Junior Rasmussen
It is a well-known tradition for bridesmaids to wear matching dresses, but can they wear white? The short answer is yes, and it's a trend that has been popular with celebrities such as Kate Middleton, Kim Kardashian, and Poppy Delevingne. While it is generally considered rude for wedding guests to wear white, this tradition does not apply to bridesmaids. In fact, until the 1940s, it was customary for bridal parties to wear white, and this tradition persists in royal weddings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trendiness | White bridesmaids' dresses are trendy, especially in Hollywood and among celebrities. |
| History | Until the 1940s, it was common for bridesmaids to wear white. |
| Symbolism | White symbolises purity, cleanliness, immaculacy, perfection, virginity, innocence, and goodness. |
| Suitability | White is flattering on all skin tones and works for every type of wedding. |
| Advantages | White provides a blank canvas for floral artistry, jewellery, makeup, hairstyles, etc. |
| Disadvantages | White dresses may be more expensive due to bridal upcharges. |
| Opinions | Some people think it's controversial, while others think it's acceptable if the bride approves. |
What You'll Learn
White bridesmaids' dresses are a chic trend
White bridesmaid dresses are a chic and elegant trend that has been spotted in many weddings, from royal nuptials to celebrity celebrations. This style choice is a bold statement that showcases a bride's unique sense of fashion and willingness to embrace new ideas. While it may be considered controversial by some, it is undoubtedly a striking and memorable choice.
The tradition of bridesmaids wearing white has its roots in history, dating back to the times of Queen Victoria, when it was believed that dressing in white would confuse and deter evil spirits, thus protecting the bride. This practice, though superstitious, has left an enduring mark on wedding fashion, with white being a symbol of purity, innocence, and goodness.
In recent years, this trend has been embraced by celebrities and trendsetting brides who want their weddings to stand out. White is a versatile colour that flatters all skin tones and can be dressed up or down to suit any wedding theme, from a boho beach celebration to a glamorous fairytale event. It provides a blank canvas for creative floral arrangements and accessories, allowing the personality of each bridesmaid to shine through.
To ensure the bride stands out, it is essential to choose dresses with different details from the bridal gown. This can be achieved by varying dress lengths, textures, necklines, sleeve lengths, and embellishments. For example, pairing a bride's long gown with shorter, midi, or mini dresses for the bridesmaids, or choosing contrasting fabrics such as lace or satin.
Ultimately, the decision to have bridesmaids wear white is a personal one, and there are many ways to make it work stylishly and elegantly. It is a trend that is sure to turn heads and leave a lasting impression on the wedding day.
Matching Robes for Mom and Bridesmaids: Good Idea?
You may want to see also
White is versatile and universally flattering
White is a flattering and versatile colour for bridesmaids. It is a universal colour that suits all skin tones, from fair to dark, and can be styled to suit any wedding theme, from boho beach weddings to rustic celebrations in the woods, or even a glam fairytale wedding in a castle.
The versatility of white is further demonstrated by its ability to complement any bridal gown, whether the bride chooses to wear the traditional white or opt for a non-traditional colour like blush pink, light grey, blue, or black. White bridesmaid dresses can be styled with different textures, silhouettes, shapes, and details to ensure the bride stands out. For instance, the bride can opt for a long gown, while her bridesmaids wear short, mini, or midi dresses. Alternatively, the bride can choose a different fabric, such as satin or tulle, and select a more casual fabric like chiffon or jersey for her bridesmaids.
White is also a blank canvas for floral arrangements and accessories. Bouquets with greenery or colourful flowers will stand out against white dresses, and the versatility of the colour means that any type of jewellery, hairstyle, or makeup will complement the overall look.
White is a timeless and elegant choice for bridesmaids, as demonstrated by its popularity in royal weddings and among celebrities. It is a colour that is universally flattering and versatile, working for any type of wedding and providing a stylish and modern look.
Bridesmaid Gifts: Necessary Tokens of Appreciation or Not?
You may want to see also
The bride can still stand out in photos
While some people worry that the bride won't stand out in photos if the bridesmaids wear white, there are many ways to ensure that this isn't the case. Firstly, it's important to remember that the bride will likely stand out regardless, as it will be obvious who the bride is. However, there are several ways to distinguish the bride from the bridesmaids.
One way to do this is to choose different dress lengths. For example, if the wedding is at the beach, the bridesmaids could wear mini or midi dresses, while the bride wears a full-length gown. If the wedding has a vintage theme, the bride could wear a gown with a train, and the bridesmaids could wear high-low hemlines.
Another way to create a distinction is to choose different fabrics or textures. For instance, if the bride's gown is made from satin or tulle, the bridesmaids could wear a more casual fabric like chiffon or jersey.
