When you start to dive into the nitty-gritty of wedding protocol, it can feel outdated - which is why many betrotheds want to break with tradition.
From walking down the aisle solo to getting hitched on the beach, more and more brides are attempting to move away from antiquated wedding conventions. Some are even ditching the white bridal gown in favour of something more pigmented.
The history of the white wedding dress is well-documented. In many societies, particularly in the West, white wedding attire symbolises virginal purity and virtue. White also represented social standing, as ivory fabric was expensive. Despite this somewhat stomach-churning fact, the tradition holds strong today.
Queen Victoria is pinned as kickstarting the everlasting trend, as the royal wore a white dress for her wedding ceremony in 1840. Prior to the monarch’s nuptials, it was fairly common for brides to sport colourful gowns on their big day.
Red, pink, blue and brown were particularly popular pigments. Before the 19th century, Scandinavian brides favoured black, expecting to wear the frock again. Red is a favourable choice in India, as the fiery tone is thought to bring success and prosperity.
Non-white wedding dresses also tend to be sported by women who are remarrying - hence they are not conventionally considered virginal. This is also a matter of choice and what we like to consider a major power move.
Wallis Simpson sported a powder blue number during her controversial 1937 wedding to Edward, Duke of Windsor. The colour was the socialite’s favourite, and was consequently dubbed ‘Wallis Blue.’ Likewise, the Queen Consort, formerly Camilla Parker-Bowles, wore a floor-length blue and gold coat over a matching silver-blue dress by Anna Valentine for her civil ceremony to King Charles III in 2005
However first-time brides are also known to sport colour on the rare occasion. Emily Ratajkowski wore a mustard Zara suit to her 2018 City Hall nuptials. Influencer Zeena Shah wore five bridal looks, spanning a pink ombre lehenga to a fabulously spotted Ashish frock. Hollywood star Mandy Moore wore layers of blossom pink tulle and Avril Lavigne fittingly donned a gothic black lace dress by Monique Lhuillier.
Whether you want to shelve traditional white due to personal preferences, cultural reasons or just because, there are a handful of striking garments to consider. Note that many of them aren’t technically wedding dressing, but still pass with flying colours.
Discover the best non-white wedding dresses and sashay down the aisle in style.
Shop below
Jenny Packham Bright Gem Sequin-Embellished Gown
Glitter in gold as you take to the aisle. Jenny Packham is a designer who bears the royal seal of approval due to her exquisite craftsmanship and penchant for traditional silhouettes. Fuse conventional style with a youthful palette in this dazzling metallic gown.
Buy now £2795.00, Farfetch
Needle & Thread Hattie Ruffle Strapless Ankle Gown
Needle & Thread is the perfect place to start when searching for non-white wedding gowns. Many of the frocks up for grabs adopt classic wedding gown silhouettes yet feature divinely frothy layers of tulle, pastel colourways and embellishment galore.
Buy now £5252.00, Needle & Thread
Molly Goddard Pink Willow Maxi Dress
Cool girls get hitched in Molly Goddard. A brand whose poster girl is Rosamund Pike (immediately sold), the ever-popular label has been sported by brides attending their chic city weddings and Chelsea Town Hall nuptials.
Buy now £2890.00, SSENSE
Tracy Studio Long Sleeve Curved Neckline Full Dress
Brides never fail to look ravishing in red. Tracy Studio’s knock-out crimson gown is dramatic and graceful in equal measure. Crafted from refined brocade material and adorned with intricate sunken patterns, the statement gown is a beautiful piece that will floor guests with its grandeur.
Buy now £869.00, Wolf & Badger
Simone Rocha Floral-Embroidered Tulle Midi Dress
Whether donning white or colour, we urge all brides-to-be to consider Simone Rocha for their wedding day attire. Layers of fairy-like sheer fabric, sequined floral embellishments and mystical hues from blossom pink are the definition of marriage material.
Buy now £1695.00, Harvey Nichols
Alice + Olivia Fay Floral Brocade Midi Dress
Two words: gold brocade. The opulent material is a mesmeric choice to rewear for weddings, society parties and balls. Alice + Olivia’s Fay shimmering dress will turn heads. Gothic floral detailing merges with glimmering metallics to create a stand-out look.
Buy now £1095.00, Harvey Nichols
Markarian Off-Shoulder Embroidered Midi Dress
Markarian is renowned for luxurious gowns to be worn on special occasions. Opt for a vintage aesthetic in the label’s off-the-shoulder dress featuring a sweetheart neckline, dainty yellow ditsy florals and the palest shade of lemon yellow.
Buy now £1430.00, My Theresa
Monsoon Eugiene Embroidered Maxi Dress
Saving money for the open bar? Head to Monsoon for some affordable wedding dress options that never sacrifice style. Featuring a pale mint-sage hue and crystal embellishments, the brand’s Eugenie dress exudes Grecian goddess glamour.
Buy now £175.00, Monsoon
The Vampire's Wife Light Sleeper Fringed Organza Gown
Black may be controversial, but it makes for a dazzlingly dramatic wedding day look. And who better to execute the challenge than The Vampire’s Wife? A combination of ebony organza, fluttering sleeves and shimmering tinsel detailing is reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.
Buy now £1595.00, Harvey Nichols
Victoria Beckham Exclusive Floor-Length Cami Dress
Leave it to Victoria Beckham to produce the sophisticated slip dress of dreams. Gleam in the simple golden slip crafted from fluid crepe back satin. Showcasing delicate spaghetti straps and available in six colours (including white for those who change their mind), the Nineties-inspired number is a timeless choice.
Buy now £890.00, Victoria Beckham
Marchesa Notte One-Shoulder Embroidered Duchesse-Satin Gown
Not only is this Marchesa Notte gown plucked straight from a fairytale, but it’s also half-price. Raspberry pink petals sprawl across the top half of the romantic gown, which is blossom pink in colour. Ornate details such as intricate embroidery and floral appliqués will tickle the fancy of brides with a feminine touch.
Buy now £647.00, The Outnet
Erdem Tie-Detailed Tiered Sequinned Gown
Bring your A-game in Erdem. The designer label’s iridescent sequin gown is one of our favourites and is set to drop jaws. Layers of airy crepe de chine boasting scores of golden, light-catching sequins are enhanced by a free-flowing silhouette and black tie detailing.
Buy now £3195.00, Net-A-Porter
Huishan Zhang Strapless Loreena Maxi Dress
Do away with classic wedding silhouettes and champion emerging designers. Huishan Zhang’s Loreena dress is replete with resplendent detailing. Shroud yourself in the golden haze of the number, which is completed with crystal floral blooms and a strapless design.
Buy now £2995.00, Harrods
Delightful Things Ornament Rose Midi Dress
Buy a dress to rewear. A voluminous, girlish choice for those wanting to save the pennies for the honeymoon, this rose-tinted jacquard dress is an easy-wear style for your big day. Pair it with white ballet pumps and a frosting of pearls.
Buy now £110.00, Sister Jane
