Most people think of the white wedding gown as being one of the oldest traditions in the book.  When I was looking for my wedding gown, the thought never entered my mind to step outside of the white/off-white color realm.

However, trends have emerged pointing to a more nontraditional approach to the wedding gown.  A day doesn’t go by that I don’t stumble across some sort of colored wedding dress while thumbing through a bridal magazine.  Just recently, Diva Dialogue blogger Lea shared a photo of a gray dress with me:

Contrary to what you may think, colored wedding dresses are nothing new.  As a matter of fact, white dresses didn’t become popular amongst all class levels until the late 18th century.  In the case of the gray dress, this was traditionally worn by the lower class in the 18th century.

Step back in time even further and you’ll find that traditional wedding dresses in Medieval times were rarely white when planning an extravagant wedding.  Instead, they focused on jewel tones such as ruby, sapphire and emerald, and were often worn by princesses and the upper class.  Today, these choices still exist, such as this red Fiorenza dress from Maggie Sottero:

…And another example straight off the runway in emerald green…

So you tell us!  What do you think?  Do you like the colored wedding dress trend, or do you prefer to stick to the traditional varying shades of white?

Red is a popular color for weddings.  Symbolizing love and luck, it’s easy to see why a lot of brides opt for red in their special day.  Whether it’s the color of their dress, or in the details, this striking hue can be used in any season but is particularly lovely in fall and winter.

Amsale red taffeta gown from Bluefly. Romantic Rosette wedding invitations in Crimson.

Three tiered wedding cake from the Knot, burgundy calla lilies bouquet from Brides, and Christian Louboutin pumps from Neiman Marcus.

Leiber small curved minaudiere from Neiman Marcus, Magohany dinnerware from Crate & Barrel, and Red Bolero chandelier from Horchow.

Light up your wedding day with seasonal luminaries! Getting married in fall? Then you’ll fall in love with the season’s best and most unique ways to light the way.

These autumnal luminaries from Martha Stewart are so festive. They would work perfectly as a centerpiece or to light the way from ceremony to reception. Use battery operated candles to prevent any unwanted accidents.

Check out this one from the ever reliable Etsy. Made with handmade paper, this Autumn Leaf luminary from PaperPlanet make beautiful take home favors for guests.

These white pumpkin candles from Pottery Barn (also comes in orange) add fall decor and lighting to your wedding. Use them to decorate the sign-in table or the cocktail area to bring a beautiful glow to an evening affair.

Invite guests to a fall wedding with this nature inspired wedding invitations from Wedding Paper Divas.