Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses are often imagined as pristine white gowns, symbolising purity and new beginnings. However, blue wedding dresses have been a part of several cultures and traditions. Blue is a colour steeped in positive symbolism, associated with wisdom, calmness, loyalty, and good fortune. In Ireland, blue wedding dresses were once common, representing purity, fidelity, and devotion. Similarly, in Victorian England, blue was incorporated into weddings through the saying, something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe. Today, blue wedding dresses are a bold statement, showcasing individuality and personality. From ethereal light blue gowns to deep royal blue dresses, blue is a unique and elegant choice for brides seeking to stand out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour symbolism | Wisdom, calmness, purity, fidelity, loyalty, luck, peace |
| History | Blue was a popular choice for wedding dresses in Ireland and Medieval Europe; the tradition was sidelined by the popularity of white wedding dresses initiated by Queen Victoria |
| Practicality | Blue is more forgiving of stains than white or ivory |
| Individuality | Choosing a coloured wedding dress is a bold move that expresses the bride's personality |
| Style | Blue wedding dresses can be made from lace, satin, or tulle, and can be short or long, light or dark |
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What You'll Learn
- Blue wedding dresses are a longstanding tradition in Ireland
- Blue is a popular colour choice for weddings because of its positive symbolism
- Blue wedding dresses are more forgiving of stains than white dresses
- Blue wedding dresses are a bold choice that expresses the bride's personality
- The tradition of wearing blue at weddings began in Victorian England
Blue wedding dresses are a longstanding tradition in Ireland
In the medieval period, brides often wore deep, rich shades of blue, which were the colour of piety. However, it is worth noting that wealthier medieval brides wore red or gold, as these dyes were more expensive and rarer. All wedding dresses at the time featured intricate embroidery, symbolic motifs, and luxurious yet modest fabrics. The style and design of traditional blue Irish wedding dresses have evolved over time, evolving with the changing times.
In the 19th century, the influence of Queen Victoria's white wedding gown began to overshadow the Irish blue wedding dress tradition. During the Victorian era, the queen's choice of a white wedding dress played a significant role in popularising white as the preferred colour for brides. This trend gained momentum, and by the early 20th century, white dresses became widely adopted, gradually sidelining the Irish blue wedding dress tradition.
Despite the shift towards white wedding gowns, blue wedding dresses have continued to hold significance in Ireland. Blue is associated with wisdom, calmness, loyalty, good fortune, and peace, making it a popular choice for brides who want to incorporate positive symbolism into their special day. Additionally, blue wedding gowns offer a practical advantage, as they are more forgiving of stains and imperfections compared to white or ivory dresses, especially for outdoor weddings.
Today, modern Irish brides who choose to wear blue may opt for pale blue dresses to symbolise their purity or select from a range of blue hues to showcase their individuality and express their personalities on their wedding day. The Irish blue wedding dress tradition remains a charming and unique aspect of Irish wedding culture, reflecting the country's enduring spirit and elegant traditions.
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Blue is a popular colour choice for weddings because of its positive symbolism
The colour blue has a long history of being used in weddings, especially in Ireland. Historically, Irish brides favoured blue dresses, and the shade of blue varied depending on the bride's wealth. In the medieval period, for example, brides often wore deep, rich shades of blue, which were considered the colour of piety. Over time, the influence of Queen Victoria's white wedding gown popularized white as the choice for brides, and the tradition of the Irish blue wedding dress was sidelined.
However, in recent times, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional customs, and contemporary brides are finding innovative ways to incorporate blue into their wedding attire. Some brides opt for a full blue dress, while others add subtle touches of blue through accessories or embroidery. This trend reflects a broader movement where modern brides blend old and new traditions, seeking to honour their heritage while expressing their individuality.
The “something blue” wedding tradition, which originated in Victorian England, also contributes to the popularity of blue in weddings. The full saying is "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe." The "something blue" element is often interpreted as a pair of blue shoes or a piece of blue jewellery, adding a touch of sentimentality and positive symbolism to the bride's ensemble.
Additionally, blue wedding gowns offer a practical benefit as they are more forgiving when it comes to stains. This makes them an ideal choice for outdoor weddings or settings where there is a higher risk of the dress getting ruined. Darker shades of blue, such as navy, are particularly effective at hiding imperfections, but even lighter pastel shades can help maintain the illusion of a pristine dress.
