The beginning of fame for the traditional white wedding dress really only began quite recently in Western culture. We are already well aware of the diversity a wedding dress can have in different cultures, such as the bright reds and golds of Middle East and Asia. These colours represent vitality and good fortune, so it makes sense to tie the knot in such bright colours. Not too long ago, the women of the Western world were getting hitched in colours too. Back when brides would wear their most expensive dress to showcase their wealth, one of the the popular colours of choice, particularly in Ireland was blue, which represented purity

Marie Antoinette gown by Sareh Nouri

The introduction of the white wedding dress can almost be pinpointed to one exact event in history - Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s wedding in 1840. Queen Victoria decided to get married in a trailing white gown decorated with orange blossoms and ever since that iconic day in wedding and fashion history, white has been the main colour brides have wanted to marry in. The urban saying that it represents a whole host of values such as purity and honour is true to a certain extent. However the single biggest factor that created the white gown is the fact that Queen Victoria wore one. Who wouldn’t want to emulate the Queen?

White dress

As much as we all love the timeless classic of the white wedding dress, times are changing, new trends are emerging, and every year, the bridal fashion world is dipping its toe into waters that are a little more colourful. One such trend we've noticed that we absolutely adore is bold digital print. Sadly. we don't know for sure where the trend of print first started. Unlike the precise moment in history where we can pinpoint the propulsion of the white dress into popular culture, it is slightly harder to determine when and how the printed dress came back in style. There has been a continuous filtration of this style of dress in the past couple of years, mainly with celebrities wanting to be that bit bolder on their big day. Gwen Stefani showed off her dip-dyed pink Dior dress in 2002 with Anne Hathaway and Jessica Biel following the dip-dye route in 2012.

Dior, Gwen Sefani, pink

But after subtle shades of pink mixed in to white gowns, Poppy Delevingne went a step further with a fully floral printed wedding gown as her second wedding dress of the ceremony. With bright floral shapes and a peplum bodice, she boasted not only a brave new dress but a brave new designer also – Emilio Pucci. Known for bright shades and almost retro shapes, this designer's signature style ranges from pastel tones to bright and contrasting prints.

Poppy Emilio Pucci dress, floral

Taking a look at some of our favourite Pucci designs that would be sensational as wedding dresses, both floral prints and ombre tones are his most appealing creations. One in particular features a wildly printed colour cascade of green, blue and purple with a detached bodice on top. Keeping with that trend of flowing skirts and fitted bodices, he featured a gown that was white in its base but fully decorated with bright embroidered flowers and cut out shapes along the body. It had a racerback and halter neck bodice with an underlay bandeau before flowing down in a loose fitting floor length skirt. While still white, it was a hugely adorned dress that made for a bohemian, relaxed bride.

Another firm favourite and a little less daring is the powder blue slim silhouette dress, with appliqued pink floral covering the length of the dress. This version of a printed wedding gown is still daring enough to break the mould, but with subtle shades of pastels to be suitable for a springtime wedding. These gowns are perfect for the bride who wants to shrug off previous traditions and wear what she considers to be her most stylish dress. They would be ideal in any beach-themed wedding, perfect for a carefree, relaxed style affair. This long established Italian designer’s mission in fashion is to liberate women, to give them freedom of movement and style – which is exactly what his printed gowns will do for any bride on her wedding day.

Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci isn't the only designer embracing the digital print trend. Just take a look at the stunning digital floral prints that emerged onto the woodland catwalk of David Fielden's Spring 2015 show. Amongst laser cuts designs, lay some gorgeously bold prints on flowing spring gowns.

Of course, when it comes to printed gowns we can’t forget the daring and awe inspiring dresses that Elie Saab creates. This designer produces dresses of such colour and inspiration they are almost like walking pieces of artwork. While we have already discussed the new trend Elie Saab has made with his revitalised take on spring pastels, for those bolder brides among you, the dark dresses and deep tones might be just what you need to feast your eyes on. Known for his ombre tones running through the gowns, his colours are bold and daring.

One absolute showstopper of this kind is the dark ocean blue design with a shades of fiery orange through the sleeves. With a striking black plunging neck detail, this is a gown that is befitting the most adventurous of brides. If you want to make a statement, you will be both seen and heard in this amazing gown. With just a simple print and a piece of fabric, there is no doubt in the fashion world that Elie Saab can create masterpieces out of dresses.

Elie Saab Water & Fire dress

No matter the style of dress that you want to dominate your special day, we would encourage all of our brides to wear whatever design, pattern or colour they want. If you feel under a certain level of societal-based pressure to wear white, then rethink that reason. Don’t marginalise your special day to just one shade – life can be boring enough as it is. If you want to add a splash of colour to your big day then go right ahead.

- Roisin Curran

Image credits: Sareh Nouri dress: Laura Gordon Photography | White dress: We Heart It | Gwen Stefani dress: Dior | Poppy Delevingne: Emilio Pucci | David Fielden | Elie Saab