Rather than a traditional white hue, these brides selected bright and bold gowns for their celebrations.
Published on September 09, 2025 09:10AM
Photo by Elizabeth Cecil
While white may be the traditional hue when it comes to wedding dresses, many modern brides are selecting colorful gowns for their big day. Whether you find yourself gravitating toward a pale blue ensemble or a strapless statement piece in a bold red hue, such a choice can bring a bright and vibrant energy to your own celebration. "In Western tradition, white is the norm, so color becomes a statement," says Tina Wong, the founder, lead designer, and creative director of Grace + Ivory. "I think of it as a way to infuse more of you into your day."
However, while you may be selecting a gown in a non-white hue, know that many of the same standards apply when it comes to styling such an ensemble. "Accessories matter just the same with color," Wong says. "Decide if you still want to wear a veil, and if so, whether it should match your dress or contrast it. Consider how your jewelry, shoes, and other accessories will complement or highlight the dress hue." She adds that colorful gowns often can look different in various forms of lighting. As a result, when planning out your shot list with your photographer, mention the details of your dress so that they can make the necessary arrangements.
To help give you inspiration for your own colorful wedding dress, we've rounded up some of our favorites from real brides. Scroll down to see them all.
01 of 12
A High-Neck Gown Featuring Summer Florals and Fruits
Photo by Olivia Marshall
For her San Francisco nuptials, this bride leaned into the shades of the warm-weather season by opting for a patterned Monique Lhuillier dress that featured florals and citrus fruits. "It was fun and colorful and I felt great in it!" she said. An all-white bouquet, heirloom bracelet, and ombré French manicure completed her bright and bold look.
02 of 12
A Pale Blue Tulle Dress
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH CECIL
This couple eloped prior to their wedding reception, which was held on Martha's Vineyard. Since the bride had already donned a white dress for her courthouse ceremony, she opted to wear a pale blue Oscar de la Renta tulle gown for her beachside celebration. "I am so glad I went with the blue; it was so unique and special," she said.
03 of 12
A Blush Piece With Floral Embroidery
Photo by Melia Sorenson
If you're gravitating toward a colorful gown but don't want a piece that's too bold, take a cue from this bride and select a blush-hued ensemble with floral embroidery. She paired the whimsical dress with a dramatic veil and a bouquet full of white and pink blooms.
04 of 12
A Dusty Rose V-Neck Gown
PHOTO BY CLARY PFEIFFER
While pink accents filled the venue at this couple's Chicago nuptials, this bride waited until after her ceremony to change into her colorful showstopping gown—a V-neck dress in a dusty rose hue. Her partner's attire perfectly complemented her gown, as he switched into a mauve-colored suit for the occasion.
05 of 12
A Bright Red Lehenga With Gold Embroidery
Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography
A bright red lehenga with gold embroidery was the first ensemble this bride selected for her nuptials in Italy. However, the pick was a bit of a risk, as she wasn't able to try the piece on prior to her big day. "Because of scheduling, my mom went to India to purchase all of our wedding attire," the bride said. "She FaceTimed me with several options, and we both agreed on the one we liked the most."
06 of 12
A Blue-Hued Dress With a Plunging Neckline
Photo by Kristin Piteo
As a designer, this bride knew that she wanted to create her own blue-hued wedding dress for her celebration. She ultimately crafted a silk gown with hand beading and a plunging neckline. Amina Maudi heels, an heirloom diamond bracelet, blue earrings, and custom rings completed the look for her late summer nuptials in the Hudson Valley.
07 of 12
A Sleek Gown With Sequined Boning and Mesh Fabric
Photo by Terri Baskin
Opting for a bold second look, this bride selected a Hanifa gown with sequined boning, mesh brown fabric, and hand beading for her destination nuptials in Italy. The dramatic ensemble was one of her favorite memories from her big day. A dark lip shade, voluminous updo, and simple studs earrings added the perfect finishing touches.
08 of 12
A Dramatic Strapless Black Dress
Photo by Scott Clark Photo
For her nontraditional wedding in New York City, this bride knew that she didn't want to wear a classic white gown. "I doubled down on wearing a black dress that I would be able to wear again," she said. "I knew I wanted a black dress, because I didn’t own a black dress!" For a touch of drama, she added a headpiece and oversized earrings to her ensemble.
09 of 12
A Tiered Blush Gown
Photo by Emily Tyler Photography
By stepping into a blush-hued tiered tulle gown for her nuptials, this bride embodied a picturesque vision on her big day. She completed her look with a bouquet of white florals, a long veil, and simple earrings. Her partner also opted for a sleek look, selecting a white tuxedo jacket for the affair.
10 of 12
A Strapless Red Gown With a Dramatic Skirt
Photo by So Tender Is Humanity
This bride's strapless gown for her Washington, D.C. nuptials was anything but ordinary. Selecting a bold red dress, the dramatic ensemble lent the perfect pop of color to her big day. She completed her look with a low bun and a complementary lip color.
11 of 12
A Printed Dress With Bright Colors
Photo by Kylee Yee
When this bride spotted this patterned piece from Carolina Herrera, she immediately knew it was the one. "It was the dress—perfectly me," she said. "I love color and fun, I wasn't a traditional diamond engagement ring kind of girl and I wasn't a traditional white dress kind of girl. The dress personified what I’m drawn to with unique colorful moments."
12 of 12
A Custom Lehenga With Floral Designs
Photo by Lisette Gatliff
This bride selected a custom lehenga from Rahul Mishra for her ceremony in Orange, California. The piece, which included colorful florals designs and beaded accents, was the ideal choice for her outdoor nuptials. A complementary veil and a pair of Valentino shoes tied her ensemble together.
