There's something undeniably magical about an all-white wedding — the soft glow, clean elegance, and timeless romance. But who says tradition can't have a little fun?
Photo: Blaine Siesser
These days, more couples are finding creative ways to give the classic white wedding a fresh twist. Whether you're planning something grand or intimate, these ideas will help you keep the traditional white while making your celebration feel entirely your own.
"The biggest twist we've seen from a traditional all-white wedding is when the bride wears a colorful dress — we've seen everything from blush pink and dusty blueish gray to a bold red or striking black dress. If you're looking to have a colorful wedding dress (anything other than white or off white), you should start shopping earlier than you normally would, as it might prove difficult to find what you're looking for at a traditional wedding dress boutique." —Jen Avey, DestinationWeddings.com
"Keep the light warm; cool light turns white icy and isn't kind to skin. For photos, add in a touch of contrast so details don't blow out, like a slightly darker aisle runner, a hint of greenery on the edges, and lots of candlelight. If your venue is already white, use the depth with shadows, mirrors, and glass rather than introducing new colors." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography & Videography
"I like to refer to the design rule of 3. If you are designing a tablescape, how can you use variations on groups of 3, or multiples of 3, to design. This keeps your guest's eye happy and exploring everything you have put together. The rule of 3 also applies to linens and textures — you want something that is solid, a small pattern, and one that is a bit more bold. Be consistent with your non-traditional nods, your guests need to see the element a few times in order for it to register that it was a design choice and not a one-off." —Loni Peterson, LP Creative Events
"If you're not ready to ditch the white-wedding dress entirely, you might feel more comfortable mixing in some pops of color here and there. Try a bright red pair of shoes and a short dress. What about a veil adorned with colorfully embroidered flowers. Or you could go with blue lace highlights as the top layer over a more traditionally white dress. Conversely, if you're head over heels in love with your non-traditional color choice but want to sprinkle in at least a little white, you could opt for an all-white bouquet." —McKenzi Taylor, Electric Sugar Elopements
"When it comes to an all-white palette, don't limit yourself to the décor and fashion. Instead, consider bringing the menu into it! We love the idea of a playful cocktail- perhaps one with edible shimmer or a white cotton candy garnish. And while an all-white wedding cake would be the most traditional addition, we'd suggest considering an all-white dessert bar to surprise your guests." —Thomas Waters, The Renaissance
"Professional lighting is a great addition to an all-white aesthetic. The right lighting team can work with you on lighting that evolves throughout the evening to elicit different emotions while complementing the palette. Consider candlelight amber tones as the evening unfolds, or integrating soft blue undertones for an ethereal vibe." —Kevin Dennis, Fantasy Sound Event Services
Remember: Your wedding should feel like you. The beauty of starting with an all-white palette is that it gives you the perfect blank canvas to play with and personalize. Adding pops of color or creative touches that reflect your love story will help you bring your vision to life. Embracing tradition doesn’t mean you can't make it your own — it just means you're adding your signature sparkle to something timeless!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
