What You Should Know Before You Decide to Have an All-White Wedding

An all-white wedding sounds so dreamy and romantic in theory, and don't get us wrong, it definitely can be, as Kim Kardashian famously demonstrated. With that said though, there are a few things that the average bride will want to take into consideration before saying "I do" to a totally monochromatic wedding.

Your Flowers Won't Pop as Much

With an all-white wedding, you're going to lose the beauty and individuality of the flowers unless you pick darker linens, says Jen Stone from Stonekelly Events. Consider adding some depth to your all-white bouquets and centerpieces by mixing in greenery or pale pink blooms to make the white really stand out.

You Might Irk Your Wedding Guests

We hate to be the bearers of bad news, however, most people won't have a white outfit that's wedding-appropriate, and they may not want to buy one, say Natasha Burton and Jennifer Arreguin, co-founders of the now-shuttered event planning company Swoon California. "Having a strict dress code like this is not only a lot to ask of people, it could result in guests wearing white but not dressing up the way you had hoped they would."

You Need to Make the Dress Code Clear

If you have your heart set on an all-white wedding and there's no changing your mind, then fear not. Andrea Correale, CEO of Elegant Affairs, suggests being explicit in your save-the-dates, for instance, that everyone must come dressed in white. "Also be sure to talk to your waiter and catering company because this may be a cost factor," she notes. And be certain to let guests know whether you'd like them in bright white or if cream and white with a pattern are okay too, insist Burton and Arreguin.

It's Harder to Stand out From the Crowd

Unless, of course, you decide to take the alternative route and rock a dress that isn't white. Another idea would be to have the bridesmaids wear short dresses if yours is long or vice versa, says wedding planner Kelli Corn of Kelli Corn Weddings & Events. You can also apply this rule to all female guests. Just note that, as we mentioned above, it could ruffle some feathers.

You'll Have to Avoid Any "Messy" Foods

From a catering perspective, Michael Waiser of Michael Scott Events advises against serving up any saucy foods that could be disastrous for an all-white dress code. Sorry BBQ lovers, but it's simply not meant to be.

The Room Shouldn't Compete With You

This is your time to shine, after all. "As a planner, you should always know what the bride is wearing so you can design the day around her and make her the chandelier in the room," says Larry Scott, creative director and owner of Lawrence Scott Events. For instance, if the bride is in a traditional white dress with a lot of details, the room should be minimal, he says. On the other hand, "If the bride wants a lot of white lace and details in the venue, her dress should be more modern and simple."

"If you're going for an all-white look, it's important to make sure your venue is in line with that theme or is okay with you changing things for the night," Corn says.