How to Find Your Best White for Your Wedding Dress
By Megan Haynes ·
Wedding dress shopping is overwhelming enough without also having to guess which shade of white actually makes you glow. When I got married 17 years ago, I had no idea that not all whites are created equal—and that the right shade of white can make all the difference in how radiant and fresh you look on your big day.
After years of doing color analysis, I want to shout this from the rooftops: brides, you can (and should) figure out your best white _before_ you say yes to the dress.
Why your wedding dress color matters
You wouldn't buy a foundation without making sure it matches your skin, right? Your wedding dress works the same way. The wrong shade of white can make you look washed out, overly yellow, or dull, while the right white can bring out your natural glow and enhance your features.
The key: finding a shade of white that harmonizes with your skin, hair, and eyes.
There is a perfect white for every season:
- Spring: Ivory — warm, bright, with a hint of yellow.
- Autumn: Eggshell — matte, soft, warm.
- Summer: Soft white — delicate, slightly cool, crepe fabric.
- Winter: Bright white — crisp, pure, and high contrast.
Examples below are from Dora Grace Bridal in Fort Collins.
Autumn white: eggshell
Spring white: ivory
Summer white: soft white
Winter white: bright white
How to test your best white in a bridal boutique
- Ask to try on dresses in all four white options. Even if you have a favorite, compare them in natural light to see what actually flatters you most.
- Take photos in front of a window or in natural lighting. Avoid fluorescent lighting, which can distort color.
- Pay attention to how the dress interacts with your skin. Does it make you look fresh and vibrant—or dull and tired?
- Bring a friend or family who can help—or better yet, get a color analysis before you shop. This takes all the guesswork out of it.
Final thoughts: be a confident, color-savvy bride
If I could do it all over again, I'd definitely find my best white before wedding dress shopping. It's a simple step that makes a huge difference in how you look and feel on your big day.
So if you're a bride-to-be, consider this your sign: know your best white before you shop. Your photos (and future self) will thank you.
PS. Here are a couple of photos from our wedding day (2008) in Olema, CA. I found my dress—a vintage '60s gem from a shop in the Mission District—but it had a tear at the bottom. Thankfully, a local seamstress helped me bring it back to life.