Selecting dresses with different details is another option. Paying attention to necklines, sleeve lengths, and back details can help the bride stand out. For example, if the bride wears a strapless gown, the bridesmaids could wear halter necklines or V-necks.
Additionally, the bride can choose a different colour from her bridesmaids. In recent years, some brides have opted to wear a non-traditional colour like blush pink, light grey, blue, or black, while their bridesmaids wear white.
Ultimately, it's the bride's day, and she should feel free to make choices that reflect her personal style and vision for the wedding.
May Queen Bridesmaids Dresses: Style and Color Ideas
You may want to see also
White dresses provide a blank canvas for accessories
White dresses for bridesmaids are a growing trend, and it's easy to see why. White dresses provide a blank canvas for accessories, allowing the bride to showcase her sense of style and make a bold statement. From jewellery to bouquets, everything stands out against a crisp white palette.
If you're worried about your bridesmaids stealing the show, there are clever ways to ensure your bridal gown stands out. Opting for different dress lengths is a simple way to distinguish the bride from the bridesmaids. For example, pairing mini or midi dresses with a full-length gown and train will ensure the bride shines. Alternatively, choosing a different fabric, such as satin or tulle for the bridal gown and chiffon or jersey for the bridesmaids, will create a subtle contrast.
Another way to make your bridal gown pop is to play with different textures and details. A difference in fabric, embellishments, or metallic detailing will ensure the bride's dress is unique. You can also experiment with necklines, sleeve lengths, and back details. A strapless wedding gown paired with halter necklines or high necks for the bridesmaids will create a stylish contrast.
White dresses are a versatile choice, complementing every type of wedding theme, from a laid-back boho celebration to a glamorous black-tie event. They are also universally flattering, suiting all skin tones and providing a polished look for your bridal party.
So, if you're considering white dresses for your bridesmaids, go for it! It's a modern and trendy choice that will make your wedding party look stunning. With the right accessories and attention to detail, your bridal gown will stand out, and your bridesmaids will look elegant and chic.
Who Should Attend the Rehearsal Dinner?
You may want to see also
It's a royal tradition
Although it may be considered impolite for wedding guests to wear white, this tradition is often ignored by the royals. In fact, it is a common sight to see royal bridesmaids dressed in white, from Princess Diana's bridesmaids to Princess Kate's sister, Pippa Middleton. This tradition dates back to the belief that white deterred evil spirits. By dressing her bridesmaids in white, a bride could confuse these spirits and disguise herself safely within the bridal party.
This tradition is also influenced by Queen Victoria, whose wedding to Prince Albert sparked the trend of the white wedding dress. After the ceremony, Queen Victoria wrote in her journal:
> "I wore a white satin gown with a very deep flounce of Honiton lace, imitation of old. I wore my Turkish diamond necklace and earrings, and Albert’s beautiful sapphire brooch."
The white wedding dress is seen as a symbol of purity, cleanliness, virginity, innocence, and goodness. Centuries ago, it was also a symbol of status, as only the wealthiest women could afford to wear white due to the risk of staining it.
Today, the tradition of royal bridesmaids wearing white continues, with celebrities such as Kate Middleton, NeNe Leakes, and Kim Kardashian also embracing this trend. It is a stylish choice that adds a sense of lightness and elegance to the wedding party. When it comes to pulling off this look, it is essential to choose dresses with different details, textures, and lengths to distinguish the bride from her bridesmaids.
Bouquets for Bridesmaids: Are They Necessary?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, it is not true that only the bride should wear white. In recent years, it has become trendy for bridesmaids to wear white, with celebrities like Kate Middleton, NeNe Leakes, and Kim Kardashian doing it.
Throughout history, royal bridesmaids have always been dressed in white. It is believed that this is due to the historical belief that white deterred evil spirits. The tradition of dressing bridesmaids in white comes from the idea that a bride would dress her bridesmaids in white to confuse and distract demons from possessing her.
There are several ways to distinguish the bride from the bridesmaids if they are all wearing white. One way is to have the bride wear a long gown, while the bridesmaids wear shorter dresses. Another way is to choose different fabrics, such as lace for the bride and satin for the bridesmaids. Additionally, choosing different textures, silhouettes, shapes, and details, such as necklines, sleeve lengths, and back details, can help set the bride apart.
White is a universal colour that can be found in various shades and is flattering on all skin tones. It provides a blank canvas for floral arrangements and other accessories. It also works for any type of wedding, from a boho beach wedding to a glam fairytale celebration.
Some examples of white bridesmaid dresses include one-shoulder ruffles, midi-length polka dots, short one-shoulder styles, silky smooth silk gowns with flared sleeves and thigh-high slits, boho-style flutter-sleeve gowns, and off-the-shoulder dresses.
