Blushing brides are in the pink with fuschia dresses and rose tones

White has been synonymous with wedding dresses since Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840.

Yet increasingly, brides are selecting a shade of pink to walk down the aisle or dance the night away.

“Pink symbolizes romance and warmth,” said designer Ines Di Santo. “While white remains a timeless tradition, I appreciate the allure of something different.”

Julie Sabatino, author of “Dressed, Styled and Down the Aisle” (Greenleaf Book Group Press, out April 16), is seeing an increase in her clients requesting colors for their wedding dresses, specifically shades of pink.

“About 25% of our brides are open to wearing a color or pattern, and there are several reasons why: First, it’s because pink is more flattering than white or ivory on their skin tone. Second, the dress itself looks better in a blush color. Or, third, they want something less traditional than a white dress, and pink can still feel bridal while being a little more fashion-forward,” she said.

Francesca DiSpirito, founder and lead stylist of Francesca DiSpirito Styling, explained that it’s important to choose the right shade.

More recently, brides are selecting a shade of pink to walk down the aisle or dance the night away.
More recently, brides are selecting a shade of pink to walk down the aisle or dance the night away.

“It’s important if you choose a color as your main gown to consider your skin undertone,” she said. “If you’re a warmer skin tone — meaning yellow or red undertones — then you will want to find a shade of pink which is the opposite of that. Something with a cooler undertone such as blues and greens.”

If you’re pale, shop for a shade of pink darker than your skin tone. “Sometimes wearing light shades of pink against fairer skin may start to look too close in hue and you’ll end up fading into your gown,” said DiSpirito. “If you have a darker skin tone you have more options of shades of pink. Work with your undertones to complement your complexion as the wrong shade of pink can really ruin the entire look.”

There are four things that must come together for the perfect dress: The details of the wedding (venue and date), the bride’s personal style, the style of the wedding, and the budget.

“If you have a darker skin tone you have more options of shades of pink. Work with your undertones to complement your complexion as the wrong shade of pink can really ruin the entire look,” said Francesca DiSpirito, founder and lead stylist of Francesca DiSpirito Styling.
“If you have a darker skin tone you have more options of shades of pink. Work with your undertones to complement your complexion as the wrong shade of pink can really ruin the entire look,” said Francesca DiSpirito, founder and lead stylist of Francesca DiSpirito Styling.

“The vibe you’re creating is important to the overall theme of the day,” said Sabatino. “You can get married in a tent in your backyard with a black-tie and glam look and feel, or you can have a bohemian style with wildflowers. Know your vision before you decide on what you will wear.”

Once you’ve determined those parameters, think about your personal style.

What will the silhouette be?

Before your wedding dress shopping appointment, make sure the salon has the dress you want to try on in pink.
Before your wedding dress shopping appointment, make sure the salon has the dress you want to try on in pink.

A ballgown, or something more fitted?

Will you wear a strapless neckline, a plunging V, or something more modest?

How long will the hemline be? Or the train?

And what type of embellishments do you want, florals, beading, sequins?

Julie Sabatino, author of “Dressed, Styled and Down the Aisle,” says about 25% of our brides are open to wearing a color or pattern.
Julie Sabatino, author of “Dressed, Styled and Down the Aisle,” says about 25% of our brides are open to wearing a color or pattern.

All of these options are available in shades from the palest blush to the boldest fuchsia.

When choosing accessories, you may want to opt for a contrasting color.

“If a bride wants to wear a veil it can be hard to match,” said Sabatino. “Often if the dress is a lighter shade of pink, we will pair an ivory veil with it so it doesn’t read too dark.”

“Pink symbolizes romance and warmth,” said designer Ines Di Santo. “While white remains a timeless tradition, I appreciate the allure of something different.”
“Pink symbolizes romance and warmth,” said designer Ines Di Santo. “While white remains a timeless tradition, I appreciate the allure of something different.”

Before your wedding dress shopping appointment, make sure the salon has the dress you want to try on in pink, since the store might not have all the colors available, and will need to call it in for you.

You may also want to shop at a designer trunk show, where all the gowns in a collection will be available.

However, be prepared for some pink pushback from others.

There are four things that must come together for the perfect dress: The details of the wedding (venue and date), the bride’s personal style, the style of the wedding, and the budget.
There are four things that must come together for the perfect dress: The details of the wedding (venue and date), the bride’s personal style, the style of the wedding, and the budget.

“A lot of times it’s the mother of the bride, who has had her heart set on her daughter wearing white,” noted Sabatino. “But once she realizes there are so many shades of pink, including romantic and feminine shades of blush, which don’t even look pink in photos, many moms come around and fall in love with whatever dress their daughter selects.”

Pastel and bright-colored blooms decorate Sareh Nouri’s Kelly high-low gown with a dramatic tulle skirt and chapel train. $7,990, Sareh Nouri Flagship, 2115 Town Center Way, Livingston, NJ.

Mac Duggal’s Pleated Flutter-Sleeve Gown, in medium pink, features dimensional pleating, a plunging V-neckline, and flutter sleeves with ruffle details throughout. $498, Anthropologie.

White has been synonymous with wedding dresses since Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840.
White has been synonymous with wedding dresses since Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840.

A fullskirted lace cocktail dress made with pink rose lace by Monique Lhuillier has a sweetheart strapless neckline and a tea-length hemline. $5,995, Monique Lhuillier, 818 Madison Ave., NY

Kate McDonald’s McLeod gown is made from a hand-painted fabric with various shades of pink and accented with gold. $8,400, White Dress by the Shore, 104 E. Main St., Clinton, CT.

The sparkling foil fabric on Brea by Elizabeth Lee features a corseted bodice with a scoop neckline and full skirt. Detachable pink beads adorn the open back. $4,260, Lotus Bridal, 251 W. 39th St., 10th Fl., NY.

The sparkling foil fabric on Brea by Elizabeth Lee features a corseted bodice with a scoop neckline and full skirt. Kristie Carrick Photography
The sparkling foil fabric on Brea by Elizabeth Lee features a corseted bodice with a scoop neckline and full skirt. Kristie Carrick Photography

A strapless dropped waist gown, Rocha by Anne Barge, has an elongated bodice with a full pleated lower skirt. $4,280, Anne Barge, 766 Madison Ave., 2nd Fl., NY.

Alberto Palatchi’s silk organza ball gown, Larisa, has a draped bodice enhanced by an oversized bow. $2,240, Kleinfeld Bridal, 110 W. 20th St., NY.

Jovani’s pink tulle and lace ballgown (Style No. 38540) has a bead-encrusted corset bodice and a layered skirt with tiers of ruffles. $675, Estelle’s Dresses, 1600 Route 110, Farmingdale, NY.