train and veil of a traditional wedding might resonate with some, for others, the color of the gown is far more significant. In my case, if I were to ever marry again, I would prefer something that is both conservatively dressy-casual, perhaps even in front of a Justice of the Peace. The color wouldn't be of paramount importance, but it wouldn't be flamboyant either; a black skirt with a cream-colored or pale pink blouse sounds like the perfect fit.
Personal Colors and Practicalities
Some brides choose colors based on personal style and practical considerations. For instance, I wore a pale blue wedding dress. The white dress just seemed like a cliché for me, and there was the additional worry of accidentally spilling food. Many others, like myself, have turned to colored wedding gowns as a way to stand out and look their best.
Others, like me, find the idea of a white wedding just weird. This white nonsense is a remnant from the Victorian era when Queen Victoria and her peers wanted to flaunt their wealth. During this time, light-colored materials were a luxury, and so were white wedding cakes made from expensive white sugar. Brides and grooms chose white to showcase their status.
Having worn a scarlet wedding dress, I can say with certainty that I would choose colored wedding gowns again. This wedding tradition is just one of many in modern society that seems unnecessary. I certainly remember my father's shock when he found out I was not having a Catholic wedding and was going to wear red. But again, he got over it.
The Rise of Colored Wedding Gowns
Today, colored wedding gowns have become more popular as brides seek unique and eye-catching styles. Floral detailed gowns, for example, are stunning and something no one would expect. They would be perfect for a romantic woodland wedding. Furthermore, black or red dresses are favored by more alternative brides and can be incredibly beautiful.
Recently, I met a bride who is getting married in a red satin gown, with her mother and bridesmaids wearing white. This was a surprise wedding for her fiancé, making it a truly memorable and different event. I have come across other colored wedding gowns as they become more popular, but these are just a few examples to consider.
Choosing a colored wedding gown can be a beautiful way to personalize your wedding day, making it one of the most important and memorable days in your life. It is a day to choose something that resonates with your unique personality and style, and not just follow a tradition.