Here are an award-winning stylist and image consultant’s top tips on how to choose the right colour wedding dress to suit you and how to be a beautiful bride!
It is always a pleasure to share this page with like-minded people. Sue Burton is my respected friend, award-winning stylist and image consultant and marriage registrar. When she accepted my invitation to share her extensive knowledge with my readers I was thrilled to bits. Moreover, I know you will too.
Be a Beautiful Bride
Selecting the perfect wedding dress should begin as soon as possible and every bride needs to take her time when making such an important choice. Choosing the dress that you’ve always dreamed of can be a daunting task… where to start, what style to wear, which colour and will it match your wedding theme?
Traditional White Gown
Before the 19th century, it was customary for a bride to wear her very best dress. Regardless of the colour, women would generally choose their favourite dress. On the day of their ceremony, it would be the very first time to wear such a special dress. A white wedding dress was first introduced by Queen Victoria in 1840 and following this marriage ceremony many brides opted for the trend of wearing a white wedding dress. White was symbolic of wealth and power, as it showed luxury and was typically very difficult to care for. Over time white wedding dresses have become more and more extravagant, featuring lace detailing, sequins, frills and a whole array of embellishments.
Wedding White
Many brides will have a vision of their favourite fairy-tale wedding gown and will search for dresses which they’ve seen in a magazine, but when they slip into the gown they can often feel disappointed. It’s not always the style or cut of the gown—but the shade. White, when referring to a wedding dress isn’t often just white. There’s a vast range of white and off-white colours: champagne, ivory and even a blushed pink shade! The choice of colour should complement skin tones. Although the traditional choice is a pure white wedding gown, the reality is that few women can wear pure white successfully. Many ladies look either washed out or sallow when wearing white. There are, however, numerous shades of white or cream which are perfect for wedding gowns yet still traditional. Choosing the right shade will flatter your skin tone and your eyes will sparkle, whereas bright white may detract. The purest, starkest white wedding gown will almost glow, and this is particularly striking against dark skin. It is also the most difficult shade to wear, as it can drain the colour from fair and medium skin tones. Champagne white is a beautiful white with a slight undertone. In photos and low light, it looks nearly white but adds richness to olive or sallow skin. There is a great deal of variation in shades of ivory, which is the most universally flattering hue for brides.
Beyond White
Pastels are a trendy alternative and can perfectly complement a bride’s complexion. Blush pinks or creamy shades are all elegant choices and gowns trimmed in pale gold or shimmering silver beading also look very sophisticated. Alternatively, consider a dress of white lace with a silk or satin underlay in another colour for an interesting contrast. Colourful embellishments—sequins, beading or embroidery—also add luxurious detail. A white gown trimmed at the neckline in a richer tone can bring colour to the face while breaking up the starkness of the dress.
Whatever colour you choose for your wedding dress, consider how it looks against your skin tone as well as how it works with your body shape. Nowadays more brides are turning away from traditional pure white, and today’s bride can wear any colour she likes. After all, the wedding gown signifies happiness and celebration and reflects a bride’s personality.
xxx
Sue Burton
Award-winning Stylist & Image Consultant
