Wednesday, March 30, 2011; 10:48 AM
It's free, it's online and it's called Wikipedia. In always wanting to understand the origin of a thing, I tend to research quite a bit as I did many years ago regarding the origin of the white wedding dress. Things like that always fascinate me. Per Wikipedia, the white wedding dress became largely popular in 1840, after the marriage of Queen Victoria to her cousin, Albert of Saxe-Coburg. Since then, brides have continued this tradition very nearly exclusively, with some recent fresh exceptions.
You would think that if a bride were going to stray from the norm, during a season such as spring and summer, they might venture out and dare to wear fiery-colored frocks. Today's brides like superstar actress Reese Witherspoon, are exploring new colors. Reese who recently exchanged vows with Jim Toth, chose to defy the laws of tradition with her choice of color in her bridal ensemble. She is said to have worn a blush pink-colored strapless gown by Monique Lhuillier, who happens to be one of my personal favorites! I can confidently say that I have seen stunners in red gowns. I've seen silver, platinum, lavender, chartreuse and even those with black trimmings. Since Reese hasn't seen fit to publish a photo of hers, see another celebrity gown of color below by Gwen Stefani!
Whether you opt to celebrate tradition by wearing a white wedding dress or, wearing a fiery red dress, select a gown that moves the silhouette as close to a proportionate hourglass figure as possible. If white is right for you, it is important to note that there are twelve different shades beginning with stark white and ending in antique. One's skin tone should be taken into account when choosing your gown color. Stark white would collide with the fair complected bride whereas, it would be a perfect match for the darker toned young woman. Fair complected brides might feel more glamourous in an ivory or darker shade like the aforementioned antique.
Since they say two is better than one, why stop at just one dress? You have my permission to slip out of your traditional white ceremony gown and into a simpler, sexier fiery frock and make your event into more of a party, because to refer to the Blackeyed Peas, it might just be a good night! Why feel shrowded when you can dance the night away in total comfort. If Dad is telling you that it is ridiculous to spend the money on another dress, just tell him you don't want to get the first one dirty break-dancing during the late-night parts of your reception. After such an expense, he might just see the light!
Gwen Stefani Image from: pinkhues.com
