Weddings are a time of celebration, love, and new beginnings. For many brides, the wedding dress is one of the most important parts of the big day. The color and style a bride chooses for her dress can signify many things and help her make a statement on her special day.
While white wedding dresses have long been the traditional choice to symbolize purity and new beginnings, modern brides have many more options when it comes to wedding dress colors. Some brides who are not virgins still opt to wear white on their wedding day. However, other colors like blush, champagne, and ivory have become popular choices for non-virgin brides who want a dress that strays from tradition.
The wedding dress color a non-virgin bride chooses can be deeply personal. Factors like skin tone, venue, time of year, and overall wedding vision can all play a role. Brides may select a color that flatters their complexion, fits with their wedding theme, or simply speaks to their personal style. There’s no “right” or “wrong” choice when it comes to non-traditional wedding dress colors.
Symbolic Meaning of White Wedding Dresses
Before exploring color choices for non-virgin brides, it helps to understand the history behind the white wedding dress tradition. For centuries, white has symbolized purity, innocence, and new beginnings in Western culture. This meaning extended to wedding attire, with white dresses being especially popular after Queen Victoria wore a white gown for her 1840 wedding to Prince Albert.
By the mid-19th century, white had become the go-to shade for wedding dresses among the upper classes. Eventually it trickled down to all classes as mandatory for brides, virginal or not. A white dress represented the bride’s purity and virginity, while also symbolizing the new life she was embarking on.
So while white dresses did come to represent virginity, that meaning was layered on top of the original symbolism of new beginnings. For non-virgin brides who still want that sense of fresh starts, white can still be a meaningful choice regardless of the bride’s sexual history.
Modern Meanings Behind Wedding Dress Colors
As times have changed, so have attitudes about wedding dress traditions. Today’s brides feel much freer to pick a dress in their favorite color or one that embodies what they want the wedding day to mean to them. Here are some of the symbolic meanings behind today’s popular non-white wedding dress hues:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ivory | Slightly warmer tone than white that flatters many skin tones; still has a bridal feel |
| Blush | Romantic; evokes a sense of fresh, youthful love |
| Champagne | Celebratory and festive for the big event |
| Blue | Something blue; symbol of faithfulness and constancy |
| Pink | Feminine, fun; perfect for spring or beach weddings |
| Gold | Glamorous and luxurious; great for formal black-tie affairs |
Brides today find empowerment in bucking traditions and choosing the dress that feels right for them, regardless of virginity status. The white wedding gown still remains the most popular choice. But for non-virgin brides who want something different, the options are wide open.
Factors that Influence Dress Color Choice
Beyond symbolism, there are a few other factors that tend to shape a non-virgin bride’s dress color selection:
- Skin tone – Some colors like white, ivory, blush and champagne tend to be universally flattering across skin tones. Brides may want to avoid hues like red or yellow if they clash with their complexion.
- Venue – Brides tend to pick lighter colors for beach or daytime weddings, and richer shades like red for formal evening affairs. Gold or navy blue works well for ballroom events.
- Season – Spring and summer brides often opt for soft pastels or warm metallics. Deep fall hues like ruby or emerald are popular for autumn.
- Theme/style – The overall wedding aesthetic can influence color choice. Pink works well for romance or rustic charm, while blue complements nautical or Art Deco themes.
By considering these different factors, brides can select a non-white dress in a shade that perfectly fits their wedding vision.
Popular Non-White Dress Styles
In addition to color, silhouette and style details are also important considerations for non-virgin brides. Some popular options include:
- A-line or ballgown skirts for a classic, feminine look
- Slim fit and flare dresses to highlight curves
- Strapless or halter necklines for a sensual style
- Lace, ribbons, or belts to add visual interest
- Metallic fabrics like gold or rose gold for glam
- Statement backs with cutouts or buttons
- Watteau trains that extend from the shoulders for drama
Non-virgin brides pairing colored dresses with these stylish details achieve looks that are elegant, alluring, and chic on their wedding day.
Celebrity Inspiration
Several celebrity brides have made stunning entrances in non-white wedding gowns, providing inspiration for modern brides:
- Gwen Stefani – The singer wore a pink ombré dip-dyed gown by Vera Wang for her 2002 wedding.
- Jessica Biel – She donned a petal pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown for her 2012 nuptials to Justin Timberlake.
- Anne Hathaway – Her custom Valentino Couture wedding dress featured a pink skirt and white top.
- Kristen Bell – The actress wed in a black and blush lace gown by Roberto Cavalli.
- Kaley Cuoco – She said “I do” in a blush strapless Reem Acra gown embellished with petals.
Their unique non-white dress picks continue to give brides permission to explore colorful options.
Conclusion
Traditions have their place, but today’s brides are not bound to wear white down the aisle. For non-virgin brides, gorgeous dresses in shades like blush, champagne, gold, or even black make modern and stylish alternatives. By thoughtfully considering the meaning behind the color, what works with their wedding style, and what flatters their skin tone, non-virgin brides can find the perfect dress for their big day.
While white remains popular, other colors are equally beautiful options full of symbolism. The most important thing is choosing something that makes the bride feel confident, sexy, and excited to walk toward their future spouse. After all, weddings are about starting a new chapter, no matter what came before. The non-virgin bride’s dress color should reflect not where she’s been, but where she’s joyfully headed.
