The rise of coloured wedding gowns: A celebration of individuality
Modern brides are stepping away from traditionally white gowns.
Image: Duilio Zapoteco / Pexels
When you picture a wedding, a few timeless images probably come to mind: heartfelt vows, glasses of bubbly, and a bride in a stunning white dress.
But one of these traditions is getting a vibrant makeover.
More and more brides are stepping away from white and walking down the aisle in gowns that showcase colour, from dreamy pastels to deep, dramatic shades.
What started as a break from convention has grown into a full-on movement.
The numbers tell the story. Pinterest has reported a 240 per cent surge in searches for "unique wedding dresses," with blush pink and black gowns also seeing big jumps of 60 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively.
Modern brides are clearly seeking ways to express their personal style on their big day.
Brides are looking for ways to express their personal style.
Image: Marina Abrosimova / Pexels
Why go beyond white?
For many brides, a coloured wedding gown is the ultimate form of self-expression.
It is a way to showcase personality, creativity, and confidence, whether that means slipping into a romantic lavender dress, making a statement in a daring red, or opting for the elegance of chic black.
Colour allows brides to create a look that feels truly unique and memorable.
Shades like champagne, emerald green, or royal blue guarantee a striking entrance and give brides the chance to tie their gown to their wedding theme, the season, or even cultural traditions.
In many parts of the world, colour has always been part of bridal wear.
Red, for example, is the traditional choice for weddings in both India and China.
Black can be elegant and chic.
Image: Batuhan Kocabaş / Pexels
A tradition that isn’t so old
While the white wedding dress feels timeless, it is actually a relatively new tradition.
Queen Victoria’s decision to wear white at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840 is what made the look popular.
Before then, brides in the Georgian era often chose dresses in red, pink, blue, or even black.
Colour has always had its place in bridal fashion.
Elizabeth Taylor famously wore canary yellow in 1964, and Chloë Grace Moretz said "I do" in a custom Cinderella-blue dress.
In the end, the rise of coloured wedding gowns is about celebrating individuality.
It is about finding a dress that makes you feel fabulous and lets you have fun on your big day.