WHAT COLOURS TO WEAR WITH AN IVORY WEDDING DRESS
Gemma Thompson
- Lead Designer -
It should take 4 minutes to read this article
Elegant. Refined. Classic. Ivory is one of those colours that feels effortlessly beautiful. And as it flatters pale skin better than a white gown, it's easy to see why so many brides choose this neutral colour for their wedding dress.
On its own ivory looks sublime. And yet it can look even more phenomenal when you complement it with the right accent, like black. But should you choose soft pastels, hard primaries, or something in between?
Stay with us as we reveal the colours you should (and shouldn't) wear with an ivory wedding dress.
IVORY WORKS WITH A RANGE OF COLOURS
Ivory can be matched with a wide range of tints and tones as it's a soft and neutral colour. You can match it with dark, earthy hues. You can also match it with strong jewel colours like sapphire or emerald, so long as they're not too dominant.
You'll want to choose your secondary colour based on your wedding theme or the season in which your wedding takes place. To get you inspired, let's take a look at the best colours by season, starting with spring.
BEST SPRING COLOURS TO WEAR WITH AN IVORY WEDDING DRESS
Spring is a time of rejuvenation. New life shoots from the earth, and the sky is filled with the songs of birds returning home or waking from their winter slumber. You'll want tones that suggest this heart-lifting theme.
- Bluebell
- Emerald
- Fuchsia
- Silver
BEST SUMMER COLOURS TO WEAR WITH AN IVORY WEDDING DRESS
Summer is full of heat and passion. It's a time for siestas in the sunshine, ice creams, and long walks through shaded woodlands. You'll want to choose a tone that embodies this sense of leisure and heat.
- Imperial Red
- Metallic Gold
- Ruby
- Tropical Indigo
BEST AUTUMN OR FALL COLOURS TO WEAR WITH AN IVORY WEDDING DRESS
Whether you call it autumn or fall, this time of the year is known for its brilliant colours and the crisp tumble of leaves. You'll want to capture this changeable season with the right autumnal hue.
- Amber
- Auburn
- Chestnut
- Deep Raspberry
BEST WINTER COLOURS TO WEAR WITH AN IVORY WEDDING DRESS
Darker nights, rain, and the cold and driving snow are all powerful motifs of winter. Embrace the darker side of the year with some shadowy and silvery shades.
- Amethyst
- Celeste
- Old Silver
- Vampire Black
For more about winter weddings, see our guide.
COLOURS TO AVOID WHEN WEARING IVORY
Ivory is a pastel. That means you should avoid colours that are too vibrant. Primary colours (like standard blue or red) are a big no. As are neons and other bright and luminous hues.
It's also best to avoid white. This will clash with the subtle shades that sit within your ivory wedding gown. You might love your pure white stilettos, but they'll look too clean against your dress and might make the ivory look dirty.
NOT EVERY IVORY DRESS IS THE SAME COLOUR
Ivory wedding gowns aren't universally the same colour. Some gowns have a subtle hint of silver, rose, magenta, or summertime yellow that might not be immediately apparent.
This can have an influence on your choice of secondary colour, especially when it comes to jewellery. For an ivory gown with a touch of silver then silver jewellery (perhaps with a touch of ruby) is a must. For summertime yellow, gold or emerald is a natural choice.
STILL LOOKING FOR AN IVORY WEDDING DRESS?
All wedding gowns from Ivory Black are made in the couture tradition. That means our masterful British designers and seamstresses craft them by hand, stitch by stitch, from only the best quality materials.
GOT YOUR OWN IVORY COLOUR TIPS?
Share your knowledge, ideas, and experiences in the comments below! You might make a bride-to-be very happy.