While it may feel like wearing a white wedding dress is a tradition older than dirt, in the grand scheme of human history, it’s comparatively new. The research website JSTOR details a host of colorful wedding-dress customs from across the globe and throughout time, including the custom of Tang Dynasty brides sporting green in the 7th century, and ancient Roman women wearing “deep yellow” veils atop elaborately braided ponytails. (Cool!)
It was Queen Victoria who popularized the princess-like white dress in the Western world in 1840s, and brides haven’t deviated much from this color since then. However, you may be looking to shake things up as you walk down to aisle by exploring other parts of the rainbow. So, to assist, we combed the internet in search of dresses that can offer a Crayola-like dash of joy to your big day — while still making a special bridal statement, of course.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Free People
Free People Soa Dress, $, available at Free People” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cSP6EyiSMOOEPyN88naYiQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDA-/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/nYoVB2H1SGPi0Ph6k2jQgQ–~B/aD0yMTc1O3c9MTQ1MDthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/3171ebda154ee4103b8edf9c28e5dc7b”/>
Free People Soa Dress In Light Pink
Single-shoulder frocks seem to be everywhere right now — frequently occurring in the type of free-flowing, floor-skimming silhouette that we’ve grown very accustomed to during quarantine. With a silky fabrication (made from eco-friendly cupro, a cotton byproduct) and a cheeky oversized bow, this light pink dress is perfect for your carefree nuptials.
Shop Free People
Free People Soa Dress, $, available at Free People
Farfetch
Bambah Mermaid Effect Gown, $, available at Farfetch” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/stydzRGXvuCJlKftWVIr8g–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyODAuNjQ-/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/CO4QCuF_9OyGVU3qCAMukg–~B/aD0xMzM0O3c9MTAwMDthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/e03466a98e56fdb3759c3c84b4c8e727″/>
Bambah Mermaid Gown In Marigold
This 100% silk fluted gown would have made a statement in plain white, but in a brilliant shade of sunshine yellow, it’s bound to make your special day even more unforgettable. (It’s also in major markdown mode with plentiful sizes remaining.)
Shop Bambah at Farfetch
Bambah Mermaid Effect Gown, $, available at Farfetch
Nordstrom
JS Collections Soutache Lace Blouson Gown, $, available at Nordstrom” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rxmuKb0HVxk7U52vIFnPoQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NzIuMDQ4NTU4NDIxODUxMw–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/MABSS09Fv8vVsEiz7.PS4A–~B/aD0yMDIxO3c9MTMxODthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/4884f1fa96fce2058462a864265c863f”/>
JS Collections Soutache Lace Blouson Gown In Lilac Gray
This painterly floor-length gown is layered with sophisticated hues, including a nude slip, a contrasting blue lace overlay, and a periwinkle soutache ribbon that unfurls organically across the silhouette.
Shop JS Collections at Nordstrom
JS Collections Soutache Lace Blouson Gown, $, available at Nordstrom
Needle and Thread
Needle & Thread Snowdrop Gown, $, available at Needle & Thread” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fCldmr2GMNHVeocxp8zPuw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDEuNjM4MjI1MjU1OTcyNw–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/Kxx4K1phpT6S17tm6r6WYQ–~B/aD0xNzYwO3c9MTE3MjthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/45a994955c7fa06cadf35e324c9f8448″/>
Needle & Thread Snowdrop Gown In Teal
A shimmering, near-iridescent shade of sea-glass green adds a third dimension to this 1930s-inspired lace dress.
Shop Needle and Thread
Needle & Thread Snowdrop Gown, $, available at Needle & Thread
Staud
Staud Viola Dress, $, available at Staud” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wCBk_WZ0bHROB2jid8Haiw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0MzkuNTkyODc1MzE4MDY2Mw–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/a4RRvBGcJJg3W01.ZKDvtw–~B/aD0xNzY4O3c9MTE3OTthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/16fde3f2d420ec86ff3ed53bec6f50ee”/>
Staud Viola Dress In Multi Organza
Can’t decide on a single color? That won’t be an issue with Staud’s festive Viola frock — its Starburst-hued tones are elevated by an outer organza layer that keeps the dress feeling both fun and fancy-free.
Shop Staud
Staud Viola Dress, $, available at Staud
Simply Dresses
Faviana Silver and Gold Glitter Dress with Pockets, $, available at Simply Dresses” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BAPFSmJl_hc2nA0lRAZh9w–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE1OTkuMzY-/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/XDbrQ0BbRZzb0jz9zJtxjA–~B/aD04MzM7dz01MDA7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/c978c2e8a875bd5328bb050ac168568b”/>
Faviana Glitter Dress With Pockets In Silver & Gold
Shimmer down the aisle in a liquid metallic gown that combines silver and gold, for a mercurial finish that offers the best of both worlds.
