Ivory vs. White Wedding Dresses

While white has been the wedding dress color of choice for centuries, today there are many shades of wedding gowns brides can choose! From ivory to pure white and every shade in between, you may be wondering which color you should choose for your wedding dress.  

It’s important to note that while most wedding dresses appear as traditional ivory or white, our True Society stores offer a variety of lace and tulle colorways to best flatter all skin tones. From moscato, rum, mocha and honey to biscotti, porcelain and almond, we truly have colorway options for every bride (including ivory and white, of course!). 

For the purposes of this blog post, we will focus on ivory and white wedding gowns so keep reading to learn more about the differences between the two colors, determine which gown color is best for you and see some fabulous styles we have available at True Society. 

What is the Traditional Wedding Dress Color? 

While white is the most traditional wedding dress color choice due to its association with purity, this wasn’t always the case. Check out some facts below about white wedding dresses, ivory wedding dresses and more: 

  • White wedding gowns didn’t become popular until Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress to marry Prince Albert in 1840. Up until that time, wedding gown colors were all over the map! Brides wore any color they desired and were more concerned with wearing the most beautiful dress they could afford.  
  • Queen Victoria’s bridal gown inspired other wealthy brides to wear white because it showed they could afford to have their gowns professionally cleaned to wear to other events. White was more associated with wealth than purity back then! 
  • While pure white may be considered more traditional, many brides today choose ivory because of its soft warmth and tendency to flatter all skin tones. 

Ivory Wedding Gowns 

Ivory is a popular color for wedding dresses and features a creamy, warm undertone that is flattering on many skin tones, but especially on brides with fair skin! Many designers make their gowns in ivory but may call the color by a different name, like off-white or eggshell. While ivory wedding dresses look stunning with virtually any color of bridesmaids’ gowns, we especially love ivory paired with black, burgundy or champagne for a luxurious look. 

Modern Ivory Wedding Dresses 

Essense of Australia Style D3570 is a chic and modern take on a classic A-line gown. Brides will turn heads in this ivory fashion-forward matte Mikado wedding dress. A sophisticated one-shoulder sleeve wraps into the pleated sweetheart bodice for a modern off-the-shoulder look, while a slit in the skirt adds a touch of sexiness! Pearl accessories make for a beautiful complement to the classic elements of this iconic gown.   

Vintage Ivory Wedding Dresses 

While ivory wedding dresses are considered more modern, vintage wedding dresses also look beautiful in a rich shade of white. A white wedding gown often lends itself to a vintage feel, especially if combined with ornate beading. Essense of Australia Style D3752 is a beautiful vintage-inspired wedding dress. 

Delicate puff sleeves are a sweet nod to classic bridal styles of decades past, while the simple skirt flows behind you as you walk down the aisle.  

Bohemian Ivory Wedding Dresses 

Trend alert! Lately, brides have been planning bohemian weddings that take place in nature-inspired settings. From destination weddings in the desert to breezy beach weddings, bohemian wedding dresses tend to be fashion-forward and easy to wear.  

Ivory is a gorgeous color for a bohemian wedding dress because its warm undertone is more natural and blends well with earth tones! Essense of Australia Style D3443 features vintage-inspired yet modern lace in a bold pattern. Puff sleeves and a keyhole back bring drama and a striking style to this statement-making gown!  

White Wedding Gowns 

Pure white wedding dresses achieve their crisp color by being made of bleached fabrics. A natural or diamond white is an excellent compromise because it is slightly softer but not as warm as ivory. This color looks best on medium or darker skin tones. 

Traditional White Wedding Dresses 

Traditional wedding gowns often include lace or satin styles with details like illusion necklines or buttons. However, for an ultra-traditional look, you can opt to order one of these gowns in white! Essense of Australia Style D3153 blends traditional elements and modernity with stunning graphic lace and a show-stopping train. A plunging neckline adds a touch of sexiness and is on-trend this year! 

Modern White Wedding Dresses 

If you want to wear a pure white gown but also achieve a contemporary look, it’s all about the details! Stella York Style 7424 is fit for a modern princess and is beautifully dimensional with a beaded lace bodice that shimmers as you dance the night away. A frothy layered tulle skirt brings a whimsical element to this ballerina-inspired wedding dress. 

Minimalist White Wedding Dresses 

For the bride who loves a streamlined yet classic look, a minimalist white wedding dress may be the one! Essense of Australia Style D3460 is classic yet modern and redefines minimalism. A rounded neckline and scooped open back are elegant, while side cutouts with illusion tulle inserts add a sexy and contemporary touch. The voluminous skirt with a dramatic slit is chic and show-stopping for the bride who wants to wow! 

Choosing Your Wedding Gown Colors 

Whether you love ivory or white wedding dresses or even colored ones, there are a few things to keep in mind! First, you’ll want to pick a color flattering to your skin tone. If you can, try on different shades of white and nude to see which one looks the best on you.   

While ivory looks beautiful with every color it is paired with, pure white looks best with colors that aren’t too warm—think cooler-toned blues, pink or even gray. Tradition also plays an essential part in your decision! Brides who want to honor their culture may opt for a gown in a color other than white or have a dress change during their wedding to get the best of both worlds.  

Are you team ivory wedding dresses or team white wedding dresses? Regardless of which color you choose, you can visit one of our True Society store locations to find an ivory or white bridal gown for your big day! For even more bridal inspiration, check out more of our gorgeous gowns. Availability varies per store. 

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