Question:

Do I have to wear white?

Do you think you want to look from every other bride on your wedding day? Are you considering wearing a colour other than the traditional white gown such as a pastel pink or blue? 

As the bride, you have the final word on the colour of your dress. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind before making that bold decision to stand out in a unique way.

Before making your decision, consider the following:

You can find some bridal shops that have gowns that are not quite white. Some gowns there might appeal to you because they are not the traditional, immaculate white. Some have colourful detailing such as a bright sash and beads or appear to have a slightly off-white hue, like ecru.

After you have decided on a wedding officiant or site for your ceremony (e.g. if it's a religious location), have a chat with him/her regarding bridal attire. Ask simply, "Are there any guidelines or restrictions on what the bride and bridesmaids can wear?"
Another element to keep in mind is the potential reactions of your guests, specifically older relatives who may be traveling from afar to be part of your wedding day.

Depending on the formality of your wedding and your religious beliefs, your officiant might insist on following traditional protocol. The less formal your wedding is, the more freedom you will feel to exercise your contemporary expressions of your ideal wedding gown.