There’s white and then there’s white, then there is all kinds of wonderful pastel colors that make beautiful wedding gowns. If your are not sure what color is best here’s some helpful hints.

Many brides prefer to stay with traditional white and that’s just fine, but remember there are all kinds of shades of white as well, so pick a shade that works well with your skin color. Remember when choosing your bridesmaid’s dresses to consider their skin tone also.

While your hair and eye color play a role in choosing a flattering fabric, your skin tone plays the most important role. Your body is the largest feature and the one people will notice first.

Before you start gown hunting take time to determine your skin tone. Is it warm or cool? An old trick to help determine skin tone is to have a look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. Are they bluish tone or greenish tone? Blue veins indicate a cool skin tone. Green veins indicate a warm skin tone. Another way to tell is by how your skin tans. Women who tend to burn usually have cool skin tones. Woman who tan easily usually have warm skin tones. The third way to tell is to have a look at your face in the mirror [you naked face – no makeup applied] If your skin is fair to medium and has a pink, red, or blue tone then you’re a cool skin tone. If your skin is fair to medium and has more of an olive or golden tone then your skin tone is warm.

Women with cool skin tones look best in: cool white, pure white, silver white, ice blue, pale pink, barely blue. Cool tones can wear vivid blues and reds, deep emerald greens, plums, and pure black. All of the softer pastels from the blues to the roses enhance cool skin tones. Lemon yellows, rich ruby and sapphire also look great. Your makeup should include cool colors such as pinks and lilacs. Cool toned people will look best in blue based colors.

Women with warm skin tones look best in: champagne, yellowy pink, ivory, soft ivory, crisp ivory, camel, oyster white, ecru, palest pink. Any of the natural earth colors with gold translucent undertones work well, mochas, bronzes, sage greens, and mango oranges. In you are looking at reds then look for brick, dark tomato red, or burnt orange reds. Earth greens such as olive, moss and jade also enhance warm skin tone. Your makeup should be on the peach side. Warm tones people will look best in yellow based colors.

When dress hunting if you find your dream dress but the color doesn’t flatter your skin tone, don’t worry! Most gown manufacturers make their gowns in a variety of colors so you’ll be able to choose the shade that is most flattering. When choosing your bridesmaid’s gowns be sure to take them with so that color swatches can be used to see how the color works with their skin. Many color options are available in bridesmaid’s dresses also.

So choose your style, choose your color range, and start shopping!