Shop Simply Dresses
Faviana Silver and Gold Glitter Dress with Pockets, $, available at Simply Dresses
MatchesFashion
Kalita Adonis V-neck silk-habotai maxi dress, $, available at MatchesFashion” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZYpe8m_TlGMm7XdwUQa0rA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyNzkuNTM5ODk5MzUyOTgzNA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/t_9JUb7TCk4HW_N4mFPVEg–~B/aD0xODU0O3c9MTM5MTthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/a57cf69907de4c845af187393e9a535c”/>
Kalia Adonis Gown In Lime
Shopping for a summer wedding? Surround yourself with feather-light silk habotai rendered in a tropical shade of lime green.
Shop Kalita at MatchesFashion
Kalita Adonis V-neck silk-habotai maxi dress, $, available at MatchesFashion
Revolve
For Love & Lemons Sienna Bustier Gown, $, available at Revolve” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Qtix2kUySX.7W1l18hfgQg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NTA-/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/RvracOrTH5ktQHOim6vb6g–~B/aD0xNDUwO3c9OTYwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/e8fbc19674933cd47ea9da26e911d1c8″/>
For Love & Lemons Bustier Gown In Deep Orange
This figure-hugging gown is sheer fun, offering a corset-like bodice structure paired with a chopped-up, leg-baring see-thru skirt.
Shop For Love & Lemons at Revolve
For Love & Lemons Sienna Bustier Gown, $, available at Revolve
Decade Collection. Some sizes are already sold out, but we couldn’t resist including it.
Shop BHLDN
BHLDN Bexley Gown, $, available at BHLDN” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Z05O9Xmr89ktN1q7HO7asw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDEuNDc2OTIzMDc2OTIzMg–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/NytIiMGtX1MoE3EQ0K4a0A–~B/aD0yNDQwO3c9MTYyNTthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/83a647df8794bb9f42556565dc3d4366″/>
BHLDN Bexley Gown In Light Gray
The traditional bridal brand breaks out of the box with this stunning strapless number, adorned with fluttering knife pleats in feather-weight cotton silk. First introduced in 2011, the Bexley is back for a limited time as part of BHLDN’s greatest-hits Decade Collection. Some sizes are already sold out, but we couldn’t resist including it.
Shop BHLDN
BHLDN Bexley Gown, $, available at BHLDN
Amazon
GMAR Satin Ballgown, $, available at Amazon” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AS50YSiHN3aPjjqWqo8jLg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExOTYuNzEyMzI4NzY3MTIzNA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/5GNlIYDv2G.h6KFKsEXijg–~B/aD0xMDAxO3c9ODAzO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/179e1361cacc992a836e07c4b755374d”/>
GMAR Satin Ballgown In Lavender
Leave it to Amazon to supply us with a sweeping “satin” ballgown complete with cotton-candy-fluffy sleeves and a bust-boosting neckline. It’s part Victorian dress, part futuristic frock … and fully under $100? Based on the 4.5-star rating and the flattering customer photos, we’re ready to take this dress for a spin. (PS: Is this electric shade of lilac not quite your speed? Not to worry — in true Amazon fashion, the made-to-order dress is available in 40 colors. That’s four-zero.)
Shop GMAR on Amazon
GMAR Satin Ballgown, $, available at Amazon
ASOS EDITION
ASOS EDITION Kimono Maxi Dress with Floral Appliqué, $, available at ASOS” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UDz1dEzkebw.ZxXTw9lsPA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyMjUuNzMwOTk0MTUyMDQ2OA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/Wsu62zcNL2j9acefLUou6w–~B/aD02NTU7dz01MTM7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/f80feae2e72053525987691995b868ed”/>
ASOS EDITION Kimono Maxi Dress With Floral Appliqué In Black
This slinky kimono-style maxi dress is giving us major Art Deco vibes — we’re picturing it stunning at a courthouse wedding or an intimate evening affair.
Shop ASOS EDITION
ASOS EDITION Kimono Maxi Dress with Floral Appliqué, $, available at ASOS
Nordstrom
Mac Duggal V-Neck Crepe Ballgown, $, available at Nordstrom” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RECvxOhf0qPR8ZhgtrTORw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NzIuMDQ4NTU4NDIxODUxMw–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/2LS4BuNZ5rZgQSPCcgPQcA–~B/aD0yMDIxO3c9MTMxODthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/d6e66b7fed59803f0b578b8495dcd9e8″/>
Mac Duggal Crepe Gown In Red
Nothing makes a statement like a fire-engine red, floor-length gown.
