Publications
- News24 reader Terry-Lane Kriel shares why she chose to wear a pink gown on her wedding day.
- After reading our story on brides who opted for colourful gowns, Terry-Lane says she had a big smile on her face.
- "I went to the dressmaker for fittings; she asked what colour dress I wanted. I said: 'Not white'," she tells us.
After reading our story on brides who opted for colourful wedding gowns, Terry-Lane Kriel says she had a big smile on her face, realising that she was not the only one who decided to stray from tradition.
Instead of opting for a white gown, Terry-Lane wore a beautiful pink dress to her wedding. Here, she shares why she decided to stray from the norm, the response she got from her family and friends, and her advice for other brides who want a bold, bright dress for their special day.
Why did you decide to wear a pink dress at your wedding?
As this is my and my husband's second marriage, I knew I did not want to wear white and walk down the aisle to the traditional wedding song, "Here comes the bride, all dressed in white". While planning the wedding, I did not know what colour dress I wanted to wear.
I went to the dressmaker for fittings; she asked what colour dress I wanted. I said: 'Not white'. She mentioned ivory and champagne and showed me the colours. I looked at her and said: 'Pink, any light pink colour material'. So, there was no thought put into the pink wedding dress and no specific reason for pink. All I knew was that I did not want a white, ivory or champagne colour wedding dress. It was kind of like a spur-of-the-moment decision while with the dressmaker.
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What was the reaction from your family and friends?
Well, my grandmother thought it was strange and did not agree with a pink wedding dress; she preferred to stick with tradition, church weddings, 'normal' wedding dress colours, etc. I did not let others see my dress or let them know the colour until the day of my wedding. Family and friends were shocked and stunned at my 'bold' decision, and I walked down the aisle in my pink wedding dress to the song, This I Promise You by Ronan Keating. One friend, in particular, burst out in tears when she saw me at the church entrance. Her smile was so big that I smiled too, and she gave me a hug, telling me I looked beautiful.
What do you think about brides who stray from tradition by opting for colourful dresses?
Tradition is important, but a wedding day is a day that everyone wants to look back on and remember with a smile. Not everyone looks good in white (white does not compliment me), and I think that colour is a personal choice. I think brides who stray from traditional wedding dress colours decide based on their personal preference and maybe choose their 'favourite colour' for their momentous occasion.
When I read your article on News24, 'Brides stun in colourful gowns' (7 September), I smiled and thought: 'Wow, I am not the only one'. Traditional Indian weddings are colourful, bold red, orange or gold colours. I think brides who wear colourful wedding dresses express their personalities through their choice of colour, and it is awesome to follow your heart.
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Tell us about your wedding day - where did it take place, and what was your favourite part of the day?
I actually had two ceremonies. The first nuptials were in church, as my husband wanted a church wedding and the second ceremony was at Willows Resort on the beach. Both were on the same day, 24 September 2017. The weather was a bit overcast, but our photos came out beautiful.
My favourite part of the day was at the reception when I got to mingle and dance with family and friends. Enjoying the celebrations with them and then off to our honeymoon. My husband is spontaneous, so there were no bookings or plans for our honeymoon. We started off in Port Elizabeth and then travelled to Kenton-on-Sea, where we found a spectacular B&B, Makarios on the river. Hosts Doug and Stella were so warm and friendly that we went back there for our first wedding anniversary.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to wear a colourful dress on her wedding day?
Well, family and traditions sometimes pressure us to conform or stick to the 'norm'. I would say: If you love a colour, go for it. If the colour looks good on you, wear it with confidence. Your smile does not have to be the only thing to brighten your day. But discuss colour options with your husband-to-be as what he wears should complement the bride.
