Whether it’s a princess gown or a sleek sheath, finding a wedding dress that makes you feel like a bride comes with many considerations. One of the biggest? Selecting the right shade of white. From crisp diamond white to supple eggshell, traditional bridal whites run the gamut with differing undertones, tints, and hues. However, selecting the right hue for your wedding dress within this large yet subtle shade range can be daunting for even the most color-astute amongst us.
So, to help you differentiate between stark white, natural white, and ivory, we consulted with bridal fashion experts Ruthie Broughton, Madison Blackburn, Danielle Wen, and Nancy Rodrigues Spirito to break down everything you need to know. Plus, we share a few tips on how to decide which shade is right for you based on your skin tone and personal style. Read on for more.
Meet the Expert
- Ruthie Broughton is the owner of Blue Bridal Boutique in Houston, Texas.
- Madison Blackburn is the owner of Bridals by Madison in Woodstock, Georgia.
- Danielle Wen is the is the founder of Lace & Liberty in San Francisco, California.
- Nancy Rodrigues Spirito is a designer and master seamstress with over 25 years of experience in the industry. She is the owner of Bridal Finery, a Rhode Island-based custom heirloom accessory company.
Why Do Brides Wear White?
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Stark White
Labeled as the brightest white, stark white is typically bleached to get its crisp tint and is best achieved with synthetic fabrics, like satins, taffetas, and polyester blends. Another defining quality of this hue is that it's known to pick up the colors of its surroundings.
While stark white can certainly be worn for all types of wedding celebrations, this shade has decreased in popularity over the last few years, as brides now favor more universally flattering shades, like natural white, ivory, and nude. "This was a popular choice previously for wedding dresses, but it isn’t the most flattering tone for a variety of skin colors so it’s not as widely offered anymore," shares Wen. Broughton also adds, "We advise brides to be careful choosing stark white because, with HD cameras, the gowns can picture with a light blue tint. Brides need to think about the lighting at their wedding venue and talk to their photographer [when selecting this wedding dress hue]."
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Natural White
Also called “diamond white" or “silk white,” this is the whitest shade natural fibers can achieve. (It falls between stark and ivory, and features a little less warmth than ivory.) Since it's not the brightest level of white, some brides tend to fear that it won't look as bridal—however, we're here to say that a good natural white never fails.
According to Wen, this color has a "warm undertone" and is less jarring than stark white. "It’s still very much a white color to maintain the classic style that brides love," she notes. Additionally, natural white is much more flattering to a wide range of skin tones, especially ones with yellow undertones.
The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Shopping
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Ivory
Often referred to as “eggshell,” this hue has quickly become the most popular shade of white for modern brides. The creamy color adds a level of luxury while still photographing as white. "Ivory, on the other hand, is a warm and slightly off-white color," explains Wen. "It has subtle undertones of yellow or cream," which gives it a warmer appearance.
If selecting ivory over a traditional white makes you nervous, experts insist marketing and word choice have everything to do with the allure and not as much to do with the actual hue. “People tend to assume all ivories always have a yellow or nude tint,” says Blackburn. “But to the naked eye, most brides think ivory is natural white on the rack until told otherwise.”
How to Choose the Right Shade for Your Wedding Dress
“The general rule is brighter whites work best on darker skin tones or complexions that have a yellow or olive undertone,” explains Spirito. “White dresses on fair skin can be harsh and appear washed out.” On the other hand, if you’re fair or have pink undertones in your skin, yellow ivories will complement your complexion best. "Brides with pink undertones in their coloring often opt for soft white or ivory, as the warmer undertones complement rosy coloring," explains Wen. In all, Blackburn notes that “Ivory is typically the most universally flattering version of white. So, when in doubt, go ivory.”
If you're not 100 percent sure about your skin tone, ask the consultant at your wedding dress salon. Mention you’re unsure which white you want and ask for help breaking down your options and explaining what does (or doesn’t) complement your vision.
White's more, you'll want to keep your personal style and photography (as mentioned above) in mind when selecting the right white shade. "White is the classic gown color and brides who want to remain true to traditions or have a more formal setting often opt to choose white. Ivory colors feel more ethereal and romantic, and brides who are looking for a softer feel or vintage-inspired gown often opt for ivory," notes Wen.
When it comes down to it, though, your best bet is to compare in person. “The only way to truly find your best shade is to try the dresses on, preferably in natural light,” says Spirito.
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