My wedding gown came in Ivory instead of white. It's my first wedding, no children, does it matter that much?

Question

My wedding gown I ordered online is BEAUTIFUL, pure silk, custom/handmade and fits like a glove, but I ordered it in white, and it came as an Ivory/Antique white and I am a little dissapointed. I contacted dying companies, and they said that silk is naturally this color and cannot by dyed. I cannot return the dress or get a refund (believe me, I tried). This is my first marriage, I have no children, and I was looking forward to the traditional white gown, but everyone is telling me that the Ivory is beautiful and old fashion, and that I should just stick with it. Is everyone just trying to make me feel better by telling me to keep the gown? Are there going to be whispers when I walk down the aisle when everyone sees me in ivory instead of white? Is the difference between ivory and white that different? Is the tradition THAT important, or should I just suck it up and stick with this gown? I REALLY love this gown, I am just concerned about it not being pure white = (

Answer 1

Here's something that I found through a google search:

"In modern tradition, the color of western-culture wedding dresses is white. Used in this sense, 'white' or 'wedding white' includes creamy shades such as eggshell, ecru and ivory."
Don't even think of it as an issue. You'll be fine with the ivory. I'm sure you'll look gorgeous (especially if you really love it).... Certainly keep the gown and know that it's considered in the white family. Nobody will question it... as long as you stand tall, have a smile on your face and enjoy your special day!

Answer 2

Honestly dear, unless you wear a white veil or white shoes, your dress is not going to be screaming "LOOK! I'm IVORY!"
Just make sure your veil is ivory and so are your shoes...otherwise the dress will look dirty against a bright white veil.

Many brides are choosing Ivory, Candlelight, blush, and all of the "off white" shades, often because white is NOT a flattering color to most skintones. It does not matter how many times you have been married, or wether you are a virgin or not...you can get married in whatever gown makes you feel beautiful. If you love this gown, keep it. I highly doubt anyone is going to come up to you and say "Your wedding was beautiful, this reception is awesome but why isn't your gown a shade or two whiter?"

If they do, they should not be there in the first place.

Answer 3

I immediately know the color you received when you said pure silk, because pure silk is an ivory color. I assume that many other women would know this as well and wouldn't judge. The men won't notice.

I personally think it's just fine to wear ivory. Women are wearing red wedding dresses nowadays! If it looks lovely on you, then it's a lovely color. There are lots of women who don't like the stark white because it isn't as flattering to their skin tones. I say keep it. FYI, though, that you have to be extra careful of the veil you buy. A stark white veil with an antique silk dress will look very odd and will make the nonwhiteness of the dress stand out.

Answer 4

You have already answered the important question, do you like the dress. Apparently you do, so wear it. This is in response to all the answers that are questioning whether or not you are a virgin and being a hypocrite by wearing white. If you do research on the wearing of a white dress for a wedding, it originally had nothing to do with virginity. The only brides that wore white were the ones from extremely wealthy families, as white fabric was the most expense and hard to come by.

So enjoy your day, wear ivory, and don't worry about all the other opinions out there.

Answer 5

I don't think anyone will say anything except, "My goodness, what a beautiful vision." The shade of a gown isn't what people will focus on. I know there's that tradition about white versus ivory, but there's also traditions that require a bride's family to give her husband's family some goats for a dowry. I doubt there's going to be any livestock involved here, so don't feel like people are that stuck on old traditions. Besides, I think white washes people out and you want to look rosy-cheeked and happy when you walk down the aisle.

Answer 6

I had an ivory dress and I like you have no children and have also never been married. My personal choice was ivory because I think it is a beautiful color. Don't worry about any whispers when you walk down the aisle as there will be none. If the dress looks good on you and you love it--don't worry so much. Enjoy your wedding. Good Luck on your big day!!!

Answer 7

Hey - I was the same as you! I always thought that no matter what my dress was going to be white! Not ivory, not champagne, not off-white, just white! I could only try my dress on in ivory though - same as you - and it did look really beautiful in ivory - but I ordered it in white. I think (looking back on it) that maybe the ivory would have looked nicer with my complexion (sort of a light olive complexion) but to be honest, I think I always would have been more regretfull if I hadn't worn white like I had always wanted. Btw - with darker complexions like yours I actually think that white looks much better than ivory... but I guess I'd really need to see you to know what would be best. And don't worry about your fiance - he will love you in whatever colour you wear, so don't let that side of things worry you.

Answer 8

I dont think anyone will think anything negative. It is no longer a tradition to have a white wedding dress for first marriage or any marriage. Many brides are choosing gowns in soft pastel colors because they love the style and color. There are also a lot of brides marrying for a 2nd time that are wearing traditional white. It really is all up to you. I think the only thing people will be thinking is how beautiful the dress is and how radiant you look in it. Congrats.

Answer 9

The gown being pure white is a very OLD tradition and most modern brides choose other colors. In fact, ivory is a very popular choice for brides since many women don't look good in a big white gown. Ivory is more classicl looking -very formal. Don't worry! If anyone says anything, then they're not your real friends.

Answer 10

I agree with the first responder... Ivory is far more elegant. As far as "old fashioned"... Actually, most old fashioned wedding dresses were actually just "Sunday best", because most women didn't have the money for the fancy gowns.

Stick with the ivory. People will think you're an original thinker.
White isn't an issue anymore. People don't care if a woman is a virgin or not. If you like it in Ivory, then wear it.

Good luck and God bless on your wedding day!!