If you can’t decide whether a white wedding dress is the right choice for you, here are the pros and cons of getting married in white:

Four reasons to wed in white

1. You’ll feel like a bride
There’s nothing like a beautiful white wedding dress to make you really feel like you are getting married. The image of the bride in a large white wedding gown and veil may be a stereotype, but it is an enduring symbol, and when you see your reflection in your wedding outfit you will truly feel like a bride.

2. It’s traditional
In western countries it’s traditional for brides to wear a white wedding dress; after all there aren’t many occasions when you get the chance to dress up a stunning white wedding gown. You may not feel the need to stick to tradition at the time you get married, but in later years you might look back at your photos and wish you had taken the traditional bridal route.

3. It’s symbolic
White has become seen as a bridal colour because of the meanings it conveys. White symbolises happiness and joy, and a white wedding dress signifies the innocence, purity and kindness of the bride. Peace and fresh beginnings are also associated with white, but you might think twice if you are of eastern descent as in some countries white symbolises death and mourning.

4. You’ll stand out from the crowd
If you wear a white wedding dress you can pretty much guarantee you won’t be wearing the same as anyone else at your wedding. Common etiquette tells guests not to wear white to a wedding because only the bride should wear white. If you want to be immediately obvious in your wedding photos, white or ivory are the best choices.

Four reasons not to wed in white

1. It’s a bit dull
If you’re the sort of person that likes to dress in bold bright colours and patterns, you may feel like a bit of a fraud putting on a white wedding dress to get married. On your wedding day you want to wear something that will express your personality, and if you think white is a bit boring, there’s no reason you shouldn’t choose another colour.

2. It can be unflattering
If you have a fuller figure, very pale skin, a pinkish complexion, or white blonde hair, a white wedding dress could be an unflattering option. Many designers now supply dresses in pastel shades or bolder colours which may suit you better. You need to feel great on your wedding day so if you are self conscious in a white dress, it may not be the best choice for you.

3. It’s only worn once
After your wedding day, you’re very unlikely to wear a white wedding dress again. If you choose a coloured dress, on the other hand, you could probably wear it to other formal occasions without anyone realising it was originally a bridal gown. Some brides have their white dresses dyed after the wedding so that they can get some more use out of them.

4. It’s easy to stain
If you’re an accident prone bride, or you’re planning on drinking red wine on your wedding day, a white wedding dress could easily get marked or stained. Think about your wedding venue when you are deciding on the colour of your dress. A white gown might work well in a spotless hotel, but if you are going to be outside and there’s the chance of getting muddy, think about something more practical.