Rhiannon Hendricks
The colour of a wedding dress is an important aspect of wedding planning. Although white is the most popular colour for wedding dresses in the West, it is not the only colour brides can choose from. Brides are encouraged to explore different colours and fabrics to find a dress that aligns with their vision for their special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | White, ivory, cream, beige, blush, pastel shades, stronger colours, multicolour, purple, light pink, baby blue, emerald green, black, turquoise, navy blue, black and white floral, rainbow |
| Length | Floor-length, shorter |
| Style | A-line, mermaid, fit and flare, ball gown, trumpet, puffy sleeves, lace, tulle, high-low hem |
| Culture | Western, Eastern, Asian, Japanese, Chinese |
| History | White symbolized wealth, purity, youth, joy, and virginity; blue symbolized purity; red symbolized life, luck, and celebration |
| Tradition | Wearing white was popularized by Queen Victoria in the 19th century; non-white was the tradition until 1840; brides in ancient Rome wore white woven tunics; ancient Greeks wore colourful wedding dresses; during the Depression Period, brides wore non-white dresses |
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What You'll Learn
White wedding dresses were popularised by Queen Victoria
Wedding dresses come in a variety of colours, and brides are encouraged to choose a dress that reflects their personal taste and wedding vision. However, white wedding dresses have become a popular choice for brides, and this trend can be traced back to Queen Victoria, who wore a white wedding dress in 1840.
Queen Victoria, who was just 20 years old when she married Prince Albert, chose to wear a white satin gown with a deep flounce of Honiton lace. In her journal, Victoria described her dress as "a white satin gown with a very deep flounce of Honiton lace, an imitation of an old design." She paired it with her Turkish diamond necklace and earrings and Prince Albert's sapphire brooch.
At the time of Queen Victoria's wedding, it was more common for brides to wear colourful dresses or prints, and white was not a popular choice for bridal gowns. White dresses were seen as a sign of wealth, as they were difficult to keep clean. However, Queen Victoria's choice of a white dress, with its delicate lace, is believed to have highlighted the perception of innocence and romance associated with the colour.
The popularity of Queen Victoria's wedding dress also boosted the English lace-making industry, particularly in Devon. Lace makers across England benefited from the sudden surge in demand for their handiwork, as brides sought to emulate Queen Victoria's style. While Queen Victoria is credited with popularising white wedding dresses, she was not the first royal to wear white, as Mary, Queen of Scots, wore white on her wedding day in 1558.
In conclusion, Queen Victoria's choice of a white wedding dress in 1840 marked a shift in bridal fashion. Her influence on wedding dress styles has been long-lasting, and even today, many traditional brides consider wearing white as mandatory.
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White symbolises purity and new beginnings
The colour white is often associated with purity and new beginnings. It symbolises a blank canvas, offering endless possibilities and opportunities for growth and change. It evokes a sense of freshness and optimism, reminding us that promising possibilities await.
In the context of weddings, white wedding dresses became popular after Queen Victoria wore a white dress on her wedding day in 1840. Before this, non-white dresses were the tradition, with brides wearing various colours and prints. For example, Roman brides in ancient Rome wore white woven tunics, known as the "tunica recta", associated with the purity and devotion of the Vestal Virgins, along with yellow veils symbolising warmth and orange wedding shoes.
White wedding dresses gained further traction during the Post-War Era, a time of prosperity when the formal white wedding dress became the standard. The mass production and fashion styles of the time, which required less fabric, made white dresses more affordable for many American and European brides.
However, in recent times, there has been a shift towards more experimental and personal choices. Brides are encouraged to explore different colours and fabrics to find what feels unique and right for them. While white dresses continue to be popular, other colours such as ivory, beige, blush, purple, blue, and even black have gained popularity as well. Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour is a personal decision, and what matters most is that it aligns with the bride's vision and makes her feel her best.
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Non-white wedding dresses are becoming more popular
Although white wedding dresses are popular in the West, non-white wedding dresses are becoming an increasingly common choice for brides. In the past, brides wore their best dress on their wedding day, and it was only in the 19th century that Queen Victoria began the trend of wearing a white wedding dress, which symbolised wealth and status. However, this tradition is evolving as non-Western cultures influence bridal fashion, and brides are becoming more experimental with their choices.
