A Guide to Shades of White in Wedding Gowns
The search for the perfect wedding gown isn’t just about the dress silhouette and style, it also includes finding the right shade of white!
Of course, some brides choose to ditch white altogether and opt for another color that better suits their style. We’re all about infusing some personal style elements into your bridal look, but if you do decide to go with a white wedding gown, there is still an opportunity to choose a color that compliments your vibe. White has various shades that, although their differences may be subtle, can be the one element that makes a gown perfect for you. If you’re a bit confused or overwhelmed about how to decide which shade of white will work for you, we’re here to help you navigate through the go-to wedding hue. Just keep in mind that different brands may not define their shades of white the same way, so pay extra attention to their specific gown details when purchasing a dress. Here’s our general breakdown of a few of the most popular shades of white when it comes to wedding gowns!
Stark White
This shade of white is the color that often pops into our minds when we think of wedding gowns. It’s the brightest shade of white that you can choose for your dress. Although it is crisp and has a certain glow to it, stark white is usually bleached to achieve its color and can sometimes have a blue undertone, which can wash out a paler skin tone. So, just be careful when choosing this color and evaluate whether it will compliment your skin tone and photo lighting well. Typically, this shade of white pairs well with a satin or crepe fabric for an effortlessly chic look.
Photography by Joe Lee Foto
Photography by Ria Mackenzie Photography
Natural White
Still a crisp shade of white, natural white is less intense and not as bright as a stark white. If you want a lighter gown, but are worried about it washing out your complexion, this is a great option because it is lighter than ivory and slightly darker than pure white. It can usually be found in natural wedding dress materials like chiffon or silk that can complement a more romantic bridal look. You’ll also have a much easier time finding good lighting for your wedding portraits because of natural white’s softer appearance.
Ivory
Probably the most popular wedding gown color, ivory is also often referred to as eggshell because of its warm undertones. Its popularity can stem from the fact that it is extremely versatile. This particular shade of white can be found in various fabrics from silk to lace and compliments almost every skin tone. If you have olive skin just be aware that certain shades of ivory that have more yellow undertones can sometimes clash with your skin tone, making it appear duller. But, this shade of white does bring out the details of a gown well, providing the perfect backdrop for any glam embellishments to shine.
Photography by Joe Lee Foto
Photography by Ria Mackenzie Photography
Champagne
If you want to stray from classic white, you can opt for a wedding gown with gold undertones like a champagne-colored dress. This hue is still considered a shade of white but can appear as more rosy-gold when on a piece of fabric. Champagne compliments lace, tulle, and organza fabric well, but doesn’t have to be the main color of your gown. You can also opt for a champagne underlay with a lace or tulle overlay, which will accentuate the top fabric, adding more detail and texture to your gown.
Blush
Bring all of your princess wedding gown dreams to life with a blush-colored dress! This rosy hue brings a romantic element to any wedding gown, putting a slight pink tint on a more traditional white gown. If you don’t want to commit to a fully blush gown, consider blush details like floral embroidery or a tulle underlay. This will still give your gown a modern, pink touch without it distracting from the rest of the gown.
Photography by Ria Mackenzie Photography
Share this with a bride who is searching for her wedding gown. Need more bridal style guidance? Book a consultation with one of our style experts here or browse through our wedding gown collection for a visual of these shades of white in action!
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