While some brides are drawn to beautiful and forever classic bridal white, others may envision themselves in shades of blush, blue, or mint on their wedding day. If you fall into the latter category, you're probably on the hunt for a bold and colorful wedding dress.
Before you start your search, you should determine what shade will best celebrate your personal style and complement your wedding color palette. If you're a bride-to-be who prefers a subtle hint of color, consider wedding dresses in shades of soft gray, lilac, and powder blue. If you're looking to make a dramatic statement, opt for high-impact colors like emerald green, red, and even bright pink. You don't have to settle on just one hue, as multi-colored dresses or colorful dresses with interesting patterns are also on-trend.
Whether you're having a black-tie wedding or a casual seaside ceremony, we've rounded up our favorite dresses fit for every style, budget, and color palette.
Best Pale Pink: Zhivago Beloved Gown
This gorgeous pale pink satin dress features a quilted trim at the waist and neckline for a sexy and flattering fit. Style this romantic gown with gold strappy heels, dainty earrings, and rose-colored lipstick. This look is perfect for a romantic garden wedding.
Price at time of publish: $450
Size Range: 2-10 | Length: Floor-length | Material: 90% polyester, 10% spandex
Best Slip Dress: Sachin & Babi Midi Dress
This elegant slip dress in a classic blue hue will never go out of style. Wear yours with delicate personal jewelry and dewy makeup for a pared-back and utterly timeless look.
Price at time of publish: $168
Size Range: 0-26W | Length: Midi | Material: Polyester
Best All Over Sparkle: Revelry Gwen Sequin Dress
Add some sparkle to your wedding day look with a gown in all-over sequins. This twinkling number is perfect for taking you from the aisle to the after-party.
Price at time of publish: $189
Size Range: 0-32 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester
Best Pale Green: Andrew Kwon Diana V2
Andrew Kwon never fails when it comes to colorful wedding gowns, and this dress proves why. The gown features a ruffled skirt and fitted bodice in a dreamy green shade.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Size Range: Contact brand | Length: Floor-length | Material: Tulle
Best Floral Print: Reformation Jasen Dress
If you're throwing a casual backyard wedding, opt for this nature-inspired wedding dress. Wear yours with grass-friendly espadrilles and minimal accessories to complete your effortless look.
Price at time of publish: $348
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Viscose
Best Bright Blue: Carolina Herrera Sleeveless Floral-Appliqué Gown
What could be better than finding your perfect wedding dress and your something blue at the exact same time? This exceedingly chic and elegant number is perfect for the bride who favors sophistication but still loves color.
Price at time of publish: $6,490
Size Range: 2-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk
For The Whimsical Bride: Showpo Brailey Mini Dress Sweetheart Bustier Dress in Pink Jacquard
Add some whimsy to your wedding day look with this adorable pink jacquard floral dress with a sweetheart bustier neckline.
Price at time of publish: $90
Size Range: 2-16 | Length: Mini | Material: Polyester
Best Red Gown: Mac Duggal Ruffle Strapless Tulle Ballgown
If you're going to go for color, then go for bold color. This vibrant red dress is totally show-stopping and will stand out in all of your photos.
Price at time of publish: $498
Size Range: 0-24 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester
Most Ethereal: Lulus Rare Beauty Hunter Green Tulle Backless Maxi Dress
This green tulle dress from Lulus is utterly enchanting for a garden wedding. We love this ethereal look with simple accessories and a wildflower bouquet.
Price at time of publish: $86
Size Range: XXS-XXXL | Length: Maxi | Material: Polyester
Most Sophisticated: Carolina Herrera Navy Strapless Embellished Silk-Faille Gown
Elegant and sophisticated, this navy gown commands attention. The alluring strapless neckline is perfect for highlighting your décolletage.
Price at time of publish: $5,990
Size Range: 2-16 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk-faille
Best Ombré Dress: Baobab Providencia Ombre Maxi Dress
This show stopping rainbow ombré dress features a sexy open back and a flattering cowl neck design. Keep your accessories minimal to allow the dress to take center stage.
Price at time of publish: $330
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester
Best Multicolor: Staud Hyacinth Patchwork Paisley A-Line Organza Dress
This colorful gown features vibrant colors of yellow, blue, pink, and green and is sure to make a cheery entrance down the aisle. You will also love the interesting details of the dress, including the tiered style and sheer neckline.
Price at time of publish: $395
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Maxi | Material: Polyester
Best Patterned: Revelry Camilla Geo Sequin Dress
This emerald dress features a geo sequined pattern for those who want a design on their dress, but don’t want a floral print. This dress is a perfect choice for an evening or more formal wedding.
Price at time of publish: $189
Size Range: 0-32 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Unknown
What to Look For in a Colorful Wedding Dress
Color
When it comes to shopping for a colorful wedding dress, it's important to find a hue that's flattering for your skin tone and works well with your wedding's color palette and theme. The time of day and season can also help you determine what color to wear. For spring and summer weddings, gowns in soft colors like pastels and cheery patterns like floral prints are the perfect choice for warm-weather nuptials. If you're having a winter wedding, floor-length gowns in jewel tones such as emerald green and navy look particularly sophisticated – especially for a black-tie celebration. And if you prefer to wear white for the ceremony but are looking for a fun and colorful second look, opt for mini dresses in vibrant hues like bright pink and electric blue.
Fit
In addition to color, you should also consider the fit of the dress to best flatter your body type. Dresses that are cinched at the waist or belted will highlight your midsection, while ruched or A-line dresses will help conceal your midsection. Dresses with a corset fit are a good choice for accentuating your bust and flattering your waistline. You should also consider your location and venue when picking a dress. For evening events or more formal events, you should consider longer dresses and details like embroidery or sequins, while for outdoor or more casual weddings, you can go with shorter or more casual dresses.
Fabric
You should also keep in mind fabrics when picking your wedding dress. For more formal or winter events, you can pick heavier fabrics like satin, while for more casual or summertime events, you can look for lightweight fabrics. There aren’t any definite rules, however, and a chiffon or tulle dress would be an appropriate pick for more formal events as well. You should consider the seasons, however, as you don’t want a gown with thick fabric in the summer or a lightweight dress for an outdoor wedding in the fall.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.