Today, pastel shades and stronger colours are becoming more popular, with purple, blue, pink, green, and black being chosen by brides. In some cultures, red is the traditional colour for wedding dresses, such as in Asian cultures and for brides in South Sudan or Singapore. In ancient China, black wedding dresses with red trim were worn during the Zhou Dynasty.
The colour blue is also being chosen more frequently, as it is a calm colour associated with loyalty, integrity, and peace. In addition, light and pale blue dresses are a popular choice for beach weddings as they reflect the colours of the sea and sky.
Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour is a personal one, and brides are encouraged to choose a colour that feels right for them and their vision for their special day.
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Blue was the original symbol of purity
Wedding dresses are not always white. In fact, the tradition of wearing white wedding dresses only started in 1840 when Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress. Before that, brides wore all sorts of colours and prints, including yellow veils and orange shoes in ancient Rome, and colourful dresses with elaborate jewellery in ancient Greece. In the Zhou Dynasty of ancient China, it was traditional to wear black wedding dresses with red trim.
Today, brides are encouraged to explore different colours and fabrics, choosing what feels right for them and their wedding planning vision. Some opt for ivory, which gives a warmer effect than pure white, while others choose colourful ensembles, such as light pink, baby blue, emerald green, or even rainbow.
Blue is often perceived as a depressing tone, which is perhaps why it is not the go-to colour for wedding dresses. However, blue was the original symbol of purity before brides started wearing white dresses. In the Catholic Church, the Virgin Mary is most often depicted wearing blue, to symbolise being "full of grace" by divine favour. Mary's purity is also reflected in her life, which was characterised by devotion to God, humility, and selflessness. She is typically shown wearing white or blue garments, colours associated with innocence and virginity.
Blue is the colour of the ocean and the sky, and it often symbolises serenity, stability, inspiration, or wisdom. It can be a calming colour, and symbolise reliability. It is also associated with loyalty, integrity, and peace. In some cultures, blue symbolises coldness.
In ancient times, the colour white was often associated with the purity and innocence of the virgin goddesses of love and beauty. Today, white is a colour that automatically reminds people of purity, as most things that appear white are usually clean and pure objects, such as paper or sheets. White is also associated with light, which is considered a sign of purity, clarity, and knowledge.
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White dresses were a sign of wealth
The tradition of wearing white wedding dresses is often attributed to Queen Victoria, who wore a white gown when she married Prince Albert in 1840. However, the association between white dresses and weddings dates back much further, with roots in ancient Rome. Roman brides wore a white woven tunic, known as the "tunica recta," which was associated with the purity and devotion of the Vestal Virgins.
While the colour white has long been associated with weddings, it didn't become the standard until the Post-War Era, when prosperity allowed for the mass production of wedding gowns. During this time, the formal white wedding dress became a symbol of wealth and status, as white fabric was expensive and difficult to maintain. Wearing a white dress communicated the bride's family's financial means and social standing. This idea of the white dress as a symbol of wealth and status persisted, even as the fashion evolved into the 20th century.
In the Victorian era, the classic silhouette of tight bodices and full skirts emphasized femininity and grandeur, which were often associated with higher social status. This iconic shape, popularized by Queen Victoria, continued to influence wedding dress fashion, even as styles became less restrictive over time. The Victorian ideal of the white dress as a symbol of purity and innocence also became deeply rooted in Western culture, adding to its enduring appeal.
Today, white remains the overwhelming choice for brides, with 4 out of 5 American brides choosing to wear a white gown. While the tradition of wearing white is strong, modern practices have also opened the door to more personalized approaches to bridal attire. Brides are now encouraged to explore different colours and fabrics, allowing them to express their unique style and vision for their special day.
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Frequently asked questions
No, wedding dresses come in a variety of colours. White is the preferred choice for brides in the West, but red is the traditional colour for brides in the East.
Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress when she married Prince Albert in the 19th century. Brides wanted to follow in her footsteps, so white became the traditional colour for a bride to wear.
Brides simply wore their best dress, which was often blue, the colour that symbolised purity at the time.
Wedding dresses can be found in a variety of colours, including ivory, purple, pink, blue, green, black, yellow, and red.
The best colour for a wedding dress is one that the bride loves and feels comfortable in.
