Bridal Outfits and the Choice of Colors

A bridal outfit which is elegant and colorful is a temptation in itself, for every candid wedding photographer. While many brides think of how the outfit would showcase them, many at times, they are ignorant about how the color of the outfit would reflect the best of them, in the wedding photographs. An unbiased, well informed, colorful decision to opt for a perfect outfit is a bride’s hardest decision. As wedding photographers, we have a keen eye for detail and color. We as lensmen have a vision and insight into which color goes well for which skin tone and which doesn’t.

In certain communities, specific colors for the bridal outfit such as red, white or cream is the norm and brides are left with no option of choosing any other. Yes! True that, red typically dominates the wedding dresses. However, there are specific reasons as to why certain colors of bridal outfit work exceptionally well from a photography point of view and why some don’t on the contrary.

Warm and bright colors for wedding dresses look better than pastel colors, purely from the vibrancy point of view. Besides reds, oranges, pinks, purples, blues and greens are always wonderful colors to opt for. The more saturated, rich and vibrant versions of the color, the better is the outcome of the photographs, than a pastel version of the color.

Following are the few key aspects, which brides must remember while choosing the color of the wedding dresses:

• Preferably, one color should dominate the outfit, rather than being a mix of multiple bright colors.

• The color of the bridal wedding dress must not be the same as the wedding décor. She must not get camouflaged with the wedding venue theme. The bride and the background decoration must complement each other.

• Bright colors are always ideal and works better with flashes.

Timing of the wedding is also a key factor which brides have to remember while choosing the wedding outfit. Morning (or early evening) outdoor weddings trump night, indoor weddings any time of the year. Almost any kind of lighting effect can be simulated in the photography studio, but when it comes to weddings, it’s not possible to replicate the effect of soft natural light that is available during early/ late morning and just before dusk by using lights and flashes. In terms of outfit, a bride should still stick to vibrant colors even for an outdoor, day wedding, with a perfect bridal make-up complementing it.

Timing of the wedding is also a key factor which brides have to remember while choosing the wedding outfit. Morning (or early evening) outdoor weddings trump night, indoor weddings any time of the year. Almost any kind of lighting effect can be simulated in the photography studio, but when it comes to weddings, it’s not possible to replicate the effect of soft natural light that is available during early/ late morning and just before dusk by using lights and flashes. In terms of outfit, a bride should still stick to vibrant colors even for an outdoor, day wedding, with a perfect bridal make-up complementing it.

In recent trends, we see lots of couples whose outfits are matched to the T. Having said that, perfectly color coordinated wedding outfits of the couple is a big NO in the books of wedding photography. A well designed, with the reflection of shade of each other’s outfit color, showcasing the individual’s style and personality is worthy of every click. A complimentary clothing is definitely a perfect idea. For example, the embroidery or detailing on the groom’s outfit can be the same or similar color as the bride’s outfit, or if the bride’s outfit is pink with blue detailing, the groom can wear a dark blue outfit. Nonetheless, the thin line between the masculine and feminine colors must be adhered to.

Beyond the color, venue decoration, timing, etc., it is your wedding. This is your big day. Be happy inside out, you will be an angel from heaven no matter what. Enjoyment, happiness and a perfect smile are the must have accessory of a bridal outfit.