Brides' Wedding Dresses Are Anything But White

White has long been the traditional choice for wedding gowns—but today’s brides are rewriting the rules. From rich black to bold custom colors, modern brides are making a statement with their dress choice, and Versailles Atelier Bridal is proud to support every unique vision.

The Rise of Nontraditional Wedding Dresses

White wedding dresses might seem like the timeless standard—but in truth, they're a relatively recent tradition. Modern brides are embracing a bold evolution in bridal fashion, turning to stunning black gowns, rich jewel tones, soft pastels, and even custom-colored creations. At Versailles Atelier Bridal, we proudly offer a wide selection of black wedding dresses and custom color gowns through our designer Elizabeth Lee, helping every bride make a statement that’s uniquely hers.

A Brief History: How the White Dress Came to Be

The white wedding dress, surprisingly, became popular less than two centuries ago. It was Queen Victoria who made the trend mainstream when she married Prince Albert in 1840 wearing a white lace gown. Her choice was considered unusual at the time—white was rarely chosen for weddings because it was impractical to clean, and only the wealthy could afford to wear such a gown just once.

Before that, brides often wore dresses in colors that reflected youth, wealth, or symbolism, with practicality in mind—choosing fabrics and colors that could be worn again for other occasions. Queen Victoria’s look, however, was so influential that women around the world began to emulate her. Over time, white became a symbol of wealth and social status, and only later came to be associated with purity.

In fact, the dominance of the white wedding dress is a relatively modern development—it's only in the last 80 years that it's become the “standard” in Western culture.

Today’s Bride: Embracing Color and Individuality

Modern brides are challenging convention in powerful and creative ways. For some, that means black wedding dresses—elegant, dramatic, and unexpectedly sophisticated. Others turn to custom hues that reflect their love story, wedding theme, or personal style.

At Versailles Atelier Bridal, we specialize in helping brides find or create the perfect nontraditional gown. Whether you're drawn to rich burgundy, dusty blue, champagne, or something entirely your own, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Custom Wedding Dresses by Elizabeth Lee

For brides dreaming of something truly one-of-a-kind, we offer custom color gowns through our exclusive designer, Elizabeth Lee. You can personalize everything from the color and fabric to silhouette details, allowing you to wear a gown that is meaningful, memorable, and made just for you.

Some popular custom features include:

• Black gowns with lace or sparkle details
• Gradient color effects or ombré tones
• Veils dyed to match your custom gown
• Unique color combinations and prints

Explore bold wedding dress alternatives—black gowns, custom colors, and more—at Versailles Atelier Bridal with designer Elizabeth Lee.

The Versailles Atelier Experience

We know that finding the right dress is about more than just fashion—it’s about self-expression. That’s why our team takes the time to understand each bride’s personality, preferences, and dreams. Whether you want to walk down the aisle in a dramatic black ballgown or a custom-colored sheath dress, we’ll make sure you feel empowered and radiant in your choice.

Your wedding dress should be as unique as your love story.
Explore our collection of nontraditional, black, and custom-colored wedding gowns today, and schedule your personalized bridal appointment at Versailles Atelier Bridal. Let your dress reflect your story—on your terms.