Brides-to-be: Say Yes to the Trendy Wedding Dress with Color?

I really wanted a red dress…or purple. Forget the white. Why do I have to look like a snowman (eh, woman)? I’m a “full-figured” gal, if you will, and I couldn’t quite picture wearing white to save my life. Like me, you’re probably wondering where the idea of white came from. Well, white portrays purity, right? Actually, the white dress is symbolic of a Christian gown (priests, clergy, choirs all wore white in church along with those who received First Communion and Confirmation). If you want to come across as pure (and who doesn’t?), blue is your hue (plus, it takes care of the whole “something borrowed, something blue” thing). White has just become the traditional choice for brides. The wedding dress has almost always mirrored current fashion. And, just like fashion, things are changing again. About nine years ago (when I was trying on wedding dresses) pops of color just started appearing in gowns and the idea was quickly poo-poo-ed by my Mama. It was bad enough I was choosing burgundy bridesmaids dresses (she hates red or anything similar, I happen to love it). It seems now almost anything goes when it comes to wedding wear, just keep your options open, and know what looks best on you. I wasn’t brave enough to take the color plunge (I opted for red roses instead). But, maybe a splash – or more – is a “do” for you.

Here Comes the Bride all Dressed in…Blue?
So, it doesn’t rhyme (“white” doesn’t either, btw) but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for it. The key to finding the perfect dress (especially if we’re talkin’ color) is trying a bunch on (how much more fun can a gal have?). Think about an outfit or even just a top you get the most compliments on (“Oh, no stop…OK…Go on!”). What color is it? It’s probably “your color”. If it’s red (yes, I have red on the brain), try on dresses with red accents or heck, go all out and try on a red wedding dress. If the color compliments your skin tone, and you feel confident and the most beautiful you have ever felt in your life, go for it.

“Cindy, what the heck is my skin tone?” You ask? It’s literally the color of your skin which is based on the amount of melanin it contains. What do you need to know as the blushing bride? Basically, light skin tones look better in dark colors, primary colors are best for medium skin tones and whites and pastels work really well on darker skin. Still having trouble? Make a consult appointment with a makeup artist; she’ll have your makeup, nails, hair, dress colors all perfectly picked out in minutes. Before you hit the stores, flip through your bridal mags or click through online looks, check out models with similar coloring (hair color, eyes, skin) as you and keep a collection of looks you like. It’ll help narrow down your decision before you even start climbing into the princess-like gowns. Do your bridesmaids a favor and try to do the same for them…picking different (but coordinating) colors for each bridesmaid dress is also a hot new trend. Your gal pals will certainly thank you for the option…*gasp* they might even be able to wear the dress again!

Let’s get one thing straight, we all know we all look good in black.  But, a black wedding dress may not be appropriate in the Western world, then again who’s to say what’s “appropriate” these days. Way back when, we’re talkin’ Middle Ages, marriages were based more on business deals than a love match and often combined two wealthy families, so rich colors and fabrics were the fashion. Before the Victorian era brides wore any color, including black (it was very popular in Scandinavia). Some cultures, even today, wear red to signify success and “good luck” (maybe that’s why I like it). So, if you’re looking to justify your choice (you may have to, you know, to your Mom, or Granny), there are many meaningful reasons to wear color on the day you say “I do”- other than looking darn good in it.