Shop Mac Duggal at Nordstrom
Mac Duggal V-Neck Crepe Ballgown, $, available at Nordstrom
Garmentory
Kamperett Mae Dress, $, available at Garmentory” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rbFBCxIwsVPHYAYUgBLJlw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0MzguNA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/F7wZuyQpK6XgJnZW6Qlq3w–~B/aD04OTk7dz02MDA7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/9e7f8e309d1354834f9e80d55c891b21″/>
Kamperett Mae Dress In Cornflower Blue
This San Francisco-based indie brand has built a cult following around its gauzy, feminine, small-batch occasion dresses. The semi-sheer tea-length Mae silhouette comes in a few different colors — but for the big day, we’d naturally recommend something blue.
Shop Kamperett at Garmentory
Kamperett Mae Dress, $, available at Garmentory
Net-a-Porter
Lela Rose Wildflower guipure lace midi dress, $, available at Net-A-Porter” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8XSSGEh227RIW4lCtgYPCQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDA-/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/JEeGo9qAKRZwlUnalhMF8w–~B/aD0zMDAwO3c9MjAwMDthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/b090a44e65531a851be73b97d118f74b”/>
Lela Rose Guipure Lace Midi Dress In Yellow
A lacy tea-length dress is a classic choice for an intimate wedding — and when rendered in a cheerful shade of sunflower yellow, it will bring an extra-bright light to your special day.
Shop Lela Rose at Net-a-Porter
Lela Rose Wildflower guipure lace midi dress, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Shopbop
ROCOCO SAND Stellar Long Dress, $, available at Shopbop” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/P0VknVddpz26609iHv0k3Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTcwNTtoPTEyNTAuMDQyMDE2ODA2NzIyNg–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/GtlDmRZIdtNMQZOo5uWm2Q–~B/aD02MzM7dz0zNTc7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/07df16bd0767a4ccee0827e9934048e6″/>
Rococo Sand Stellar Dress With Multicolor Applique
Yes, it’s a long white dress — but the cheerful star-shaped sequins that adorn this floor-skimming number are a festive addition to an otherwise traditional color.
Shop Rococo Sand at Shopbop
ROCOCO SAND Stellar Long Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Etsy
Wardrobe by Dulcinea Galaxia Watercolor Tea-Length Wedding Dress, $, available at Etsy” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rAX2I0giY8RBXocEIj288g–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0MzcuNTgxODYzOTc5ODQ4OA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/XLwOmJ234_JL0m_pOa7b9Q–~B/aD0yMzc4O3c9MTU4ODthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/f84cc443105060ead09b840ced075fd9″/>
Wardrobe by Dulcinea Galaxia Tea Length Gown In Watercolor
Dip your toes into a dip-dyed dress with layers upon layers of multi-hued violet tulle. (Be sure to check out this Etsy’s seller’s full array of fantastical, celestial frocks — they were awarded an honorable mention in last year’s Etsy Design Awards.
Shop Wardrobe by Dulcinea on Etsy
Wardrobe by Dulcinea Galaxia Watercolor Tea-Length Wedding Dress, $, available at Etsy
Andrea Iyamah
Andrea Iyamah SAVANA Dress, $, available at Andrea Iyamah” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5vee_ZGZn6kb8rf2GSqGWQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEzNDQ-/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/d3BBKt6ERMypdJGnVjyfbA–~B/aD04NDA7dz02MDA7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/c42e7d8047f42a90a80c0a5189542d2e”/>
Andrea Iyamah Savana Dress In Gold
Whether you wear this convertible satin dress with the belted front wrapped around your waist or tied in a gentle, loose knot, one thing is clear: you’ll literally be as fair as the sun on your big day, thanks to this light-catching sunset-hued shade of gold.
Shop Andrea Iyamah
Andrea Iyamah SAVANA Dress, $, available at Andrea Iyamah
Rent The Runway” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_JJNQrBjyf307iTs5VznMA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTM2MDtoPTU0MC45ODM2MDY1NTczNzc-/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/0mqTj_OLQYxFP9i1FdJsZA–~B/aD0yNzU7dz0xODM7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/6cbe9316b6afd9d0b83a48f71315270c” height=”275″ width=”183″/>
ML Monique Lhullier Tena Gown in Violet
ML Monique Lhuillier Tena Gown (Rental), $, available at Rent The Runway
David’s Bridal” src=”” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FLaCKOV2IlEWqbU0z4iqew–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDAuNzcyOTQ2ODU5OTAzNA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/vienym8reIhGhfGwVI09zg–~B/aD05MzI7dz02MjE7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/e318ccfd6b1d26f35f6b1b57c3addd1f”/>
David’s Bridal Embellished Lace-Up Dress in Pale Green
Cachet Floral Embellished Spaghetti Strap Lace-Up Gown, $, available at David’s Bridal
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/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/4IRC654SWJGVLKZQTCEK76JEIY.PNG "Local wedding planner wins two national awards")
