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Bold brides see red when it comes to wedding dresses
Posted by Ariel · In the media

17 Jan 2008

I was interviewed by a Canadian newspaper for an article about the red wedding dress trend: Bold brides see red when it comes to wedding dresses.

fas_wedding_2091.jpg“I’m not saying that all nontraditional weddings should be reactionary, or that your wedding is a place to be rebellious,” the Seattle-based writer told the Georgia Straight. “But I think red wedding dresses are a superficial expression of a deeper commitment to doing what you want to do. The woman wearing it shows that she’s willing to do what she wants to do, and take on the challenges and criticism that comes with that.”

Read the article.

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Comments on "Bold brides see red when it comes to wedding dresses"
15 responses to this entry · Leave a comment · Comments feed (RSS 2.0)

1

Angel
January 17th, 2008 · 8:35 AM · #

My cousin wore a gorgeous red wedding dress, and it was the first time many in our family had seen one. But it fit her perfectly, and I think your comments decribe her attitude perfectly.

2

scunshine
January 17th, 2008 · 9:11 AM · #

while red is definitely a bold and beautiful color for a wedding dress, I'm confused as to why it's the assumed choice for someone looking for a colored outfit. Or that it's assumed she's being "rebellious". Some girls just don't look good in white and want something else, what's so rebellious about that? I'm a big fan of the orange and teal dresses I've seen in the flickr pool, how's that for unexpected!

3

Jaymie
January 17th, 2008 · 11:49 AM · #

I totally agree, and I am very excited and proud of my choice of a red gown! ^_^

And, Scunshine, anything NOT white or ivory is a rebellious choice of gown color in North American culture.
That's why off-beat brides kick so much ass! (Especially those who are lucky enough to have off-beat grooms ^_^)

4

scunshine
January 17th, 2008 · 11:56 AM · #

so if someone goes with a pale blue dress that's considered rebellious too?

maybe I've just been looking at offbeat bride sites and in the "alternative" category for too long because honestly that seems rather tame to me :P
and it would definitely depend on the family. I was okay with a white dress because it was the only time I would ever pull it off, but my family expected something else from me entirely. so I was offbeat for myself by going with tradition, lol.

5

Kayley
January 17th, 2008 · 1:07 PM · #

I'm going with a red wedding dress, not because I want to be 'rebellious' or what have you, but because I adore dark red gowns, and have always wanted to get married in red.

Also, I do NOT look good in white.

6

Tanya
January 17th, 2008 · 1:42 PM · #

I attended a bridal show in Columbus, OH recently, and told the person at a dress booth that I was planning on getting married in red. His response? "OH! Color is SO in this year!" He went on to tell me that he had a all black bridal party in the fashion show, and that he sold 9 black bridal dresses on the first day of the show.

Strangely, I think I may have decided upon a white-ish dress… although I feel like I'm not a good little offbeat bride if I decide on the white frock!

7

Ariel
January 17th, 2008 · 1:44 PM · #

Pfft: there's no such thing as a good little offbeat bride! Wear white, wear black, wear nothing — offbeat is a frame of mind, not necessarily a color choice.

8

Jai
January 18th, 2008 · 1:36 PM · #

Actually, the practice of wearing white originated from the Victorian era. The color white indicated that the bride was of an affluent status.

http://www.abc.net.au/tasmania/stories/s986862.htm

I personally LOVE seeing brides and grooms cast "traditions" out of the window.

9

Jesse
January 18th, 2008 · 6:47 PM · #

I wore white because I never do, so it was a pretty offbeat thing for me to do! I also discovered that the white wedding dress became popular in the Victorian era, when the color was known to symbolize purity of heart.

10

Lolo
January 19th, 2008 · 3:45 PM · #

I'm wearing red because white looks awful on me, I'm too pale and my hair is too dark. I've always looked better in red. I've always dreamed of having ruby slippers. My grandmother wore pink to her wedding in the 1930s. The fact is, this is my second marriage and we've been living together for almost 8 years; wearing white, pretending to be pure, would be dishonest, in my opinion.

11

Carolyn
January 20th, 2008 · 6:29 PM · #

Red is a very traditional color in Indian weddings. Though Indian brides often do pick other colors, the default one is red.

12

trixi
January 29th, 2008 · 11:22 AM · #

I love that I found this. I've been dying to wear a red sari to my wedding, and on telling people…all family and friends have been incredibly supportive. "Go for it! Whatever, it's your day, do what you want!". I look fantastic in red.

(And no, red saris are in no way part of my German/English heritage!)

13

Amber
February 26th, 2008 · 3:37 PM · #

I chose to wear red because white makes me look like a jet puffed marshmallow! Red slims me and I have a pinkish skin tone that makes red look amazing on me. In my family though I've had problems, since red usually meant in olden days 'harlot' or 'saloon girl'. That color was reserved for 'scarlet women'- unclean, dishonored, outcast, etc women. And my German family is really upset with me for choosing a red dress with black bridesmaid dresses. But I hate pastels and going along with what my family deems traditional. I say Get rid of traditions! Follow your heart or head and go with it-Whatever it may be! We all KICK-ASS!

14

Sarah
March 25th, 2008 · 6:32 AM · #

I am also wearing red- not because I wanted to rebel- but because I wanted to be ME- I'm not a white dress kinda girl- and plus I look GOOD in red:) I actually am wearing a Justin Alexander dress very similar to the one in the photo! I say do what makes you happy!

15

Jennelle
April 2nd, 2008 · 6:43 AM · #

I don't consider myself so much an offbeat person in life, altough deep down I aspire to be. So as tradition goes I did buy the traditional wedding dress, and then found this website. After seeing all the beautiful red wedding dresses and thinking about how my wedding should be about what I want, I went and got a red wedding dress to wear! :) I love it! It is more fun and us as a family too, besides I really look terrible in white! My mom found out that the dress is red and kinda crinkled her nose, but you know what, that is fine. My bridsmaids and kids love it and can not wait for the wedding, because not only am I wearing red, but it now a non traditional wedding, it is a rock-a-billy themed wedding and everyone can be who they are! Thank You so much for this blog site, it gives a lot of girls like me the insiration to break out of the norm that we have tried to do for everyone and be ourself and know that we are not alone.

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