The Red Wedding Dress: Be Ravishing in this Radiant Bridal Hue

• What's the Meaning Behind a Red Wedding Dress?
• Is Red a Good Plus Size Wedding Dress Color?
• Where Can You Buy a Red Wedding Dress?
• Is There Anything More Stunning Than a Red Mermaid Wedding Dress?!
• How to Accessorize and Style Red Wedding Dresses

What's the Meaning Behind a Red Wedding Dress?

For a lot of us, choosing a red wedding dress is an alternative to white or ivory. But for many brides across the globe, red is actually the traditional color for brides to wear on their special day. For example, most of us know that red is an extremely lucky color in China. Thought to bring prosperity, fertility, and general good fortune. Which makes it the ideal color for both brides and grooms to wear on their wedding day in China. A tradition that dates back over 650 years.

But the Chinese are not alone in their love for the red wedding gown. In both India and Pakistan, red is often the color of choice for marriage celebrations. Owing in no small part to the significant meaning behind the color. Similar to the Chinese, both Pakistanis, and Indians believe red brings prosperity, positive new beginnings, and passion. In India particularly, where Hinduism is the dominant faith, red is associated strongly with the goddess Durga. A symbol of feminine power and protection. Which means the color is typically reserved exclusively for the bride. The one who is considered most in need of good luck, as she is the one often moving away from home and making the most significant change in her life.

delicate white lace bodice with a plunging neckline and cap sleeves, intricately designed to contrast the deep red lace skirt. The skirt flows gracefully behind her, forming a train that cascades down the stairs. She holds a bouquet of dark red roses, adding to the romantic and dramatic atmosphere of the image. Her hair is styled in a soft updo, with loose tendrils framing her face as she looks down thoughtfully at the bouquet. The neutral marble backdrop highlights the richness and intensity of the red gown, making it the focal point of the image. The overall tone is elegant, romantic, and timeless.

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Is Red a Good Plus Size Wedding Dress Color?

When trying to find a flattering wedding dress, silhouette should be your main consideration. As the cut of your chosen bridal will play a more significant role in your overall look than color ever could. For example, the A-line is a universally flattering shape, one that highlights your best bits and creates that classic feminine silhouette. It works wonders on almost any bride, no matter the body type.

That being said, if you are a plus size bride and want to wear a red wedding dress, we would suggest going for a dark shade. Perhaps something in maroon, burgundy, or even scarlet. As darker shades, in general, give the illusion of a smaller frame. But, this is purely advice, and if you want to be bold in a bright, unique red wedding dress on your big day - go for it! It's your wedding, and you should feel comfortable wearing whatever style and shade of gown you desire.

This image captures a bride standing gracefully on a grand marble staircase, wearing a breathtaking red lace gown with intricate white lace appliqués along the skirt and train. The wedding dress has a plunging neckline and long, sheer lace sleeves, offering a combination of classic elegance and modern style. She holds a large bouquet of deep red roses accented with soft greenery, creating a romantic and sophisticated look. Her long dark hair flows in loose waves, and she gazes softly down at the bouquet in her hands. The background features ornate metal railings and a stately interior with warm lighting, complementing the regal and refined atmosphere of the scene. The combination of the deep red wedding dress and the classical setting evokes a feeling of timeless beauty and luxury.

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Where Can You Buy a Red Wedding Dress?

In modern times, it has become more common for brides to ditch traditional ivory or white color gowns, in favor of something a little more colorful. Meaning brands, and designers, have started to incorporate various colors into their collections. And red is fast becoming one of the most popular choices of colored wedding dress.

If you are considering a colored bridal, we would always advise visiting a store, and trying one on for yourself. Rather than simply ordering online. Red dresses look spectacular in wedding photography, and when styled correctly offer such a fun pop of color. But there are a vast number of red shades out there, and not every one will look right on you. It may well be that you look gorgeous in a cherry red halter, but don't shine quite so bright in something gothic and crimson. You'll only know once you've stepped into a few styles, and tried various hues.

The image features a woman wearing an elegant strapless red gown, posed amidst a sea of flowing red fabric that surrounds her, creating a dramatic and artistic visual effect. The gown is intricately ruched at the bodice, emphasizing her figure, while the fabric of the wedding dress extends gracefully in soft layers. The backdrop, consisting of translucent red drapery, seems to move with the wind, adding a sense of motion and fluidity to the composition. Her hair is styled back, showcasing her poised facial expression as she gazes confidently at the camera. The soft lighting enhances the richness of the red tones, while casting a warm glow on her skin, giving the entire scene a vibrant and ethereal quality. The photo exudes a feeling of high fashion and sophistication, with a striking balance of boldness and grace.

