The dress is one of the bride's most significant and possibly most difficult decisions. There are so many styles to choose from, such as asymmetric, halter, illusion, and Queen Anne, to name a few. Next is the color. Should you go with pure white, off-white, natural milk, Ivory, champagne, and cream---what's the difference? When it comes to deciding between the different shades of Ivory or white for a bridal gown, how do you choose? Does it matter?

Every year and every moment, brides worldwide attempting to choose a traditional hue for their gown are undoubtedly wondering the same thing. If you've been debating between Ivory vs. white bridal gowns and wondering what the difference is, we're here to help! Planning a wedding can be stressful, so we've asked our fashion experts to make choosing Ivory versus white a little easier. 

Pure White, Stark White, and Natural White

White should be white, right? Except there are two main types of white, which may be confusing at first glance. Pure White and Stark White are interchangeable color names, representing the same shade, and then there is a natural white.

Stark or pure white is the brightest shade of all the white hues and is usually synthetic fabric that has been bleached to get a crisp, brilliant tint that does not have a mix of any other color. How can you tell if a bridal gown is pure or stark white? In specific lighting or HD cameras, a pure white bridal gown can almost appear to have a blue or violet tint.

Natural white is the whitest shade natural fibers can be without bleaching. Depending on the fabric used, natural white can fall between stark and ivory hues, with Ivory being the warmest. A natural white dress has little risk of looking blue under specific lighting or in photographs. 

Bone, Eggshell, Almond-white, Creamy White, and Ivory.

Ivory in bridal gowns may be called many different names like bone, eggshell, almond-white, candlelight, or creamy white. All ivory colors are 'sunnier' shades of white, meaning an ivory wedding gown will look far more golden than pure and natural white. The more saturated versions of Ivory will also appear warmer as it comes with more of a buttery yellow within the white. 

Ivory bridal gowns hold no risk of blue or blueish tints to them, thanks to the warm infusion of golden yellows. 

Does White or Ivory Matter? 

Is the color of a bridal gown truly so important? Surprisingly yes! The right color can make your complexion look clearer, make your eyes seem brighter and more colorful, and even influence how white your teeth look! In addition, the proper bridal gown color enhances the color of your cheeks and lips, making you look more vibrant, healthy, and full of life and exuding the happiness you will undoubtedly feel on your big day.

The wrong color could lead to enhancing certain flaws, appearing tired, washed out, or worse. Definitely not the look you want on your special day!

Cool or Warm Skin Tones Matter

Do you have a cool or warm skin tone? It's not as tricky as you may think to find out. First, take a look in a mirror with sufficient light. What's your hair and eye color? People with a cool skin tone commonly have black, brown, ash-blond, or blond hair with blue, violet, and silver undertones, along with green, grey, or blue eyes. Conversely, women with hazel, amber, or brown eyes with black, brown, red, or strawberry blond hair with orange, yellow, red, and gold undertones are usually warm-toned. 

Another easy and quick tip for figuring out your skin tone is to notice whether you look better wearing something from your everyday wardrobe that is either cream or white. If cream makes you appear livelier, you're warm, but if white makes your face and skin light up, you are cool-toned. 

If you're still unsure, grab a blank piece of white paper and hold it up next to your make-up-free face in a mirror. How does your skin look beside the paper? Reddish, golden, yellowish? You're most likely warm-toned. Does your skin seem bluish or pink? You're probably cool-toned. 

Which Skin Tone Looks Best In White or Ivory?

Dark and olive skin tones or warm skin tones look breathtaking in stark white or natural white bridal gowns. 
Fair-skinned, cool skin tones tend to look washed out in stark white, so Ivory and various shades of Ivory will compliment these skin hues perfectly. 

How To Double Check the Bridal Gown Color is Ideal

Dress designers all have different interpretations of what stark white and Ivory mean and look like to them. To find the flawless Ivory or white bridal gown for you, we highly recommend comparing these colors (or the dresses in these colors) in natural sunlight. 

Ivory vs. White: The Real Difference? 

The fundamental difference between white and ivory bridal gowns is that they will have a touch of a deeper golden, cream, or butter tint. In contrast, white bridal gowns will lack any influence of other colors whatsoever. 

Which Whites and Ivories are the Most Popular for 2023?

While tradition may have dictated that brides have to wear white, luckily, bridal gowns can be any color the bride desires. But if you're heart is set on a traditional dream gown, the chicest trends can still be found in these classic colors. Some of the most popular shades of white and ivory bridal gowns for 2023 are: 

• Diamond White – A White bit softer than stark white and more flattering on a range of skin tones. 
• Natural White – The purest, crispiest white is stunning against dark and olive skin. This pure white shade is perfect for polyester, taffetas, and silky satin blends. 
• Champagne – This ivory bridal gown color is exquisitely elegant and romantic. 2023 brides are pairing their champagne gowns with their wedding and reception theme colors such as emerald, pink, and other earthy warm tones. 
• Ecru – This ivory shade runs much closer to a beige or dark ivory and provides a great twist on the traditional while providing beautiful depth. 

When looking for the latest bridal gown trends, Rachel Allan will always have the perfect selection of fashion gowns and advice. Are you wondering where you can get your exclusive Rachel Allan bridal gown? Please don't forget to use your convenient store locater on our website.