Fashion

15 Colorful Wedding Dresses Perfect For Fall

by Kara Weymouth

Summer may be the traditional wedding season, but autumn, with it's crisp, fresh air and bright colors, is the perfect time to exchange vows for many couples. It also happens to be the perfect season to wear a colored wedding dress. While they're certainly the classic choice now, it ironically was a rebellious bride who popularized the white gown in the first place. Queen Victoria bucked tradition by choosing a white gown, rather than a silver or a colorful printed one, for her wedding to Prince Albert back in 1840. These days, white is so ubiquitous in bridalwear that it can seem as if it's the only viable option. Luckily, many designers, inspired by Eastern traditions (where betrothed women have long worn bright colors to celebrate marriage), are expanding their bridal collections to include various colors and shapes!

For an autumn wedding, take a note from chic celebrity brides like Gwen Stefani and Reese Witherspoon by rocking pastels, or guarantee that all eyes stay glued to you by going with bold brights for that trip down the aisle. Even if you prefer a predominantly white dress for the big day, there are tons of ways to incorporate color into your bridal style while still generally sticking with tradition. From something blue and bright to show-stopping red gowns, here are 15 stunning, colorful wedding dresses for fall.

1. Blushing Bride

How do you know that blush wedding dresses have gone mainstream? Even the uber-traditional Jessa Duggar chose a faded rose gown for her November vows in 2014. Shades of pink are the perfect way to dip your toes into non-traditional waters while still having your blushing bride moment. This cream and faded rose ombre gown by Needle & Thread is a steal at just $800.

2. Think Pink

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Of course, there is something terribly romantic about embracing the girliest of colors on your big day. Who wouldn't glow in this lush pink dress by Oscar de la Renta? The white lace embroidery and shape is a nod to the classic while the pink color is just a pinch of personality.

3. Girl On Fire

With the leaves changing colors and rich golden skies, autumn is the perfect backdrop for a red dress. Balance bold scarlet with delicate details like the eyelash and scalloped edges on this beaded lace gown by Marchesa Notte.

4. Tangy Tangerine

I know what you're thinking, "Orange in October?! Are you crazy? I'll look like a pumpkin!" Would I really do that to you on your wedding day? This sexy tangerine gown by Cushnie et Ochs would be so sophisticated at an early fall, outdoor wedding. I can already picture the burnt orange, white and gold bouquet. Rustic chic to the max!

5. Silver Siren

If you're having a more formal affair with guests in black tie, you might feel that a bold color is inappropriate. So why not try silver? A hand beaded gown, like the Jennifer dress by Parker NY, is both red carpet ready and bridal. Bonus? With that much sparkle, you won't need any heavy jewelry weighing you down on the dance floor!

6. Beaded & Blue

A printed, icy blue gown can be more casual for the boho bride (I'd pair it with an all white bouquet), like this budget-friendly wedding dress from Anthropologie.

7. Fall Florals

Florals for fall? Maybe not a groundbreaking statement but it's certainly one way to make a thrilling entrance! Wendy Makin's Kaitlyn dress checks the bold pattern box and will warm up even the chilliest of fall days.

8. Half & Half

If you like the idea of a pattern but just can't commit to an entire gown, why not check out Jennifer Gifford's Paige gown? This made to measure strapless gown has a classic shape, incorporates a pink floral in the bodice, and, most importantly, has two hidden pockets. What more could a laid-back bride ask for?

9. Something Blue

Blue dresses were all over the runways at Bridal Fashion Week for Fall 2015. It may have something to do with a certain Frozen queen, but why not embrace the trend and be your own something blue? Monique Lhuillier's lacy gown is so romantic.

10. Green With Envy

Embrace your vintage side with a nod to the roaring twenties in Claire Pettibone's Scoop Sheath Gown. The velvet material is sure to keep any bride warm on a blustery, fall afternoon.

11. Lovely Lilac

The ethereal Erin Fetherston's designs always have a touch of fairy tale and her Lily Gown certainly doesn't disappoint. The reverse ombre in a delicate chiffon is just waiting to be worn by a modern princess bride.

13. Stripes

Perfect for the bride who just can't give up her nautical stripes (even after Labor Day), Francesca Miranda's Sweetheart A-Line Organza Gown turns a traditional shape into a striped, sea-worthy delight.

14. Just A Dash With A Sash

The dream of a white wedding can be hard to give up, so if your heart is set on a more traditional gown, you can always add a dash of color with a belt. The best part? Sashes are often an inexpensive (David's Bridal has options starting at just $5) way to personalize a non-custom gown.

15. Elegant Black

There's a reason we always turn to our favorite little black dress: It's timeless and elegant. So why wouldn't you want to bring that level of sophistication to your wedding day? Alice & Olivia's Wen Leather Trim Satin Gown is a simple alternative that you can wear again and again.

Images: Courtesy Brands