James Allen News Center

When it comes to wedding dresses,  white or ivory-colored gowns always take the cake. White symbolizes purity and new beginnings. White is as intergral to a wedding as a diamond engagement ring. But not all brides opt for this traditional color choice. Colored wedding dresses are gaining popularity and their sales figures have skyrocketed in the past year. Some of the world's most notable fashion designers are boasting more colored wedding dress collections.

Vera Wang’s Fall 2012 runway show recently debuted a line of breathtaking black gowns.  Wang is one of the biggest names in bridal fashion with A-list clients such as Chelsea Clinton, Kim Kardashian, and Nicole Kidman. Famous celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker from Sex and The City fame wed in black, proving that dark wedding gowns aren’t just for goths or Halloween weddings.

Unconventional celebs like Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj , and Katy Perry have made wild and non-traditional fashion choices popular. But just how far has their influence spread? And how do you know if a colored wedding dress is right for you? What if you love the idea of a colored wedding dress but aren’t sure you’re bold enough to pull off wearing one on your big day?

Here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind when considering a black (or non-traditionally colored) wedding dress:

Be True to Yourself: your wedding dress should compliment your personal style. You should not pick a colored dress because it is trendy or as a result of peer pressure. Listen to your inner voice. Just because your favorite celebrity is getting married in a dark dress, doesn't mean you should.

It’s Ok to Take Risks: if you have a burning desire to wear a black, red, or colored dress, give yourself permission. This is your special day and your opinion is the most important. If conventional style has never been your forte, there's no reason to start being conventional now.

It’s All Relative: be aware that colors hold different symbolism, meaning, and connotations across different cultures. In some cultures, white is associated with mourning and is worn to funerals! In some countries, red dresses are the popular choice. Also, trends change with the tides and the times. Colored wedding dresses were the popular choice during past historical periods, proving that white wedding gowns haven't always been the mainstay.

If You’re Undecided or Uncomfortable, Go Subtle: if you want to wear a black wedding dress, but don’t feel comfortable doing so because of personal or family-related reasons...or if you’re simply on the fence and are certain you will never reach a decision, a great solution is to go the traditional route, with a twist. A white wedding gown with a dark sash or dark shoes, for example. Or black jewelry to contrast a white dress. Accessories can give you that unconventional touch you're craving for, without compromising your comfort zone.