What is the first colour that pops into your head when you think of a wedding dress? White. The colour white has been recognised in many societies as a symbol of purity and virtue. Most claim that brides wear white because it is ‘tradition’.
Historically, more than 175 years historically red and other different types of bright colours would be the colour brides chose for an ideal wedding gown. This wasn’t until 1840 on Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert. Victoria popularised the ‘white’ wedding dress when she broke the trend wearing an off-the-shoulder satin gown covered in lace and of course her wedding gown was the colour white. Queen Victoria then broke news headlines as she was reported in newspapers, magazines and became an influence to wedding trends domestically and internationally. Queen Victoria wasn’t the first bride to wear white, Mary Queen of Scots also wore white when she married Dauphin of France in 1558.
Historians have also commented on how wearing white was also a symbol of status. Back in those days, cleaning a wedding dress was extremely difficult to do. Wealthier brides wore the colour white to show off the fact that they were able to afford a dress that was cleaned.
"Before bleaching techniques were mastered, white was a rare and expensive color, more a symbol of wealth than purity,” biographer Julia Baird wrote in Victoria: The Queen.
Image Source:https://www.historyextra.com/period/victorian/royal-wedding-queen-victoria-prince-albert-dress-cake-1840/
Today, millions of brides across the world have simply been accustomed wearing white by the influence of media and tradition. With brides adding accessories to their look and finding the pair of shoes to match their dress, the wedding gown remains as the centrepiece. White wedding gowns are simple, clean and can bring light to your special moment. It can highlight you, your beauty and elegance as you start the next chapter of your life.
FAQs
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.
Why do brides wear white dresses on their wedding day? ›
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.
What does the white dress symbolize? ›
Many of the concepts that white symbolizes are associated with 'purity'—innocence, virginity, purification, and cleanliness—a pure state, before being 'tainted' by color. Being clothed in a snow-white dress symbolized a certain status.
Which queen started the tradition of brides wearing white wedding dresses? ›
Queen Victoria is commonly credited with the wide-scale popularity of the white wedding dress, but how did this association come about? In 1840, on the day of her wedding, Queen Victoria stated she would make her vows as Albert's future wife, and not in her role as the monarch.
Why can't anyone but the bride wear white? ›
The last thing you want is for someone to mistake you for the bride or be in photographs where guests think you're trying to steal the spotlight. All in all, it's respectful and customary not to wear white as a guest to the wedding unless the bride specifically asks you to wear white or she says it's okay to wear it.
When did white wedding dresses become norm? ›
In fact, throughout history, brides wore a variety of colors for their wedding attire, ranging from vibrant hues to muted tones. The trend of wearing white for weddings can be traced back to the 19th century, particularly to the wedding of Queen Victoria of England to Prince Albert in 1840.
What did brides wear before white? ›
Before 1840, when Queen Victoria wore an influential white dress for her wedding ceremony, it was quite usual for a bride to wear red, pink, blue, brown, or even black, while saying her vows.
What does the white wedding dress symbolize in Christianity? ›
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 does a black wedding dress symbolize? ›
While the traditional white wedding dress was meant to symbolize innocence, a black wedding dress depicts elegance, power, mystery, and individuality.
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.
Second-marriage wedding dresses can be white.
If they'd love you in white (and you would too) go right ahead.
When can a bride wear white? ›
Although most assume that white is a shade that can only be worn exclusively on your wedding day, expert bridal stylists and wedding planners suggest that this age-old rule can be broken, as they say you can wear this iconic shade during all your pre-wedding events including the bridal shower, the bachelorette party, ...
Is it bad luck to not wear a white wedding dress? ›
Wearing white on the day you get married is a dress code that dates back thousands of years and this verse explains why: “Married in white, you will have chosen all right. Married in grey, you will go far away. Married in black, you will wish yourself back. Married in red, you'll wish yourself dead.
Why does the bride wear white and the groom wear black? ›
Some say that white represents purity and innocence, while black is a symbol of power and authority. Another theory is that white was originally worn because it was the most difficult color to stain, while black was seen as the most luxurious color.
Can I wear white to my wedding if I'm not a virgin? ›
It's true that white wedding dresses have long been associated with the concepts of purity and virginity - whether or not the colour originally held this meaning. However, nowadays, the idea that you must be 'pure' in order to wear a white dress is rather outdated.
Is it okay to not wear a white wedding dress? ›
Traditions are not rules
This is highly different from a rule, therefore do not fall under the pressure of wearing a white dress if you do not want to. It is your wedding day after all, if you wish to marry in a bin bag then do it! Your opinion is all that matters.
What does off white wedding dress mean? ›
2. Off-White Wedding Dresses. Off white color, usually champagne or cream is also an alternative to ivory and white. These colors are very close to ivory and sometimes mistaken as ivory. Symbolizing innocence, some brides would view off-white shades as unique colors with thoughts that white and ivory are too common.
