Proof That Your Wedding Dress Doesn't Have to Be White to Be Right

You've been dreaming about this day forever. You've scoured Pinterest, saved a thousand screenshots, and pinned every "perfect" dress you've seen online. But then you walk into a bridal shop, and the reality hits: a sea of white and ivory. Suddenly, you're drowning in tulle and satin, wondering if you'll ever find the one. You start to sweat, asking yourself, "Will my partner like it? What about my guests?"

Stop right there! This is your day. Your chance to shine. The only opinion that matters is the one you see in the mirror. When you find a dress that makes you feel incredible, confident, and ready to walk down that aisle, don't worry about anyone else. The people who love you are there to celebrate you, no matter what you're wearing. And trust me, your partner is going to be completely blown away, thinking, "Wow, that's my person."

A Little History Lesson (Spoiler: White Wasn't Always a Thing!)

For centuries, the idea of a bride in a white gown has been a symbol of purity and innocence, largely popularised by Queen Victoria when she wore a stunning white satin dress to marry Prince Albert in 1840. Before that? Brides simply wore their best dress, which could have been any colour of the rainbow!

During the medieval and Renaissance periods, the wedding was often a political or economic arrangement, so the dress was a way to show off a family's wealth and status. Brides from wealthy families would wear rich, luxurious gowns in bold colours like red, blue, or gold, made from expensive fabrics like silk and velvet. For many common brides, the dress was a practical choice: they wore their "best dress" which was often a darker colour that could be worn again for other formal occasions without showing stains. Some cultures even favoured black as a wedding dress colour for its practicality and symbolism.

Queen Victoria's choice was a huge break from royal tradition, which at the time favoured silver or gold brocade. Her wedding was highly publicised, and images of her in the white gown were widely circulated in newspapers and magazines. This romantic and patriotic gesture (she wore Honiton lace to support the English lace industry) set a new standard that wealthy, fashionable brides were quick to copy. But it wasn't until the rise of mass media and Hollywood films in the mid-20th century that the white wedding dress became the universal "tradition" we know today.

More Than Just a Dress: The Meaning Behind a Coloured Gown

Wearing a coloured wedding dress isn't just a modern trend; it’s a way to infuse your wedding with personal meaning. Many cultures have long traditions of brides wearing specific colours to symbolise different things.

• Yellow: Radiating joy and optimism, a yellow gown represents happiness, intellect, and friendship—perfect for a couple who are best friends at heart.

• Blue: Go beyond "something blue" and make it the main event. Blue symbolises peace, loyalty, and faithfulness—all the beautiful foundations of a lasting marriage.

• Pink: A wonderfully romantic alternative to white, pink is the colour of love, romance, and playfulness. It represents youthfulness, happiness, and a touch of sweet charm.

• Green: Connect to nature and new beginnings with a green dress. It's a powerful symbol of growth, fertility, and good health for the exciting future you'll build together.

• Red: A bold choice for a passionate bride, red symbolises good fortune, happiness, and prosperity in many cultures. It's a vibrant way to start a new life together.

• Black: For the bride who wants to be truly unforgettable, a black dress is a dramatic and elegant choice. It symbolises sophistication, formality, and everlasting commitment.

• Purple: As the colour of royalty, a purple gown is a regal and sophisticated choice. It represents luxury, power, and wisdom, making any bride feel like a queen.

Now, most brides default to white or ivory. But let's be real, a pop of colour is so much more fun! When you think about it, your wedding dress is the ultimate form of self-expression. It’s your chance to step into the spotlight and be completely you. So why limit yourself?

Imagine the moment the music starts and everyone turns, expecting a traditional white dress... only to have their jaws drop when you appear in something vibrant and unexpected. That’s a true "wow" moment. It's the kind of statement that says, "This is my day, my love story, and my rules." Choosing a coloured gown isn't just about the dress; it's about walking into your future with confidence, personality, and a memory no one—especially your future in-laws—will ever forget.

Find Your Wow Factor at Seconda!

Ready to make a statement? Here at Seconda in Lincolnshire, we believe your wedding dress should be as unique as you are. We have a stunning selection of dresses to help you find "the one."

You have to see our gorgeous ruby red dress by Maggie Sottero! It's a showstopper that will have your guests turning their heads and talking about your wedding for years to come. It feels fabulous, looks fabulous, and will make you look and feel like an absolute queen.

And if you have a specific colour in mind that you don't see in our shop, don't you worry! Just let us know. We'll get in touch with our "fairy godmothers" in the industry to see if we can get our hands on that perfect colour dress for you.

So, are you ready to embrace a little colour and make your wedding day truly unforgettable?

For a truly personalised bridal shopping experience, we invite you to book an exclusive out-of-hours appointment to view our stunning collection of wedding dresses. Myself will be on hand to guide you through our range of exquisite new and ex-display gowns, helping you find the dress of your dreams in a relaxed and private setting. To schedule your private consultation, please visit https://www.myseconda.com/appointments. For more details and to see our full selection, including the breathtaking Maggie Sottero red dress, please click here https://www.myseconda.com/shop/bridal-gowns.