The responses from the moderators: one noting the concern of the bride-to-be over what others might think suggested that she should move on to something she would be more comfortable with, and the other was told it is her wedding and that there is no breach of etiquette in wearing a red wedding dress. A red wedding dress will appeal to a free spirited woman with a sense of adventure, or to one like the woman in the forum who wants to wear a romantic color on her day. If you decide to go with a red wedding dress, rest assured you will find one that is beautiful and just right for you.
In America, red has some conflicting connotations, but still it is the color of romance and passion, evoking images of red roses and hearts. Red is also a warm, cozy color. One that you see in a mountain lodge or in the flickering firelight of the hearth, and it is the color of the most romantic day on our calendar.
In China, red is the color for weddings. Bright red is also associated with warmth, life and the Fire Element, denoting good fortune and happiness, and emerging as a sacred and vitalizing color used on festive occasions including Chinese New Years and weddings. Red is the symbol of ultimate joy. Red and gold lanterns are raised at weddings to symbolizes happiness and bring good luck and prosperity to the holder. Wedding invitations are printed on red paper, and Chinese brides wear red wedding dresses.
A Chinese sheath or halter dress with fishtail can be stunning. Contemporary Chinese red wedding dresses are often long, figure hugging, with short sleeves and mandarin collars, featuring patterns such as the golden dragon and phoenix design; symbolizing the balance of male and female power, gold plum and bamboo. One particularly beautiful red wedding dress found online at a Chinese bridal shop is made of silk brocade fabric, detailed with brocade chrysanthemum designs symbolizing long life, and graced with gold dragons symbolizing strength.
A red wedding dress is not only a fun and romantic choice for Valentine's Day; it can also be a good choice for a winter wedding. If you are planning to marry in the winter, what could be warmer than red? Imagine exchanging vows in a beautiful mountain lodge with candles aglow on every table, and you making your entrance in a red satin and velvet dress, trimmed with gold, and wearing a gold tiara or coronet with your veil. Another beautiful red wedding dress is the silk chiffon ballroom gown, perfect for a glamorous wedding, or consider a red gown with corset back, rhinestone and sequin accents.
Keep in mind, there are many shades of red. A red wedding dress looks wonderful with gold, but also with white. Your bouquet could consist of white roses, or a combination of white, pink and red roses. If you were wearing a medieval or Renaissance red wedding dress, a crown of roses would be gorgeous, or a gold crown or tiara. Your shoes can be dyed to match your dress, or you can wear shoes in one of your accent colors. For inspiration, watch "Pretty Woman" and Julia Roberts in her red, ballroom gown. Search the Internet and local bridal shops as well.
