Tuesday's Tip #6: White vs. Ivory

It's a never ending battle between a white wedding gown and an ivory wedding gown. Then there's all these colors in between, like diamond white, alabaster, and oyster. All these terms seem foreign when you begin the search for your gown but there is hope! These simple tips can help you decide if white or ivory is best for you.

To begin, there is a distinct difference between white and ivory. Many times, when brides are trying on gowns they think ivory is white until the dress is held next to a true white gown. Each fabric holds color differently though and this is important to keep in mind. So where to start in this mess?

Preconceived Image- First, begin with what you want. Some brides are definite they want to wear a white gown on their wedding day, and that is perfectly okay! All dresses are made in white.

Material of Gown- If you do not have a preconceived image of the color gown you picture yourself in, consider the style gown you want. Often time lace appears better in ivory. This is because it draws on the vintage feel, and it tends to show the detail better. Satin ivory tends to appear lighter, so brides get the warmth of ivory without feeling too vintage.

Skin Tone- Next, it is always important to consider your personal coloring. In some cases, brides look beautiful in white, especially if they have darker or golden skin tones with dark hair. In other cases,white tends to wash out brides who are fare completed because white is stark in color and can be challenging to wear. Ivory is a color that flatters everyones skin tones because it offers richness and warmth.

Reasons to Like White- A true-white gown is more traditional because white symbolizes purity and innocence. White is also a nice choice for a winter wonderland or a destination summer beach wedding.

Reasons to Like Ivory- Ivory often times appears more formal than white because it is warmer and richer in color.

There are many reasons to lean towards one or the other. The best way to see the contrast and difference in colors is to hold a true white gown next to an ivory gown. You will be shocked by the color difference because the color of the gown when on a person is much less noticeable when it is not compared to similar colors. The best advice if you are unsure of what you want is to try on an ivory gown then immediately after try on a white to understand and see the noticeable difference. Listen to the advice of your sales consultant as well, and remember it is your wedding so go with your gut feeling.