In ancient times, brides did not traditionally wear white wedding dresses, but colorful ones that helped signify their joy. The color red is associated with love and romance here in the states, and was also a popular color in medieval times as well. But did you know that in  many countries, red is considered to be a very lucky color? In China, Japan, India and other nations, red wedding dresses are often worn to give the couple good luck in their lives together, as a sort of blessing on their lives. Many other women choose red wedding dresses merely for cosmetic reasons in that they want to stand out in such a warm and vibrant color, or they just think that they look better in red wedding dresses than white ones.

Are Red Wedding Dresses the New White Wedding Dress?

Personally, I don’t think so.  While red wedding dresses may be extremely popular in other countries, and many brides are choosing this bold new style, red wedding dresses have yet to hit the mainstream North American markets in a big way. I will say that red wedding dresses is quickly becoming one of the most popular alternatives to traditional white wedding dresses, but I think that for the most part, a majority of women in the United States still prefer white to red wedding dresses.

Picking out the right wedding dress for you can be an overwhelming task, especially if you want to go with something completely un-traditional and different – such as a red wedding dress, as many brick and mortar stores don’t carry them. While many people aren’t exactly in love with red wedding dresses (myself included – I’m traditional at heart, what can I say?), your choice needs to be yours, for it’s memories are going to be with you forever, even as you grow old.

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Red Wedding Dresses

Red Wedding Themes in What to Wear

If you are looking at red wedding themes and wondering what kinds of stuff to wear, there are several options you can use. Of course, it goes without saying to look for red dresses for your bridesmaids to wear.

One popular trend these days is for the bride to wear a splash of color on her wedding dress to match her bridesmaids, and if you want to follow this trend, add a red sash or lining to your wedding dress. Just a bit of red against which creates an elegant and dramatic effect for red wedding themes. For your groom and groomsmen, you don’t want them looking like they are on their way to prom or a choir concert – so stay away from cummerbunds!For red wedding themes, go with a red jacket and bow tie, and use red roses or other types of flowers for the lapel.

Wedding Decorations for Red Wedding Themes

The first place you need to start with decorating any wedding is with your linens. One of the best combinations for red wedding themes is a bright white tablecloth with red napkins. Once you have your linens taken over, you can start moving to your wedding centerpieces. A classic look is always red roses, but if you’d rather something else, there are many other options available for red wedding themes. You an create a vibrant centerpiece by creating a red topiary made from silk flowers, folded ribbon, or red and white material. Other items that go great with red wedding themes are apples, cherries, lady bugs, red butterflies and even peppers. A rich red coloring will give a beautiful contrast to a traditional white or cream motif, and you just can’t go wrong.

Wedding Favors for Red Wedding Themes

Look for ways to incorporate red items to play on your red wedding theme, and you really do have a lot of options. If you are using boxes or bags for your wedding favors, add a small silk flower bud to to box, or red stickers. One favorite option for red wedding themes is to buy plastic champagne glasses and fill them with red candies, such as red cinnamon hearts. Or, let each guest take home a red rose from your wedding centerpiece. Other great options for red wedding themes are bright red apples with tags around the stem, giant red lollipops, Hershey’s Kisses wrapped in red foil, or mulberry scented candles.

As I mentioned above, red wedding themes are most popular in the winter months, particularly around Christmas or Valentine’s Day, but many brides don’t even consider that red wedding themes can be done year round for an elegant and sophisticated impression. So if you are planning a wedding with a red wedding theme, or have been to one in the past and would like to share your ideas, please comment in and let me know!r

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Red Wedding Themes