Move over white, because our new favorite bridal color has just entered the chat. Vibrant, bold, and oh-so romantic, red wedding dresses are here to turn up the heat on your wedding day look!
When we think of red, we think of romantic roses, sweet love hearts, glamorous rubies, opulent royalty, and, of course, Taylor Swift. In other words, this passionate shade may just be the perfect wedding color!
So whether you’re looking for a striking and stylish ensemble, something festive and fun, or a gown that reflects your cultural traditions, red wedding dresses are up for the challenge. Let’s get into our tips for rocking the color of love as you celebrate your love story!
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Why Wear a Red Wedding Dress – The Meaning Behind the Gown
While it may not be the first color that comes to mind when you think of bridal gowns, there are SO many reasons to rock a red wedding dress on your big day!
For some cultures, red is actually a traditional color for brides. In India, the bright hue symbolizes new beginnings, passion, prosperity, and feminine power, and brides have worn saffron red lehengas on their wedding days for centuries.
Similarly, in China, the color red is associated with good fortune, success, loyalty, and fertility, making it a popular choice for both brides and grooms!
In typical Western culture, red wedding dresses have the opposite effect. They’re a break from tradition, perfect for couples that are looking to stand out and rock something more personal as they tie the knot! Plus, here in the US, the bold shade represents love and passion — sounds like a pretty perfect wedding color to us!
Traditions aside, red wedding dresses are also stunning for holiday weddings. If you’re getting hitched in the winter and want to give your nuptials a dose of Christmas magic, look no further than wine or cranberry red gowns (bonus points if they’re velvet!).
We also LOVE Valentine’s Day weddings, and what better way to up the romance factor than with a heart-hued gown?!
Where to Buy Red Wedding Dresses
There are SO many styles of red wedding dresses, from formal + traditional to sexy + unconventional, and we’ve rounded up all of the best down below! But, to help you on your search, here are three of our favorite places to buy red wedding dresses.
- Etsy: Our one-stop-shop for all things wedding, Etsy has some amazing red wedding dresses! Whether you’re looking for a traditional red qipao or something modern and minimalist, they truly have styles for everyone. Plus, most of Etsy’s gowns are made-to-order by independent designers, so you’ll be getting something all your own!
- Lulus: For endless options of stylish red wedding dresses, look no further than Lulus! All of their gowns — from their floor-sweeping formal ‘fits to their sexy satin styles — are fashion-forward, high quality, and SO affordable. And don’t even get us started on their swoon-worthy accessories (especially their red heels!).
- Reformation: A favorite for elopement fashion and unconventional couples, Reformation has THE best red wedding dresses you’ll want to wear again and again. Think: velvet slip dresses, silk midi gowns, and chic red minis! As a bonus, all of their garments are made using sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Obsessed!
Now put on your rose-colored glasses, because here are our fave red wedding dresses!
Dark Red Wedding Dresses
Live your best *dancing girl emoji* life with dark red wedding dresses! Bright, bold, and vibrant, these gowns are guaranteed to add some life to your wedding day ensemble.
From your walk down the aisle to your party on the dance floor, our favorite dark red wedding dresses will make sure that you’re always the center of attention. They’re perfect for the maximalists, the main characters, and the hopeless romantics!
Just add a bouquet of roses and a bold red lip and you’ll have an unforgettable look fit for your love story.
5: Dark Cherry Red Wedding Dress
The It Girl version of dark red wedding dresses, this Reformation pick makes SUCH a chic statement — without looking like it’s trying too hard. We’re digging the draped high neck + midi hemline combo, especially in that buttery, cherry-hued silk. Swoon!
And before you keep scrolling, you HAVE to check out the back of this dress. You’re definitely going to want to wear your hair up with this one!
7: Bejeweled Dark Red Wedding Dress
We’re pretty sure Taylor Swift wrote “Bejeweled” about this dark red wedding dress!
Guaranteed to make the whole place shimmer when you walk in the room, this eye-catching gown stands out with a sexy red corset and sheer mesh overlay, beaded with dazzling rhinestones. We’re starstruck!
Plus, you can add or remove the sparkly red overlay for a bold outfit change. Great for transitioning from your ceremony to your reception!
Wine Red Wedding Dresses
Pass the Cab Sav, because we’re here to talk about wine red wedding dresses!
Inspired by our autumnal drink of choice, wine-hued gowns shine in the colder months. They’re deep, dark, and moody, but with a bold and luxurious feel.
So whether you’re planning a modern fall ceremony or searching for an unexpected reception look, we have a feeling you’ll love these wine red wedding dresses — down to the very last drop. We can cheers to that!
12: Enchanting Wine Red Gown
One word: enchanting. This dark wine red wedding dress maxes out on charm taking inspiration from Victorian lace, it features intricately embroidered artwork in a romantic red on delicate tulle. And don’t even get us started on those sheer, romantic sleeves!
We also love that this whimsical gown has lace trims through the dress, making it truly a unique gown for your wedding day!
The cherry on top of your wedding day look? Your bridal makeup! Whether you’re going for a bold red lip or an all natural style, we’ve rounded up some amazing wedding makeup inspiration here!
Sexy Red Wedding Dresses
Trade your “something blue” for something red hot with these sexy red wedding dresses! Red is a notoriously sultry shade — and we can’t think of anything sexier than rocking the color of passion and love as you tie the knot!
With curve-hugging silhouettes, plunging necklines, and seductive corsets, these sexy red wedding dresses take the fiery color to the next level. Trust us, your S.O. will have major heart eyes when they see you in one of these gowns!
Keep scrolling for the most swoon-worthy sexy red wedding dresses!
20: Blossoming Sexy Red Wedding Dress
In the words of Lady Gaga: talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before. Yes, we’re talking about this sexy red wedding dress!
Made for standing out in the dreamiest way possible, this floral embellished cherry red dress is all of the above, and so much more. This is definitely dream dress territory right here!
Velvet Red Wedding Dresses
Planning a magical winter wedding? ‘Tis the season for velvet red wedding dresses!
There’s nothing more luxurious than velvet in the colder months. It’s warm and cozy with a subtle shimmer — perfect for adding some glamour to your big day!
Plus, a red + velvet combo screams Christmas time. If you’re looking for something merry and bright, these gowns have got your back (literally!). Just style them with something sparkly to give the look an elevated edge.
30: Flirty Velvet Red Gown
Featuring THE neckline of the year, this velvet red wedding dress knows a thing or two about style. The one-shoulder silhouette is striking, modern, and universally flattering — and the flirty ruffle adds an extra dose of romance!
Plus, just picture how rad this feminine wine hued dress will look as you’re twirling to your faves on the dance floor. Queue up the Cha Cha Slide!