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Blue wedding dresses are more forgiving of stains than white dresses
While white wedding dresses have been popular since Queen Victoria's wedding, blue wedding dresses have a long history and carry significant meaning. Blue is associated with wisdom, calmness, purity, loyalty, and fidelity. In Ireland, blue wedding dresses were once the tradition, symbolizing purity, folklore, elegance, and Irish culture.
Blue wedding dresses are also said to bring good luck and peace, making them ideal for avoiding any drama on the big day. The colour is also a practical choice for brides, as it is more forgiving of stains than a white dress. This is especially true for darker shades of blue, such as navy, but even lighter pastel shades can help to keep the illusion of a pristine dress.
A typical wedding day can be chaotic, with children, food and drinks, and guests coming in and out, all of which can lead to stains on the bride's dress. White and ivory gowns easily show these imperfections, and stains can be challenging to remove. Blue wedding gowns, on the other hand, can help to hide these imperfections and give the bride one less thing to worry about on her special day.
Choosing a blue wedding dress is a unique and bold statement that showcases the bride's personality and individuality. It is a way to stand out while still maintaining a classic and elegant feel. Whether it's a subtle touch of blue or a full blue dress, incorporating this colour into your wedding attire can be a beautiful way to honour your heritage and express yourself.
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Blue wedding dresses are a bold choice that expresses the bride's personality
Queen Victoria's decision to wear a white wedding dress in the 19th century marked a shift towards non-coloured wedding dresses, and this trend has persisted to the present day. However, blue wedding dresses have been regaining popularity, with many brides choosing to incorporate the colour into their wedding attire in innovative ways. Some opt for a full blue dress, while others add subtle touches of blue through sashes, hairpieces, or embroidery.
Blue is a colour rich in positive symbolism, often associated with wisdom, calmness, loyalty, and good fortune. Its significance is also reflected in the saying, "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue", which expresses the hope that the bride will enter married life with everything she needs for a happy and successful partnership. By wearing blue, brides can bring further sentimentality and meaning to their wedding attire.
Choosing a blue wedding dress is a unique and expressive choice that showcases the bride's individuality. It is a bold move that sets the bride apart and allows her to be remembered for her bravery and willingness to showcase her personality on her wedding day. With the various shades of blue, from light and ethereal to deep and rich, brides can find a unique alternative to the traditional white while still maintaining a classic and elegant feel.
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The tradition of wearing blue at weddings began in Victorian England
Blue wedding dresses are becoming an increasingly popular choice for brides who want to express themselves and showcase their individuality on their big day. The colour blue is full of positive symbolism, associated with wisdom, calmness, and loyalty, as well as love, purity, and fidelity.
Before Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress, there was no set bridal colour, and brides would typically wear a formal gown that was already in their possession, often a dress that had been handed down. Blue was a popular choice for weddings, as it was considered to represent purity and fidelity, as well as wisdom, calmness, and loyalty.
Today, brides who want to participate in the tradition of wearing "something blue" might opt for blue earrings, shoes, embroidered initials, garters, ribbons, or even blue flowers tucked into their bouquet. For brides who want to make a bolder statement, a blue wedding dress is also an option. Lighter shades of blue, such as sky blue or pastel, can create a timeless and elegant look, while darker shades like navy blue are more forgiving when it comes to stains and can help to hide any imperfections.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a wedding dress can be blue. In fact, before Queen Victoria's wedding, there was no set bridal colour and brides would typically wear a formal gown that was handed down to them or already in their possession. Blue was a popular choice, largely due to its significance and positive symbolism.
Blue is associated with wisdom, calmness, purity, fidelity, loyalty, and luck.
You can opt for a full blue dress or add subtle touches of blue through a sash, hairpiece, embroidery, jewellery, or even your bridesmaids' palette.
A light blue wedding gown can be a perfect combination of elegance and romance. You can pair it with a long, sheer veil for a timeless and sophisticated look.
Many websites offer blue wedding dresses or the option to customise a dress in blue. You can also draw inspiration from the Irish tradition of blue wedding dresses, which features intricate embroidery, symbolic motifs, and fabrics that speak to both luxury and modesty.
