Canadian brides dump white gowns for color

By Natalie Armstrong

TORONTO (Reuters Life!) - Traditional white wedding gowns aren't making it to the altar this year as Canadian brides-to-be commit, instead, to color.

"Tradition is really out the window," said Linda Borges, the manager of Ballett's Sposabella shop.

"Nowadays, it's really just what the bride is wanting to go with and the traditional white is now irrelevant."

Instead of pristine white, brides are opting for darker shades of ivory such as mocha, accents of color that may or may not match their bridesmaids' dresses and even bridal gowns in darker shades such as red, blue and eggplant.

"Some of them are now integrating bridesmaids colors within the dress, either within the bodice, the train, or sashes or bows," said Borges.

Beading, stoles and trim are also being lined with color. More couples are also being married away from home and are choosing colors to accessorize weddings on beaches and other venues.

In Vancouver red is the hot color for bridal dresses, according to David Chung, manager of Tiffany New York Bridal.

"They want something different," said Chung, who sold a red gown to one bride.