Choosing the right shade of white for your wedding gown

White weddings create so much excitement and top of most brides’ list is her dress – but while a huge amount of thought usually goes into the style of gown, often not enough consideration is given to the shade of white. We talk about a white wedding but rarely is the dress pure white and rightly so as it suits so few complexions.

When you are trying on sample wedding dresses that look amazing on the hanger you may be disappointed when you look in the mirror. The style and cut may be right but something is wrong… well, it could be the shade of white. Try holding swatches of different shades of bridal fabrics against your face to see what whites suits you. Or if your budget allows, a colour stylist will be able to tell you instantly what will suit you. And opting for ivory is a safe bet as it is the most universally flattering shade.

To help you I have put together some tips on choosing the right shade of white for your complexion.

1. Fair skin

Fair skin – known as an English Rose complexion – will suit a warm shade of yellow-white toned ivory. Bright white will make you look washed out.

2. Medium/tanned skin

Medium toned and tanned skins should opt for a creamier shade of ivory.

3. Yellow undertones

Yellow undertones to your skin – you could wear white but not too bright… or choose champagne.

4. Olive skin

Olive complexions should wear creamier ivories and whites with yellow undertones so you don’t look flushed.

5. Dark deep skin

Dark deep skin tones can wear any shade of white… but if you have olive undertones avoid yellowy shades.

6. Candlelight

Time of day makes a difference too, if you are having an evening wedding, candlelight – a deep shade of ivory with beige-cream undertones – is very flattering under artificial or candlelight.

7. Ecru

And for a boho style wedding choose ecru – a deep shade of ivory that looks like the colour of raw, unbleached linen – this shade borders on beige and looks good for a free-spirited occasion.