Though the traditional image of the bride may conjure up visions of white lace and tulle, today’s brides are finding that when it comes to their gown, tradition may not be what they once thought.

Sure the “something blue” has been a longstanding piece of wedding lore, but white didn’t truly become the go-to staple it is today until 1840, when Queen Victoria floated down the aisle in white satin. Even in pre-WWII America, brides often chose beautiful dresses they might actually (gasp!) wear again. These days color is slowly finding its place back on the aisle, with everyone from Gwen Stefani (who splashed her Galliano gown with striking pink) to Jennifer Garner (in a green-sashed Vera Wang) choosing to pop their gowns with a punch of personal style.

Alas, white does still dominate the market. So what to do if you find yourself a non-traditional fashionista in a snowy, white world?

First, hit the web. With almost every designer on the market boasting a website, it’s become easier and easier to weed out the colorful from the monochromatic. Designers like Amsale and Monique Lhullier both experiment with colorful sashes and retailers like David’s Bridal are stocking gowns with colorful accents such as embroidery and jewels.

Second, think subtle. If your ceremony is traditional even when your fashion sense is not, consider a more gentle approach to color. Gleaming platinum or silver can easily add personality to a more sedate gown (not to mention make one incredible entrance). Want to take it even further? Black and white is fast becoming a chic alternative, with Queen-of-all-things-bridal Vera Wang leading the pack with black-accented gowns that straddle the line between classic and rebellious.

Third, think outside the box. Newsflash: You don’t have to wear a wedding gown to be a bride. Scour the racks at high-end boutiques and department stores for designer gowns in a rainbow of options. One can just as easily reign over a fun and funky reception in a designer cocktail dress as one can in bridal attire. Other great things about a non-bridal gown? You’re sure to be an original; you have a world of options; and yes, you can wear it again.

Finally, if all else fails consider hiding your rebellion in accessories. A jeweled heel hidden under your dress, a brightly colored lingerie set or a pastel tulle underskirt are easy fixes. Classic and elegant Oscar de la Renta even sews a discreet blue bow into each wedding gown underskirt and perennial celeb favorite Christian Louboutin will create a special-order blue-soled shoe upon request.

So whether it be shocking fuchsia or the palest pink, color isn’t as scary as brides sometimes think. One last piece of advice- think ahead to the day you look through your wedding album and be sure you’re headed down a path you feel comfortable with. You want to love what you wear on your wedding day... no matter what color it is!
    

Around the world... one color at a time - take a hint from global brides...
    

• YELLOW Brides in Morroco use this hue to scare away the evil eye
• BLUE Israeli and Jewish brides find the color holds mystical powers, and in ancient times blue was thought to represent purity and fidelity
• RED Chinese brides wear red to symbolize joy and luck, while Japanese brides line white silk kimonos with the color to symbolize happiness and new beginnings
• BLACK Some Spanish Roman Catholic brides wear black to show their devotion until death
• PURPLE In Civil War-era America brides sometimes wore purple to represent honor and courage
• GREEN Irish and Italian tradition says this color stands for not only fertility but luck as well