For some reason, many brides seem to be afraid to wear anything but white on their wedding day. Whether it’s a desire to please others or a soft spot for tradition, brides often swear off color for the day, even if it’s normally a big part of their look (hey, I did it too)–although I did try to add a pop of color with my clutch).
So what’s the deal with this tradition? And why are we all so locked into it?
Wearing white wedding gowns became popular in the 19th century after Queen Victoria wore one. At the time, white signified wealth. It meant that you had enough money to buy a dress that you would only wear once. Eventually, it became the most popular trend in Western wedding fashion and came to signify purity. But we’re talking about the1800s here! Why tether yourself to a tradition that may mean next to nothing to you when there are so many awesome bridal options that incorporate gorgeous colors into them?
My first example, which I think will help to entice you and draw you into the fabulous world of color, is this absolutely stunning hand-dyed Pretty in Pink wedding gown by Ouma (it reminds me a little of the gorgeous dress Portia di Rossi wore when she married Ellen Degeneres). Champagne and rose dyes are 
combined to create this soft, dreamy pink. The floor-length tulle skirt, criss-cross sweetheart bodice and satin sash unite with the pink to create a breathtaking, ethereal look that will silence any color critic (who cares what they think anyway?).
Many bride-to-bes are nervous at the mention of a non-white dress. Maybe it’s squawking from mom or the future mother-in-law. Maybe it’s the girlhood dream of the big, poofy white gown. Whatever it may be, if a colored dress feels wrong to you, go with your gut. You can always incorporate color in other ways (Gwen Stefani did!). This elegant beauty by 4YourWedding is a great compromise between white and color. The form-fitting white satin gown is embellished with a fire engine red sash and a pretty, beaded floral appliqué. You get the wow factor of the red color, while still wearing a white gown.
You can also go with removable color options. A really pretty sash in a color that matches your bridal party (like this one by icing101) is great because you can put it on and take it off easily. A fantastic bonus of this particular piece is that the flower part of the sash is actually a removable brooch, which gives you so many options! Another perk is that this is something you can most definitely wear again.
A bolero is another idea to consider. I’m in love with this awesome turquoise one by Angelika Liv. Really fun and romantic, this beauty would be a great way to incorporate your “something blue.” It’s also totally unique and unexpected—and you can totally wear this one again too!
Another idea I love is a little “peekaboo” punch of color. This hand-dyed cotton
candy pink crinoline by LocaLovesPirate is an awesome idea. Great for a-line or full-skirted gowns (not so much for mermaids or form-fitting styles), you can have the crinoline dyed to match your colors and can choose the amount of fullness that works for you. It provides cute photo opportunities, while avoiding getting grandma on a roll about “kids these days.”
Another similar alternative is a bright shoe. Let’s face it. Many bridal shoe options are just plain ugly—and will you really ever wear them again? Why shell out cash on a pair that you’ll only wear once (and you’ll probably even take them off to dance)? Designer Addicted custom makes really cool embellished heels. These ruby red satin party heels, for example, are a fun way to amp up your look. Made with leather, satin and rhinestones, they add a great blast of personality.
Why stick with only sterile, bland old white when there’s a whole world of color out there? Even just the smallest splashes can bring your bridal look to a whole new level.
Jennifer Garry is a writer and accessories designer living in Westchester, NY with her husband and daughter. When she's not up to her ears in kiddie crafts, you can find her swimming in a pool of beads. Her obsessions include tea, chocolate, sarcasm and her daughter's giggle--any of which can be used to coax her from her little jewelry-making fantasy world.
