13 Types of Red Wedding Dresses for Brides

The meaning behind a wedding dress is different for everyone, but sometimes, a particular shade can represent cultural heritage, symbolism, and passion. While white and pale shades have been locked into Western culture for two hundred years, it’s a different story in other parts of the world. Red has a lot of significance, especially in Chinese and Indian culture. This shade represents love, loyalty, and good luck, so it’s an excellent choice for those who wish to walk down the aisle with further significance. Whether you channel your cultural heritage or want to make a statement, these red wedding dresses are perfect for striking brides.

The Meaning of a Red Wedding Dress

Throughout different cultures of the world, wedding dresses come in a wide range of traditional colors. In countries like India and China, the most popular and symbolic shade for a bridal gown is red, and this is for many reasons. Red represents good luck, love pas,sion, and fertility and has been a staple in these cultures for centuries. In Indian culture, brides often wear a red saree or lehenga. It’s often paired with gold thread and mesmerizing jewelry, which signifies new beginnings and prosperity. It has been an integral part of the heritage and remains a popular choice for brides today. In Chinese culture, the traditional bride will wear a red Qipao or Cheongsam with delicate gold embroidery. The hue represents loyalty, success, and honor. In Western culture, it’s not as common for brides to wear red, but it remains a bold and stylish choice for many.

Types of Red Wedding Dresses

1. Red Indian Dresses

Color is an essential part of Indian culture, with every shade holding its meaning and symbolism. A bride wearing red at a wedding is no exception. The shade often represents new beginnings, prosperity, and passion. It also portrays the Hindu goddess Durga, who symbolizes strength, motherhood, and protection. Brides can wear the hue on their big day in many ways, depending on the location. The lehenga is one of the most popular choices for the ceremony, which features rich details such as elaborate embroidery, crystals, and gold thread, typically 24. Alternatively, you can wear a saree – they are also often embellished with immaculate needlework in gold. Many different sarees have origins in other parts of India, each with distinctive designs and history. Style the incredible fabric and gown with complementary jewelry, like gold earrings, necklaces, and headpieces.

2. Red Chinese Dresses

China has a long history with the color red, especially regarding weddings. With deep-seated roots with brides and links to honor, success, loyalty, and fertility, this shade is a popular choice for women on their wedding day. A few iconic styles have a long history in Chinese culture, such as the Qipao – also known as a Cheongsam. This one-piece dress was made famous in the 1920s as an integral part of overthrowing the Qing dynasty in 1912. You can find them with intricate and delicate gold thread – representing wealth and fortune. In the Southern parts of China, brides will often wear a Long Feng Gua, a two-piece ensemble with equally elaborate embroidery in gold. Alternatively, women can channel their Chinese heritage with a modern custom interpretation. Try a lace sheath dress or column gown in a vibrant red, with elegant red heels or a complementary shade.

3. Dresses With Red Accents

Modern brides no longer have to stay within the box when choosing a gown. Sometimes, adding a fun twist to a traditional design is all you need to express your personality. For the brides-to-be who want to wear a dress that everyone will remember, why not add a few red accents? Combining traditional styles with a bright flair instantly showcases your identity and can easily be subtle or extravagant. If you prefer to have delicate hints of the hue, opt for something like flowers or touches of lace. Alternatively, if you find a style you adore but want to add a dash of color, why not add a big red sash or belt? This can be the perfect finishing touch for your big day!

4. Black and Red  Dresses

This is a bold statement for any bride, and it can look exquisite in a wide range of styles. Although not for those afraid to stand out, this style is romantic, fashion-forward, and hints at Gothicism. Before you decide on the gown you prefer, you must choose the shade of red you want to champion. This can be fire engine red, cherry, or even wine. You should also confirm your wedding theme – Gothic, rustic, or romantic – all have a distinctive style, and different silhouettes will complement them well. Ombre gowns are an excellent option for a fashion-forward bride or choose delicate lace and immaculate beading.

5. Red and White Dresses

One of the boldest looks a bride can rock is the blend of another shade in her gown. If traditional white just isn’t enough for you as you walk down the aisle, why not add a dash of red? The beauty behind this style is you choose the amount of color within the dress itself so that you can try something daring or muted. A red gown with white or silver embroidery can elevate an entire ensemble, but you can also mix it up with flourishes of cherry or crimson within the skirt. Depending on the wedding location, you can try a cocktail-length dress with subtle pale embellishments or an ivory ballgown with intricate red lace. The choice is entirely yours.

