When they hear the word “wedding”, most people automatically think of a big cake, lots of flowers, and above all else, a beautifully crafted, well structured, crisp, WHITE dress. More and more, though, brides are rethinking the well-established white gown, and opting for colors that more closely align with their own styles and personalities.

Wedding dresses weren’t officially white until the 1840s, when English Queen Victoria married Prince Albert. Before that, a woman’s wedding dress was often whatever she happened to have in her closet that was best. There was no set color for dresses, although red was typically scorned.

In today’s society, women are choosing gowns that they like, whether they are navy or ivory. Although it goes a little against commonly accepted practice to have a different colored gown, these alternative dresses can be strikingly beautiful, and create an exceptionally memorable wedding.

When choosing an alternately colored gown, you can bring in other colors, such as white, in the floral arrangements and throughout the rest of your scheme. Your wedding day is your chance to be unique, and if you’re willing to buck tradition you can have a great day that people will be sure to remember. No matter what, your wedding is sure to be beautiful!