The World of Wedding Dress Colors

When most people picture a bride, they imagine a woman in a white gown gliding down the aisle. While white may dominate Western wedding traditions, bridal gown colors around the world tell a much richer and more vibrant story. At Princess Bridals, we love exploring the beauty behind global wedding customs and how today’s brides are embracing their heritage—or just a splash of symbolism—with color!

White: A Symbol of Purity and Fresh Starts

In the United States and much of Europe, white is the traditional choice. Popularized by Queen Victoria in 1840, the white wedding dress became a symbol of innocence and new beginnings. At Princess Bridals' Long Island wedding dress collection, white remains the most requested color, but it’s far from the only option.

Red: The Color of Joy and Good Fortune

In China, India, and other parts of Asia, red reigns supreme. Symbolizing prosperity, passion, and luck, red bridal gowns are often worn during traditional ceremonies. Many modern brides incorporate red with accessories or change into a red gown for the reception to honor their roots and add a dramatic flair.

Gold and Yellow: Royalty and Celebration

In parts of Southeast Asia and West Africa, gold and yellow gowns are associated with royalty, celebration, and divine blessing. These colors shimmer with cultural significance and photograph beautifully. Designers have started incorporating golden embroidery into ivory dresses for a luxurious global fusion style.

Blue: Faithfulness and Tranquility

Blue, long associated with fidelity (“something blue,” anyone?), is making a comeback. Dusty blue, pale lavender-blues, and even deep midnight hues are showing up in bridal collections. These shades evoke calm, elegance, and individuality—perfect for the bride who wants to keep tradition with a twist.

Green, Pink, and Multicolored Magic

From the green dresses of Celtic tradition representing fertility and harmony to blush pink gowns representing romance and joy, brides are getting more adventurous. In South Africa, multi-colored gowns represent the nation’s vibrant diversity, and in modern weddings everywhere, ombré and floral-printed gowns are turning heads.

Designers Leading the Color Revolution

Designers like Val Stefani and Casablanca Bridal are embracing color in bold and subtle ways—from champagne undertones and rose gold beading to floral appliqués and full red gowns. At Princess Bridals, we carry exclusive styles that include these unique global influences.

How Today’s Brides Are Blending Cultures

Long Island brides often represent a blend of cultures—and their gowns are no different. Many opt for a traditional white gown for the ceremony and then change into a more colorful reception dress. Others choose custom gowns that weave their backgrounds into one cohesive statement. The consultants at Princess Bridals specialize in helping brides tell their unique story through their gown, with options from our plus-size wedding dresses and our elegant Mother of the Bride collection for the whole wedding party.

Why Princess Bridals is the Destination for Every Bride

At Princess Bridals in Mineola, NY, we pride ourselves on celebrating bridal diversity. Whether you're seeking the elegance of ivory, the drama of red, or a couture gown inspired by your cultural roots, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Schedule your appointment now at our VIP Bridal Experience and discover why we’re one of the best bridal shops on Long Island.

Come explore color, culture, and couture at Princess Bridals. We invite you to visit us at our Farmingdale location and experience the beauty of bridal traditions from around the world. Let us help you find the gown that speaks to your heart and heritage.