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Jessica Booth is a journalist with over 10 years of experience and a freelance writer whose work has appeared on sites such as Bustle, Insider, and Refinery29.
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White might be the traditional wedding gown color, but it's certainly not your only option. And if you want to eschew classic bridal "rules" and go for something more modern, unique, and fun, a gold shade is the way to go. You can keep your dress subtle with a light gold hue like champagne, or opt for something darker and closer to bronze. The level of shimmer involved is also up to you—some gold shades are high-shine, while others are more subdued. Whatever route you take, though, you'll be sure to stand out in the best way possible.
Choosing a gold wedding dress also gives you a lot more versatility when it comes to finding the gown of your dreams. While you might not see a gold wedding dress in a bridal shop, you will be able to easily find them at major department stores, dress boutiques, or online. That's because choosing a color other than white provides you with more style and silhouette options, and can even equate to paying less money (a win-win situation!).
For those searching for an alternative to the white wedding gown, take a look at these beautiful gold pieces available now.
Size Range: 00-28 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Satin
Made of sumptuous satin, this one-shoulder column gown looks regal and sophisticated. The oversized bow on the shoulder is also a fun detail.
Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Chiffon, tulle
The flowing tulle skirt of this gown is the perfect complement to the super sparkly bodice. It feels like a princess dress, and it definitely has a more youthful vibe.
Size Range: 32-46 EU | Length: Floor-length | Material: Satin, tulle
The pale gold color of this satin gown drapes in the most beautiful way. Modern touches like a shawl neckline and asymmetrical strap make this dress feel on-trend in a good way.
Size Range: 0-24 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Charmeuse
Made of luxe charmeuse, this gown has a very formal feel thanks to the metallic jacquard design. It's a great option for evening and black-tie nuptials.
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Tulle
The light gold color of this sparkling tulle gown is more on the subtle side, even though it boasts a metallic tint. The long train, off-the-shoulder straps, and pretty sash are also lovely finishing touches to this glamourous look.
Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester
This beaded column gown is beautifully detailed and full of sparkle. For such a stunning option it's also surprisingly budget-friendly, coming in at less than $300.
Size Range: 2-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester
The metallic gold color of the lace gives this neutral hued gown a really beautiful shimmer. We love the cap sleeves and the fluted hem that adds to the figure-hugging silhouette.
Size Range: XS-XXL | Length: Mini | Material: Glitter
This adorable mini dress is perfect as a reception or an after-party look. The glittering gold shade feels festive and fun, and the puffy skirt is ideal for dancing.
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Tea-length | Material: Satin
This is a beautiful golden shade that has an Old Hollywood glamorous feel to it. The shorter length makes it a good fit for a bride looking for something formal with a hint of casual.
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Organza, chiffon
This organza-embellished gown features a modern geometric pattern that will stand out in any crowd. With sequins for some sparkle, this will be a gown no guest will soon forget.
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Jersey plisse
This shimmering jersey plisse gown looks just right for a bride getting married on the beach. It has a more casual feel to it but still manages to be glamorous, and the strapless neckline and overall loose fit are oh-so-pretty.
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester
This embellished gown is full of sparkle, yet not overwhelming. The flutter sleeves and the starburst pattern make it fun and feminine, and the color is really gorgeous, especially for a festive wedding.
Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Satin
Shiny satin makes this simple silhouette look instantly more luxe. The slip draping is stunning and the halter top would be a great choice for a summer celebration.
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Chiffon
This embellished chiffon gown definitely has a vintage-inspired feel to it, thanks to the puffy sleeves and the little bow detail in front. The shimmering glitter also makes it ideal for a wedding around the holiday season.
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester
The off-the-shoulder cap sleeves are a nice addition to the full skirt of this metallic gown. This is a modern version of a princess ballgown, and it looks especially lovely for a winter wedding.
Size Range: 4-24 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Lace, tulle
With beaded embroidered lace and sequin tulle, this gown has a lot going on all at once. What's more, the fit and flare design, paired with a trumpet tulle skirt, packs on the drama for a one-of-a-kind look.
Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Satin back crepe
The high empire waist seam of this dress allows it to accommodate a growing baby bump with ease. We love the unique square neck and the gorgeous gold color, to boot.
Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Satin
This slinky slip dress is perfect for the minimalist bride and doesn't need much to stand out. The cowl neckline offers some nice draping, and the overall look allows you to play around with accessories like statement earrings and shoes.
Size Range: 2-12 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester, metallic
This jacquard column gown has a regal feel to it, and it's simple enough for the bride who wants to keep a minimalist design. The one-shoulder and pleated bodice have a Grecian feel, and the slit keeps things interesting.
Size Range: 2-24 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Sequin, mesh
We absolutely love this gold, floor-length number from Mac Duggal. With a plunging V-neckline, balloon sleeve, and a body-hugging silhouette, this festive gown is perfect for a wintry formal affair.
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk taffeta
Whether you want to keep things more casual with a shorter dress or you're in search of an after-party look, this playful mini is a great choice. Puffy sleeves and a corset bodice keep it unique and fresh.
Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester
This column gown is a nice mix of boho and glam, with a lot of beautiful embellishments. Crystals and pearls, with shades of pink and silver, make this such a striking option.
Size Range: 8-16UK | Length: Floor-length | Material: Tulle
This dreamy tulle gown features a gorgeous beaded bodice, sweetheart illusion neckline, and playful puff shoulders. The color is so pretty too.
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester, elastane
This column gown is regal and sleek with beautiful fluidity throughout. The ruffle along the slit makes it fun, and the thin belt detail cinches the waist.
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester
The deep bronze color of this dress makes it so chic, and coupled with the corset bodice, this piece boasts feminine and contemporary vibes. Select this gown for a summer or spring wedding with royal-inspired aesthetics.
Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Stretch lace, nylon, spandex
Show Me Your Mumu's Natalie maxi dress features an open back and flared sleeves for a playful bridal ensemble. What's more, the champagne lace is versatile and will photograph so nicely.
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Satin charmeuse
Effortlessly chic and glamorous, this one-shoulder gown is a perfect option for the stylish bride. The high slit makes it more alluring and the fabric is smooth and luxurious.
If you want to wear a gold wedding dress, decide how shimmery and sparkly you'd like to be. For brides who prefer more pared-back looks, opt for a lighter champagne hue in fabrics such as satin or silk. If you're hoping to embrace the glitz and sparkle, choose something with sequins or beading that'll shine all night long. Most importantly, you should decide on the silhouette you want to wear before shopping. Gold floor-length gowns are typically reserved for formal occasions, while dresses with shorter hemlines tend to be more fun and casual.
It really depends on the brand you go with, but in general, gold wedding dresses are typically less expensive than traditional bridal gowns. Of course, there are several factors to consider like the fabric, embellishments, and silhouette, all of which play a role in the final costs.
Absolutely! It's your wedding so you can wear whatever you want. There is nothing wrong with venturing outside of the box and wearing a non-white wedding dress. Gold is fun, playful, and glamorous, and if you feel that it's the right vibe for your big night, then go for it.
Gold wedding dresses are pretty versatile and can be worn at any time of the year. A heavier fabric, like satin charmeuse or heavy crepe, will probably be more appropriate during the fall or winter. For the spring and summer months, opt for fabrics like silk and tulle which will keep you cool in the heat.
Contributing writer Jessica Booth is a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Insider, Redbook, and Refinery29.
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