Wedding Traditions: White Dress

White dresses are more of a a new idea as it turns out, most often credited to Queen Victoria when she wed Prince Albert in February, 1840. Choosing white was a rather unusual choice for the times, and many elite Victorian era brides followed suit. A white dress was not an economical choice, for it was to only be worn once, and only the wealthy could afford this choice. Before Queen Victoria chose to wear white (and we all followed along like we do with most fabulous celebrities of our time), brides wore whatever was their nicest outfit--generally their Sunday best--and any color would work just fine.

I love the crisp classic look of a white wedding dress, but I'm not adverse to mixing it up a bit. I've been to quite a few weddings where brides chose to highlight an accent color either with a sash or beading or underskirt. I like the look, though I'll admit if I see another red-accented dress I'm gonna go nuts. I find this combo too harsh!

I've amassed a few examples of the colored wedding dress fad from simple to extreme. I'll most likely choose white for my own day, but I do enjoy how color can enhance a dress and a look.

Not too far from the classic "original" white dress. I love the blue one on the end!!

A playful petticoat adds color but can be covered

Florals have picked up steam lately. I love these dresses. The ruffles and flowers are lovely

Two that are slightly more extreme, but still beautiful. The one on the right looks almost too casual

What about a colored dress for the bride and white for the bridesmaids?!

I recently went to a wedding where the dress was accented with a lot of gold. I love gold on a gown!

Extreme Themes: Gothic

Some wedding themes are a little more intense than others. I certainly admire enthusiasm and creativity though! I enjoy a couple that takes a theme and runs with it. Whether that be a pattern (polka dot or chevron?), an animal (birds anyone?) or something from pop culture (old Hollywood? The 20s?). Today I'll focus on something a bit more extreme: the Gothic Wedding. Maybe it's because my high school reunion is a week away and I spent a *very* small stint of my sophmore year as a goth...but these weddings have caught my eye. Not quite my personal style these days, but I do think they'd be fun to attend!

First off, you've gotta LOVE the fashion! 

Fabulous and dramatic colors with makeup and hair to match!

Dita Von Teese is in the upper right, what a gorgeous woman!

I could probably rock this style simply because I'm naturally so pale...

More dresses and style...

 And more Dita! I love this gal's style. And I was a big Marilyn Manson

fan, so I was psyched when they got married. (To bad it didn't last...)

Aren't these cakes whimsical? They have a very Dia de Los Muertos feel.

 Red, black and purple seem to be the most popular colors. I love the candlelight!

The flower bouquets are gorgeous!

And some folks get to use some pretty awesome venues. Castle anyone?

What are your thoughts on this extreme theme?