The pros and cons of getting married in white

Getting married in white is traditional and most brides look forward to the opportunity to wear a beautiful white or ivory gown for the day. However, it’s not compulsory and if you’d rather wear a different colour it’s entirely your choice. Here are some of the pros and cons of getting married in white.

Get married in white because…

It’s traditional

You may not feel the need to follow tradition at the time you tie the knot, but later on in life you might look back at your photos and feel sad that you hadn’t taken the traditional bridal route. In western countries it’s customary for brides to wear a white wedding dress; after all there aren’t many occasions when you would get the opportunity to dress up in a striking white gown.

It’s distinctive

If you want to be easily recognised as the bride in your wedding photos, white or ivory are the best options. Most guests know of the common etiquette not to wear white to a wedding because only the bride should wear white. If you wear a white wedding gown you can pretty much be sure that you won’t be wearing the same as anyone else at your wedding.

It’s bridal

The image of the bride in a frilly white gown and veil is a well-known stereotype, but it is an enduring symbol, and when you catch a glimpse of your reflection in your wedding outfit you will undoubtedly feel like a bride. There’s nothing like a gorgeous white wedding dress to make you really realise you are getting married.

It’s symbolic

Peace and fresh beginnings are often associated with white, but if you are of eastern descent you will already know that in some countries white symbolises death and mourning so another colour would be more appropriate. In western cultures white symbolises happiness and joy, and a white wedding gown reflects the innocence, purity and kindness of the bride.

Don’t get married in white because…

It’s unflattering

Many designers now provide dresses in pastel shades or bolder colours which may be more flattering. If you have a fuller figure, very pale complexion, a pinkish skin tone, or white blonde hair, a white wedding dress might not be the best option for you. You need to feel confident on your big day so if you are self-conscious in a white dress, it may not be the ideal choice.

It’s delicate

Consider your wedding venue when you are choosing the colour of your dress. A white dress might be appropriate in a pristine hotel, but if you are going to be outside and there’s the chance of getting muddy, think about some other less delicate colours. If you’re a clumsy by nature, or you’re planning on drinking red wine on your wedding day, a white wedding gown could easily get marked or stained.

It’s conformist

On your wedding day you want a dress that will express your personality, and if you think white is a bit too plain, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go for another colour. You might be the sort of person that likes to wear bold bright colours and patterns.

It’s inflexible

If you opt for a coloured dress, you could easily wear it to other formal occasions without anyone realising it was originally a wedding gown. After your wedding day, there will not be very many opportunities to wear a white glamorous gown again. Some brides have their white dresses dyed after the wedding so that they can get some more wear out them.