6. Red and Gold Dresses

With a deep history in the Asian and Indian cultures, red and gold are a perfect combination for a wedding dress. These shades complement each other in style and symbolism, representing wealth, happiness, and fertility. You can channel a traditional design with this combination, such as a Qipao or saree. Alternatively, opt for a modern interpretation such as a mermaid silhouette or A-line ball gown. Fabrics such as silk or satin make for incredible dresses, but you can step outside the box with a sequin or lace finish. Add gold or red heels for a final touch, with delicate gold jewelry such as a necklace or headpiece.

7. Red Lace Dresses

What says romance more than red lace? On your wedding day, why not show your finances how much you love them by wearing a deep red shade with intricate details? This is a timeless and elegant option for the bride who wants to blend modern bridal couture with traditional silhouettes and textures. Before you find the gown of your dreams, consider which shape you prefer – column, ballgowns, or mermaid styles that look incredible. You can highlight a particular body feature, such as your shoulders or hourglass figure, by framing them with delicate fabrics.
 

8. Mermaid Red Dresses

The mermaid silhouette is an instant showstopper. Its exaggerated contour of the body carves out an hourglass shape and adds a romantic touch to a wedding. Adding a bold shade of red turns this up a notch. You can be subtle with the skirt’s flowing nature or make it ultra-dramatic with a large jet. Silk is an excellent fabric choice for a soft and natural drape across the body. If you want to add an extra spotlight, why not try something with lace, tulle, embellishments, or all three? Sleeves complement the style if you are planning a winter wedding, or you could wear a sweetheart neckline or Bardot sleeve.

9. Short Red Dresses 

There is no single type of bride, so why settle for the same dress as everyone else? A short skirt is an excellent option for a modern or lowkey wedding, and they’re so easy to style. Say ‘I do’ at the City Hall with a mini or cocktail silhouette, which is effortless and classic. If you want to shake it on the dancefloor at your reception, a high-lower tulle tea-length gown is perfect. Style them with sky-high stilettos for a dramatic effect or a subtle heel for a more subdued look.

10. Simple Red Dresses 

Wearing a bold wedding dress doesn’t mean going out with embellishments – sometimes, the most simple designs have the most significant impact, especially if they’re red. The perfect secret behind these designs is the benefit of adding or removing accessories to complete the look. Choose fabrics like silk, satin, or organza to create the perfect silhouette and draping effect – this gown will be an instant showstopper. The clean cloth will complement the elements and elevate the ensemble if you want to add a giant bow or an off-the-shoulder motif.

11. Red Ball Gown Dresses

Bridal silhouettes are made to stand out, so why not take it a step further with a red ball gown? This profoundly romantic and feminine style is an exquisite option for the woman who wants to feel like a princess for a day but stay true to her character. This style can feature opulent tulle, satin, or lace, and the billowing skirt is sure to turn heads. Nip in the waist with a sash or belt and balance the top half with long sleeves or a strapless neckline. Depending on the location and theme of your wedding, choose a bright red shade with a touch of white, pink, or gold or something more profound like wine or crimson. Feelings of royalty will instantly wash over you as soon as you enter this divine dress.

12. Dark Red Dresses

Channeling gothic themes or embodying a winter vibe, a dark red wedding dress is an incredible alternative for the bride who wants to express themselves. Deep-rooted with romance and dark fantasy, you can easily inject modern elements into this classical-style gown. Choose a fashion-forward silhouette like an A-line with spaghetti straps or a ballgown covered in lace. The hyper-feminine style will have you feeling like royalty as you walk down the aisle. Add simple jewelry to this outfit, such as pearl earrings or a delicate necklace, so you don’t distract yourself from the gown on your big day.

13. Plus Size Red Dresses 

Celebrate your curves with a red wedding dress. These gowns highlight and flatter a fuller figure and look incredible on women of all sizes. Create an hourglass silhouette with an A-line or ball gown that cinches in the waist and balances out your proportions. Alternatively, try a column or fit and flare for a more modern approach to your big day. Adding embellishments such as crystals or lace can elevate the overall design of the gown. You could wear a beautiful tiara, necklace, or veil to keep the dress plain. Watch your friends and family wonder as you walk down the aisle in something show-stopping.

Alexandra Feiam

Writer

Alexandra Feiam is an experienced fashion writer who holds a degree in journalism. She has an impressive portfolio and expertise working as the Editor at Power Retail and Commercial Content Editor at Newscorp. Ally has been writing for The TrendSpotter since 2018, and her work has been featured in notable publications such as The Herald Sun, Arirang TV South Korea, Kidspot, The House of Wellness, and The Daily Telegraph.