Even though more and more designers are incorporating red into their collections, it's still unlikely you're going to be able to walk into a store and browse countless colored bridal. Wedding dress shops may hold one or two, but not enough to really get a full picture. If there is one particular style you've seen and want to try, we would suggest asking your local retailer to request a sample for you. Brands typically offer this service (at a small cost) if a store doesn't hold a particular dress, or color of dress in stock. By doing this you'll be able to see your potential red dress in person, without travelling around the country.

There is also a world beyond traditional bridal brands. And if you're struggling to find a good collection of red wedding dresses at traditional wedding dress shops, you could have more luck going designer, or shopping at a non-bridal fashion brand. Especially if you're really into vintage. We've seen some super elegant finds recently that brides have come across in thrift shops and online, that have looked stunning on the big day. And typically these thrifted looks cost a fraction of the price a gown from any of the major bridal brands would charge. Plus it'll be practically unique!

For those who would prepare something more modern, take a trip to your local mall, and you'll discover countless formal options readily available from many of the major fashion brands. Online you'll find even more scope, just make sure you check the return policy on any gown you order. As you'll probably need to try on a few before you find 'the one'. We'd recommend ASOS, Reformation and BHLDN as great places to start your search.

This photo captures a woman from behind as she walks down a rustic cobblestone path surrounded by greenery. She wears a dramatic red gown with a full, flowing skirt that trails behind her, creating a sense of motion and elegance. The gown features a delicate, strappy back design, showcasing her bare shoulders. She holds two large bouquets of red roses, one in each hand, adding to the romantic and vibrant atmosphere. Her hair is styled in a loose, soft updo, with a few tendrils falling gently. The natural, misty backdrop of trees and soft lighting gives the scene a dreamlike, fairy-tale quality, blending the beauty of nature with the sophistication of her attire. The overall mood is both serene and captivating, evoking a sense of timeless romance.

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Is There Anything More Stunning Than a Red Mermaid Wedding Dress?!

Maybe not! As a red mermaid is such a magical, and eye-catching big day look. The combination of striking color, curve - hugging lines and that sweeping skirt will certainly take your loved ones' breath away. But the mermaid is not the only silhouette that looks stunning in red. Ball gowns and A-lines also look beautiful in every wedding color. But red in particular is truly one-of-a-kind.

This image captures the elegance of a woman standing on a grand marble staircase, wearing a stunning strapless red gown. The wedding dress is form-fitting through the bodice and hips, flaring out dramatically into a long, flowing train that cascades down the steps behind her. She stands with her back to the camera, gazing out over a classical architectural setting featuring tall, majestic columns and a balcony railing. Her hair is styled in a sophisticated updo, complementing the refined and luxurious feel of the scene. The soft natural lighting enhances the deep red hue of the gown, while the marble surroundings provide an elegant contrast. The overall ambiance exudes timeless glamour and grace, with a touch of romantic allure.

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How to Accessorize and Style Red Wedding Dresses

If you want to go down the ballgown route, but you're worried it might look a little dated in red, steer clear of embellishments. Instead of dressing up your gown with heavy rhinestones, ruffles, and beading. Simply accessorize your neckline with some statement jewelry, and maybe opt for a coordinated veil for the ceremony. The same goes for almost any bridal silhouette, as heavy embellishment will nearly always feel older, and have a less timeless feel. Red or not.

When wearing a red wedding reception dress and considering bridal accessories, we believe there are two options. Go all out red everything, or coordinate with another color. When done well, the first option can look fabulous. A real expression of love and passion. But the accessories you choose need to remain modern, and the makeup minimal if you are to avoid looking a little too passionate about your chosen color! Scattered hints of red are typically better than dousing yourself in crimson.

Keeping red just for your dress is the easiest, and in our opinion, the best way to accessorize a red bridal gown. As it'll allow you to really celebrate the color of the gown, and potentially bring in the other color themes present at your reception.

This image captures a serene moment as a woman stands on the shore at sunset, wearing a dramatic red gown that flows around her in soft layers. The fabric of the wedding dress catches the wind, creating movement and emphasizing the elegance of the scene. Her light pink scarf trails behind her, adding a delicate contrast to the vibrant red. She stands with her back slightly turned, looking down thoughtfully as the breeze plays with her hair. The soft, golden light of the setting sun bathes the scene, illuminating the gentle waves in the background and casting a warm glow on the sand. The overall composition blends natural beauty with a sense of grace and tranquility, creating a romantic, dreamlike atmosphere.