For decades, traditional bridal fashion pushed one strict rule: wear white or ivory. But over the many years of creating custom gowns, I have watched a refreshing shift take place. More and more brides are discarding rigid traditions to embrace their personal identity, and the most stunning way they are doing it is through colour.

Whether you want a tiny whisper of warmth hidden in the layers or a bold, head-turning shade, adding colour to your gown allows your dress to tell your own unique bridal story.

Table of Contents

• Why Colour Wedding Dresses are evolving the Bridal World
• Option 1: The Subtle Touch (Accent Details & Tinted Lace)
• Option 2: The Soft Glow (Blush, Champagne & Coloured Linings)
• Option 3: The Statement Gown (Full-On Colour)
• Designing Your Custom Coloured Gown in Perth & Western Australia
• Final Thoughts: Wear What Makes You Feel Radiant

Why Colour Wedding Dresses are influencing the Bridal World

Modern weddings are all about personal expression. Western Australia boasts some of the most spectacular, diverse wedding backdrops in the world, from the sun-drenched coastal venues along the coastline to Margaret River, to trendy industrial spaces in Fremantle and stunning vineyard settings in the Swan Valley. A white/ivory gown doesn’t always suit every setting, nor does it suit every bride’s personality or skin tone.

Colour adds depth, dimension, and romance. It catches the natural light in photographs beautifully and elevates a gown from a simple dress to a piece of wearable art. The best part? Adding colour isn’t an “all-or-nothing” decision.

Option 1: The Subtle Touch (Accent Details & Tinted Lace)

If you love the idea of colour but still want to feel distinctly “bridal,” subtle accents are the ideal path forward. You don’t need a head-to-toe change to make a meaningful impression.

• Tinted Lace & Appliqués: Imagine botanical lace featuring soft sage green stems, subtle dusty blue florals, or delicate gold threads woven throughout the bodice. I currently have two Perth custom brides that have chosen stunning sage green vine lace to adorn the top layer of their coloured wedding dresses (watch this space for their end of year weddings).

• Hand-Embroidered Details: Incorporating small hand-stitched floral motifs or a secret coloured element (like your “something blue” embroidered inside the hem) adds a deeply personal touch. Tap HERE to view some of our custom embroidery work.

• Colour Veils: A great addition to an ivory wedding dress is to add colour in your veil, designed to your inspiration (view ideas here). I am super excited to have a Perth bride that has chosen some gorgeous native flowers that we have embroidered on to the lower edge of her veil for her wedding later on this year (more on this one in a few months time).

This approach works exceptionally well for outdoor bushland weddings in WA, where subtle green, bronze, or pale pink accents mirror the surrounding Australian flora.

Option 2: The Soft Glow (Blush, Champagne & Coloured Wedding Dress Linings)

One of the most popular techniques developed in custom dressmaking involves using coloured satin or tulle as an undertone or lining.

When you place a layer of white, ivory, or off-white lace over a tinted lining, magic happens. The contrast allows intricate lace patterns to pop dramatically in photos rather than blending into a solid pale backdrop.

• Blush & Rose Quartz: Gives a warm, romantic flush to skin tones and brings out the warmth in golden-hour photography. View blush tones HERE.

• Champagne, Nude & Honey: Adds a sophisticated, vintage richness while remaining remarkably classic. View Alexis’ honey tones HERE.

• Smoky Lavender & Soft Blue: Perfect for the modern bride seeking a cooler, slightly edgy undertone that still feels ethereal. See Lauren’s JRW Custom Gown HERE.

If you are tying the knot on a Perth beach or during a warm summer sunset in the Perth Hills, a blush or champagne lining catches the light with a gorgeous, multidimensional warmth.

Option 3: The Statement Gown (Full-On Colour)

For the bride who wants to completely rewrite the rulebook, a full-colour wedding gown is the ultimate style statement.

Going full colour doesn’t mean compromising on looking like a bride. High-end fabrics, structured corsetry, flowing trains, and handcrafted finishes maintain that distinct bridal silhouette while showcasing your true personality.

• Hot Pink & Blush Pink: For the bride that lives for pink, this may be the day you want to be your most authentic self…so just do it! I’ve created in both shades and both brides were ecstatic! View Chiara’s blush dress HERE.

• Deep Emerald & Forest Greens: Sophisticated, dramatic, and striking against coastal limestone or winery settings.

• Moody Black & Midnight Blue: For romantic, evening, or gothic-chic celebrations, a dark gown offers timeless elegance with an unmistakable edge.

Choosing a vibrant colour ensures your gown is memorable, unique, and entirely unique to you.

Designing Your Custom Coloured Gown in Perth & Western Australia

Designing a bespoke wedding dress allows you to test fabrics and colours against your skin tone before making a final decision. During a custom design consultation, we look at swatches together under natural sunlight, layering different tulles, silks, and laces to find the precise depth of shade that reflects your vision.

Whether you are hosting a relaxed beach ceremony along Cottesloe, an intimate vineyard celebration in the Swan Valley, or a grand reception in downtown Perth, your gown should feel like an extension of you—not a costume.

Final Thoughts: Wear What Makes You Feel Radiant

Your wedding day is a celebration of your relationship, and your bridal wear should reflect who you are. Whether you choose a micro-hint of colour tucked into delicate lace, a warm blush lining, or a bold statement shade, there are no rules.

If you are a Perth or Western Australian bride interested in exploring how custom dressmaking can bring your colour vision to life, let’s create something breathtaking together.

With love,

Jo x

Creative Director, JRW Bridal & Couture