Navy Blue Wedding Dresses Two Ways: On the Runway and IRL

I spotted two navy blue wedding dresses at Bridal Market. First, navy lace at the presentation of Claire Pettibone’s Romantique collection:

And then this navy number from Sarah Nouri, which is just begging for a spin on the dance floor.

I assume both will be made in white or ivory—that’s usually what designers do when then show in color. But I had to wonder, would a bride wear a navy wedding dress IRL? And then these pictures from Vivian Chen Photography popped into my Instagram feed:

A photo posted by Vivian Chen Photography (@vivianchenweddings) on Apr 23, 2015 at 12:46pm PDT

A photo posted by Vivian Chen Photography (@vivianchenweddings) on Apr 23, 2015 at 12:48pm PDT

A photo posted by Vivian Chen Photography (@vivianchenweddings) on Apr 23, 2015 at 12:50pm PDT

So pretty, right? I’m always pushing nonwhite wedding dresses for brides—white just isn’t that flattering on most girls—but colorful gowns aren’t mainstream just yet. I think if you opt for nonwhite as a bride, the key is to keep your overall look bridal-y: a dress with a soft silhouette and accessories that feel wedding-y. (Above, the sash and the flower crown.)

Do you think you’d wear a nonwhite wedding dress? How about navy?

If I got a wedding do-over, I think I’d wear something lace with a champagne underlay. Or, Liancarlo wedding dresses come in a color they call candlelight, which just makes your skin glow.