By Sharon Townsend, Tiffanys Bridal
If someone asks you to think of a bride, odds are you will picture a person in a white gown. The tradition of wearing white dates back to Queen Victoria’s 1840 wedding to Prince Albert. But before she donned what would become the iconic white wedding gown, brides wore just about any color. The wealthy had them made in whatever fabric appealed to them or looked best on them, and brides of lesser means simply wore the best dress in their current wardrobe.
In present times you’ll most likely encounter gowns in various shades of ivory (it turns out pure white isn’t the most flattering, especially in photographs), but to the untrained eye, we see these as the traditional “white” gowns. There have always been rebels (think Gwen Stefani’s in pink ombre), but now color is on trend and designers are making more of them accessible.
Look for icy or pale hues that add a hint to winter weddings, brighter shades to rival the blooms of spring and summer, and soft options to enhance the ambiance of autumn. From bright blue to soft pink, there are more choices than we’ve seen in many years. Don’t be afraid to ask if you enter the boutique and only see ivory. Designers often send the “safe” choice of an ivory sample, but special-orders can be made in different colors. The stylist can present swatches, or if you just can’t imagine the full effect, simply request a sample one to try on loan in the fabric color(s) that designer offers.
Adding color doesn’t mean you’re limited to a full gown in a single shade. Give a nod to the traditional by choosing an ivory one embroidered with color. A tinted veil can also add to your ensemble, either matching the dress or adding to the look with color embroidery and embellishments. Some designers are also hand-painting veils with real gold or silver.
It is thrilling to see color seeping back into the world of bridal design, giving even more ways to express yourself on the wedding day. It’s worth it to try an unexpected shade and see if this trend is right for you.
Sharon Townsend is the Owner/Manager of Tiffanys Bridal, a Richmond tradition since 1969. She purchased her own gown from Tiffanys, and after 20 years of freelance wedding planning, she made the boutique her own in 2008. Now she dedicates her time to ensuring all brides remember finding their gown as fondly as she does. To learn more visit tiffanysbridal.com.
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