Not quite! Even though both colors are considered neutral and are interchangeably used, ivory and white have different tones. They also suit skin tones differently, and symbolize different concepts!

Ivory is a warm, off-white color with a subtle undertone of cream, beige, or even soft yellow. It is often described as a richer, more sophisticated alternative to stark white. Today, most modern wedding dresses are stitched with ivory-colored fabric because the softer hue flatters a broader range of skin tones compared to pure white.

First things first, ivory is a soft shade of white with a yellow undertone. But this yellow undertone makes it closer to beige than light yellow. Its warm neutral hues make it one of the top picks for wedding dresses in 2025!

Ivory is the color thousands of brides pick almost every year. And the reason why is not just for aesthetics. In fact, the color ivory symbolizes a lot of elements that one seeks at their wedding. Ivory is often associated with elegance and sophistication, making it a timeless and luxurious color.

It makes it ideal for brides who want a traditional and delicate touch to their ensemble. Ivory also symbolizes the concept of weddings itself and is considered a vintage color in fashion, making it a symbol of grace and dreamy romance alike!

If we look at Eastern culture, ivory represents wealth and sophistication while some cultures consider the color to be a symbol of peace.

White is the purest shade in the color spectrum, described as being without chroma. It is crisp, bright, and often associated with weddings. It is the opposite of black on the color spectrum. The word white comes from Germanic roots which means “bright or light.”

Absolutely! White represents purity, new beginnings, and timeless romance. However, its starkness can sometimes feel more formal than soft and romantic. If you love a classic, high-impact bridal look, white is a fantastic choice!

White is perfect for those who want a bright, striking look that embodies tradition and traditional elegance. The color has been a long symbol of purity, honesty, cleanliness, new beginnings, and even perfection!

In fact, surveys across Europe and the US revealed that the color white was often representative of purity, hence the reason why it’s a staple wedding dress color.

The primary difference between ivory and white lies in their undertones. Ivory, with its creamy hints, creates a warmer and more classic look. It works well in settings where a soft, vintage feel is desired. On the contrary, white is a stark, bright color that accentuates modernity and minimalism.

The choice between the two should depend on your wedding’s lighting, venue, and overall aesthetic. For instance, outdoor weddings in soft, natural light might favor ivory, while indoor or contemporary events may benefit from the crispness of white.

Deciding on your wedding dress color can feel like a big mission (and it is). But here at Chicsew, we’re helping you make the pick based on 3 key factors: 

Analyze Your Skin Tone

You always want a wedding dress color that complements your bridal party’s natural features. And that includes their skin tone! Ivory looks great on warm, golden, or olive skin tones, while pure white tends to complement cooler or fair skin tones.

Tip: Try on both shades in natural lighting to see which enhances your complexion best!

Know the Season

The season of your wedding can also influence your color choice. Summer and spring weddings typically benefit from the gentle warmth of ivory, while winter events might find that the brightness of white creates a striking contrast against darker surroundings.

Keep Your Overall Style in Mind

Your overall wedding theme and style can help guide you. Oftentimes, white works seamlessly with modern and sleek wedding events. But if you’re celebrating your big day in a vintage or rustic wedding style, ivory is your color!

If you want to wear a soft, romantic shade that flatters various skin tones, ivory is a great choice. It also pairs beautifully with earthy, muted, and pastel wedding color palettes!

White wedding dresses can create a stunning, minimalist look, especially for modern weddings. That said, you should be mindful of how they might contrast with the bride’s gown. After all, the golden rule of weddings is not to upstage the bride! If the bride wears ivory, pure white wedding dresses might look too stark in comparison.

If neither ivory nor white is coming off as the dream wedding dress color for you, don’t lose hope yet. The cream is one of the best alternative colors to ivory and white.

This shade is slightly warmer than off-white and has a noticeable yellow undertone, making it appealing for brides who want a warmer look. Or you can go for shades like eggshell, vanilla, or a lighter shade of beige!

Stuck between the shades of white out there? Ivory and white have been a long debate when it comes to classic wedding colors and brides often don’t know where to go from there. But with this article, we’ve explored all the major differences between ivory and white.

Need inspiration? Check out Chicsew’s collection of wedding dresses in ivory, white, and beyond to find the perfect fit for your wedding day!