Slauer Events & Design - The White Gown (2024)

Lighting a unity candle, stomping the glass, burying the bourbon, circling the fire, embarrassing speeches at the rehearsal dinner.. the customs surrounding weddings are incredibly diverse, yet they all exist for one purpose: to usher two separate people into a new life as one. Marriage is one of those stories that has been told countless times in countless ways. It's been told throughout history, across all cultures, in all places. Today and in posts to come, I’d like to share from the array of beautiful wedding traditions used to celebrate this story called marriage.

The white gown is a nearly ubiquitous custom here in the West, but I did a little research and found that it only became popular in the 1800s after Queen Victoria dressed in white for her ceremony with Prince Albert. Since then it has become a trend that brides rarely depart from, often choosing blush and neutral colors even when they do. Coming from a largely Christian heritage that valued chastity, many Westerners consider the white gown a mark of purity. But as I searched through Scripture for passages on marriage and purity it became clear the white gown is a symbol of something very different.

The writers of Scripture use lots of images to describe the relationship between God and his people. A vine and its branches, a Father and his children, a shepherd leading a flock. One of the biblical depictions that resonates most deeply with me is that of a bride and groom (hence the hours I spend planning and designing weddings - just can’t get enough!). When this imagery is used in the Bible, the purity of the bride is actually bestowed upon her. It is not something she brings to the table. It is a gift given to her in grace.

Isaiah 61:10 “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord… he has covered me with the robe of righteousness… as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

God’s people are broken people. God’s people are like an unfaithful bride who cannot rightly wear a garment that signifies purity and goodness. And yet the Bible says over and over again that God runs after his broken people as a husband running after his wayward bride. And when he finally catches up to his people and wins their affections, he washes them clean with his grace.

Isaiah 1:18 “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be whiter than snow.”

The white wedding gown is not a symbol of the bride’s purity. It is an emblem of the work Jesus has done on the cross. It is a mark of the work the Holy Spirit continues to do, changing hearts, breathing life, making his people new.

2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

One day, Scripture promises, the Holy Spirit’s work will be complete and God’s people will stand before him, as a bride on her wedding day, wholly forgiven, wholly changed, wholly new, wholly in love with her groom and seeking none beside him.

Isaiah 62:5 “As a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.”

Slauer Events & Design - The White Gown (2024)

FAQs

What is the significance of a white gown? ›

It noted that it is an "emblem of the purity and innocence of girlhood, and the unsullied heart she now yields to the chosen one." Thanks to Queen Victoria and Godey's Lady's Book, white has become the go-to choice for brides on their wedding day.

Where did the white dress tradition come from? ›

The white wedding dress, now a common tradition in the western world, originated with Anne of Brittany on the occasion of her marriage to Louis XII of France in 1499. But it wasn't until 1840, when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, that the white dress was made popular. Now the white wedding dress is a classic.

Why do Christians wear white gowns? ›

White is symbolic of innocence. Through Baptism our sins are washed away, and we become 'clean' because of Jesus Christ. “The white garment symbolises that the person baptised has 'put on Christ', has risen with Christ.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1243).

Who made the white dress popular? ›

The white dress became popular with Victorian era elites after Queen Victoria wore a white lace dress at her 1840 wedding to Prince Albert.

What does white symbolize? ›

White is often associated with purity, perfection, honesty, cleanliness, and beginnings. Surveys in Europe and the United States repeatedly link the color white to forms of purity.

Can I wear a white wedding dress if I'm not a virgin? ›

However, nowadays, the idea that you must be 'pure' in order to wear a white dress is rather outdated. Many brides choose to wear white on their wedding day, even if they aren't a virgin, or even if they have children already. These days, white is merely chosen because it's traditional.

What does the Bible say about white dresses? ›

Isaiah 1:18 “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be whiter than snow.” The white wedding gown is not a symbol of the bride's purity. It is an emblem of the work Jesus has done on the cross. It is a mark of the work the Holy Spirit continues to do, changing hearts, breathing life, making his people new.

What religions wear white robes? ›

Jain monks and nuns are encouraged to live austere lives. Many show this by wearing plain, white robes. In the Digambara sect, however, monks reject all forms of worldy possessions, including clothes.

Did Jesus wear a white robe? ›

The sayings of Jesus are generally considered the more accurate parts of the Gospels, so from this we can assume that Jesus really did not wear such robes.

Who wore an iconic white dress? ›

Marilyn Monroe wore a white dress in the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, directed by Billy Wilder. It was created by costume designer William Travilla and worn in the movie's best-known scene. The image of it and her above a windy subway grating has been described as one of the most iconic images of the 20th century.

Who was the first queen to wear a white wedding dress? ›

Queen Victoria has been credited with starting the tradition of white weddings and white bridal gowns, although she was not the first royal to be married in white.

Why are wedding dresses so expensive? ›

This is one of the main reasons for the very expensive cost of wedding dresses: they are often made with very luxurious and expensive materials that the bride will have to pay for. Many wedding gowns are made with luxurious silk and hand-embroidered, sometimes some crystals are even sawn on the dress.

What does white dress attire mean? ›

During this period, a white dress was the attire most often used for formal occasions. This tradition established a uniformed appearance among those present and denoted the significance of the occasion or event. Prior to the 1940s the white dress was worn with hosiery made of cotton.

What does the white color of the dress symbolize? ›

In many societies the color white has long been associated with purity and virtue, and that is one reason why some brides choose to wear white, especially in the West.

What does it mean when you graduate in a white gown? ›

White represents purity, wisdom, and new beginnings. In academia it's often used to reflect studies in the humanities.

What is the symbolism of white in fashion? ›

In fashion, the color white is often used to evoke a sense of purity, innocence, freshness, or cleanliness. Because white reflects light, it is often worn in the summer months to help stay cool.

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