Romantic reimagining of the Filipino bridal dream
We try to avoid pure white,’ Libiran shares. ‘I’ll be coming up with pale colors like pale pink, nudes, not necessarily all in white.’
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We try to avoid pure white,’ Libiran shares. ‘I’ll be coming up with pale colors like pale pink, nudes, not necessarily all in white.’
A LIBIRAN wedding gown.
Photograph by pauline pascual for the daily tribune
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Weddings have an undeniable enchantment — the way a gown or suit fits perfectly, accentuating not only the couple’s beauty but also their love story. Weddings are extremely emotional and meaningful occasions for Filipinos, combining tradition and personal expression. And this 2025 wedding season, that blend is reflected in a bright departure from the traditional pure white gowns and black tuxedo.
Known for his sophisticated yet inventive bridal designs, Francis Libiran, a well-known and very established Filipino designer, says his most recent collection for the upcoming Inspired Beginnings event on Conrad Manila favors gentle, flattering colors over stark white, which is a welcome change, especially for the morena complexion that many Filipino brides proudly sport.
“We try to avoid pure white,” Libiran shares. “I wanted to introduce soft tones like pale pink, nude, and champagne because they flatter the morena skin tone beautifully.”
Away from pure white
Libiran’s approach reflects a worldwide trend in wedding attire. Designers like Viktor & Rolf, Carolina Herrera, and Reem Acra are embracing “brides in soft shades of blush, ivory, and even pastel blues,” defying the centuries-old custom of pure white, according to Vogue’s coverage of wedding fashion.
According to Brides magazine, which emphasizes the popularity of colorful dresses and personalized embroidery, the bridal industry is realizing that “brides want to feel unique, and their dress is an expression of self, not just a dress code.”
Filipino brides embrace personalization
Filipino brides, who want their gowns to express their roots and skin tone without being constrained by the white mold, will find this change particularly noteworthy.
Libiran notes, “Filipinas are more playful and adventurous; they want gowns that reflect who they are, not just what’s expected.” Customized details are also very popular. Libiran actively promotes the trend of brides requesting things that tell their own love story.
Grooms get creative, too
There are now more options for the groom’s attire than just a black tuxedo. Rather from sticking to the traditional barong, Filipino grooms are experimenting with other colors, textures, and embroidery.
GQ recently reported that “grooms in 2025 are embracing velvet jackets, jewel tones, and uniquely embroidered pieces, making their wedding look as personalized as their bride.”
Libiran confirms this trend locally: “You won’t see a black tuxedo anymore. Men want looks that feel meaningful and true to their personality.”
Filipino craftsmanship is crucial even as colors and trends change. Libiran avoids the cliched terno sleeves in favor of unique patterns and textures by combining Italian lace with elaborate embroidery and Filipino piña cloth.
“It’s about mixing modernity and heritage, using craftsmanship to tell a story,” Libiran says.
The wedding is a celebration of culture, family and love for many Filipinos. More than merely being gorgeous, the modern bride and husband want their wedding attire to have a deeper meaning.
Libiran sums it up: “Devotion is my commitment to make every bride and groom feel beautiful and authentic on their special day.”
